Our Guides

Carl Dec

Owner | Guide

Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.

Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, WFR, AIARE Pro 1

Jason Thiemann

Manager | Co-owner

Born and raised in Nebraska, Jason moved to Moab in 2005 after graduating college. Since then he’s spent much of his time exploring the deserts and mountains of the West. He’s climbed over 600 mountains and scrambled through countless canyons, from Death Valley to the high peaks of Colorado and California. He spends his winters chasing the sun and avoiding cold and snow, usually in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.

Certifications: History nerd, political junkie, literature snob

Charbo

Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.

Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Adam Morrisett

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Adam has been part of the Red River Adventures crew since April 2010. Right from the start, Adam showed the initiative it takes to be a great guide and trip leader by hiring and adding himself to our roster of guides.

A canyoneer and river junkie, addicted to good music and great friends, we are lucky he hired himself. In the winter, his days are spent riding Wasatch Powder, with nights in the cab of a groomer building features at Brighton.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Brian Johnson

Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.

Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Dan Lundgren

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Originally from Sandy, Dan grew up skiing, sailing, and climbing across the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains of Utah. In 2013, he moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he was able to pursue his passion for the outdoors while completing his degree in Natural Resource Conservation at the University of British Columbia.

Dan has navigated through the Lofoten Islands of Norway by sailboat while skiing and climbing throughout the fjords of the Arctic along the way. He has also explored the interior and coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia by ski and has eaten 50 chicken wings in one sitting.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Kenzie Knippers

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Mary Eden

Guide: Climbing | Indian Creek Crack Camps | Owner, Big Beauty Pitches Productions

Mary Catherine Eden, a Kentucky transplant, moved to Moab and fell in love with the rocks, canyons, and desert life. Originally an endurance horse trainer, she turned into a rock climbing fanatic! Mary is currently an AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice training for her Advanced Rock Guide course. Her favorite kind of climbing involves long days with scenic summits, unique Indian Creek splitters, and crazy wide cracks. If she isn’t in a canyon or climbing a route then you’ll most likely find her delving into climbing photography. After volunteering for the National Park Service for six months, Mary discovered her love of guided walks and entered the guiding industry. She is stoked and excited for every new season!

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Noah McKelvin

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.

Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR

Brendan Moore

Guide: Rafting

Brendan was born and raised in Moab, where naturally his passion for all things outdoors was cultivated. Apart from whitewater rafting, some of his favorite hobbies include climbing, skiing, and hiking. As a certified science nerd, Brendan is eager to rattle off facts about Moab’s ecology, geology, and cultural history.

Brendan’s passion for rafting began as a young fellow on the Daily stretch of the Colorado River in Moab. During the winter, Brendan spends his time at the University of Utah, working on a degree in Meteorology.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Jonas Jacobs

Guide: Rafting

Meet Jonas, a born-and-raised Seattleite who ended up in Moab for the same reason as our visitors: it’s awesome! An avid enjoyer of new experiences and all things outdoors, he spends most of his free time rafting, hiking, and climbing. Always ready for a conversation, he loves learning new things about people and places.

Jonas spends the majority of his time on the river, but during the off-season, he plans to return to school at the University of Utah, studying Computer Science.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

June Rust

Guide: Rafting

June was born in Talkeetna, Alaska, and transplanted to Salt Lake City as a nursing student. Her biggest love is alpine climbing, and she grew up on the confluence of three rivers.

She’s loved her time on the Colorado River, and while drawn to the sandstone climbing of the Southwest, she’s always down to get rowdy on the waves anytime.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR, Certified Nursing Assistant, NOLS Rock Climbing Graduate

Kira Langell

Guide: Rafting

Born and raised in San Jose, CA, Kira spent her time running wild in the expansive redwood forests and catching waves on the Santa Cruz coastline. Kira migrated to Utah five years ago and has since spent every free moment skiing, hiking, climbing, and rafting. Perpetually in pursuit of adventure, Kira is looking forward to spending her days exploring the Moab desert.

Kira has an affinity for ecology and evolution, and knows just about everything about Moab’s desert biome. If there’s anything Kira is good for, it’s strange and obscure animal facts.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Leaky Pell

Guide: Rafting

Born and raised in Fresno, CA (the best little city in the U.S.A.), Leaky spent most of his childhood throwing rocks at passing tomato trucks and unicycling. He has called Utah his home for 4 years, dissenting from the corporate world to focus on his passion for outdoor recreation.

Leaky spends most days on the river but is focused on now becoming a master of all things outside. Get out here and come explore the river with Leaky!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Mackenzie Sweeney

Guide: Rafting

Mackenzie was born in the Poconos in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and has spent the last five years in Denver. Growing up in the mountains, she was drawn to the outdoors at an early age. She spends most of her time at skateparks on her roller skates and loves running, backpacking, snowboarding and being on the water.

She eats a bowl of ice cream a day and can proudly do four pull ups. She is thrilled to get to know Moab as a local.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Makayla Hunick

Guide: Rafting

Makayla was born in American Fork, Utah. She has spent many years traveling overseas and across the United States. With much curiosity and excitement for the outdoors, she continues to explore the world. A lot of her free time is spent snowboarding, hiking, camping, climbing or anything water-based.

She’s in for any outdoor adventure, taking photographs any chance she gets. Adventure is in her blood and passion for nature is in her soul.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Molly Older

Guide: Rafting

Hailing from beautiful upstate New York, Molly landed in Moab to chase the desert sun. A lover of candy and crazy ideas, you can find her doing almost anything as long as it’s outdoors. She enjoys new experiences and learning as much as she can!

