Interview with Doug Simpson
Photos by Golden Mountain Guides

If you think rock climbing is reserved for young, ultrafit daredevils, think again. Sure, challenging bouldering climbs exist, but so do safely guided courses for less active adults.

Doug Simpson of Colorado-based Golden Mountain Guides discusses why rock climbing is an excellent way to exercise and the “transformative power” it can have on people of all ages.

What does Golden Mountain Guides do?
Our company is a mountain guide service based out of Golden, Colorado. We’ve been operating since 2016 with the goal of fostering conservation, outdoor education, and environmental stewardship by creating mountain adventures that inspire. Our clients range from first-time climbers to experienced pros looking to develop their skills. Whatever their experience, our American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA)-certified guides and instructors can help them reach their goals.

In which regions or parks do you lead climbs?
We’re based in the Front Range, a wide span of the Rocky Mountains that extends from southern Wyoming through Colorado and includes Eldorado Canyon State Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder Canyon, and the Boulder Flatirons. We also offer summit climbs in Moab, Utah, and at Devils Tower National Monument, giving you the opportunity to reach the top of remarkable land formations inaccessible by roads or trails. In wintertime, we love to guide ice climbs on frozen formations at Lincoln Falls near Hoosier Pass.

Do you suggest that climbers always start off working with an expert’s guidance?
Absolutely. If you are new to the sport, we recommend seeking guidance from a mentor or AMGA-certified guiding service like ours. Climbing is inherently dangerous, and you need to develop technical skills to manage your risk and make good decisions, which an expert can help with. But once you feel confident, you can eventually go out climbing with your friends. This sport is all about community and supporting one another.

What kind of gear do you need for a climb?
The basic equipment for climbing includes a harness, a helmet, rock climbing shoes, and a rope. You may also need protective equipment like quickdraws, which help secure you to the bolts—the permanent anchors in the rock face—as you climb. A traditional route with no bolted protection requires the use of cams and nuts, which are placed in natural cracks and constrictions as the leader climbs. I also recommend that you wear sturdy shoes and a backpack for the approach and descent.

Do rock climbing guide services typically provide this equipment?
We can provide any gear you may need, but you can also bring your own. In wintertime, we also provide mountaineering boots, ice tools, and crampons: spiked metal frames that attach to mountaineering boots to help provide traction on ice.

Is rock climbing good exercise?
Climbing requires strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility, making it a full-body exercise. In fact, sometimes just hiking with your heavy equipment bag to the base of a formation is a workout in itself. When a guide helps you correctly monitor the training load—the amount of effort you have to put into your exercise—rock climbing is a sustainable, low-impact sport that anyone can find joy in. Plus, many different variations require different physical skills and movement techniques, so all kinds of people can challenge themselves in unique ways without compromising their needs.

What would you say to someone who is nervous about trying rock climbing?
I would say, “Good—that means you are human.” We are genetically programmed to recognize and be averse to risk, but that is also what makes it exciting. Conquering that feeling is empowering, and a trained guide can help you through the process, working at your pace to ensure that you have a satisfying and memorable experience. The more knowledge and experience you have, the more comfortable you will feel.

Why do you enjoy rock climbing?
Climbing is an inspiring and transformative journey with the power to teach lifelong lessons. It’s extremely rewarding—combining technical skills, physical ability, and problem-solving. And overcoming challenges, whether physical or mental, becomes addicting. Plus, who doesn’t love some epic mountain scenery and peaceful solitude?

Where are some of your favorite places to rock climb?
One of my favorite sites is Eldorado Canyon, which is between Denver and Boulder. I love the park’s challenging terrain, epic views, and rich history. It’s the perfect place to try advanced sessions like scenic multipitch climbing, but it has a little bit of something for everyone. The steep walls shine with colorful lichen, giving the canyon a mystical feeling that’s incomparable.

For more info, visit goldenmountainguides.com