Her biggest goals are to one day land a kickflip and to laugh as much as possible. She is always stoked to get on the river and lives to share her passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Ryan Clarke

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Ryan grew up in southeast Idaho and spent his summers playing in the Tetons. He now attends Utah Valley University, where he is studying Outdoor Recreation. His hobbies include rock climbing, rafting, skiing and generally being out under the sun.

Ryan has a natural affinity for story-telling and thinking up jokes so ridiculous they’ll make anyone’s eyes roll.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Carl Dec

Owner | Guide

Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.

Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, WFR, AAIRE Pro 1

Charbo

Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.

Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Adam Morrisett

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Adam has been part of the Red River Adventures crew since April 2010. Right from the start, Adam showed the initiative it takes to be a great guide and trip leader by hiring and adding himself to our roster of guides.

A canyoneer and river junkie, addicted to good music and great friends, we are lucky he hired himself. In the winter, his days are spent riding Wasatch Powder, with nights in the cab of a groomer building features at Brighton.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Brian Johnson

Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.

Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Dan Lundgren

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Originally from Sandy, Dan grew up skiing, sailing, and climbing across the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains of Utah. In 2013, he moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he was able to pursue his passion for the outdoors while completing his degree in Natural Resource Conservation at the University of British Columbia.

Dan has navigated through the Lofoten Islands of Norway by sailboat while skiing and climbing throughout the fjords of the Arctic along the way. He has also explored the interior and coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia by ski and has eaten 50 chicken wings in one sitting.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Kenzie Knippers

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Mary Eden

Guide: Climbing | Indian Creek Crack Camps | Owner, Big Beauty Pitches Productions

Mary Catherine Eden, a Kentucky transplant, moved to Moab and fell in love with the rocks, canyons, and desert life. Originally an endurance horse trainer, she turned into a rock climbing fanatic! Mary is currently an AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice training for her Advanced Rock Guide course. Her favorite kind of climbing involves long days with scenic summits, unique Indian Creek splitters, and crazy wide cracks. If she isn’t in a canyon or climbing a route then you’ll most likely find her delving into climbing photography. After volunteering for the National Park Service for six months, Mary discovered her love of guided walks and entered the guiding industry. She is stoked and excited for every new season!

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Noah McKelvin

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.

Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR

Ryan Clarke

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Ryan grew up in southeast Idaho and spent his summers playing in the Tetons. He now attends Utah Valley University, where he is studying Outdoor Recreation. His hobbies include rock climbing, rafting, skiing and generally being out under the sun.

Ryan has a natural affinity for story-telling and thinking up jokes so ridiculous they’ll make anyone’s eyes roll.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

John Lemnotis

Guide: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Split Board, Ski

John began his life in the outdoors on the East Coast, learning to ski and snowboard on a small hometown hill, and eventually ditching class whenever possible to escape to the grey bird slopes of Vermont’s resorts. Despite the call of the mountains, John finished college with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and moved to Utah for the beautiful mountains and unrivaled snow quality. By 2015, John realized that Pharmacy wasn’t for him, and he began pursuing a full AMGA certification. In August 2022 John passed his last exam and became the 179th American to gain IFMGA certification.

Certifications: IFMGA Mountain Guide, Pharm.D., Wilderness First Responder

John Kear

Guide and Instructor: AMGA SPI courses and exams
Owner, Suntoucher Mountain Guides | IFMGA Mountain Guide 

John is a full-time mountain guide and AMGA Instructor pool member. John’s climbing, skiing and guiding encompasses nearly three decades of experience. After many years of professional guiding throughout North and South America as well as Europe, he set out on a new path: graduate school. John received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015 and currently practices in Taos, New Mexico. He continues to share his experience, knowledge, and mastery of the mountains, both as an instructor team-member for the American Mountain Guides Association, and as the owner and head guide for Suntoucher Mountain Guides.

Certifications: IFMGA, Wilderness First Responder

Carl Dec

Owner | Guide

Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.

Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, WFR, AAIRE Pro 1

Charbo

Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.

Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Adam Morrisett

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Adam has been part of the Red River Adventures crew since April 2010. Right from the start, Adam showed the initiative it takes to be a great guide and trip leader by hiring and adding himself to our roster of guides.

A canyoneer and river junkie, addicted to good music and great friends, we are lucky he hired himself. In the winter, his days are spent riding Wasatch Powder, with nights in the cab of a groomer building features at Brighton.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Brian Johnson

Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.

Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Dan Lundgren

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Originally from Sandy, Dan grew up skiing, sailing, and climbing across the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains of Utah. In 2013, he moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he was able to pursue his passion for the outdoors while completing his degree in Natural Resource Conservation at the University of British Columbia.

Dan has navigated through the Lofoten Islands of Norway by sailboat while skiing and climbing throughout the fjords of the Arctic along the way. He has also explored the interior and coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia by ski and has eaten 50 chicken wings in one sitting.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Kenzie Knippers

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Mary Eden

Guide: Climbing | Indian Creek Crack Camps | Owner, Big Beauty Pitches Productions

Mary Catherine Eden, a Kentucky transplant, moved to Moab and fell in love with the rocks, canyons, and desert life. Originally an endurance horse trainer, she turned into a rock climbing fanatic! Mary is currently an AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice training for her Advanced Rock Guide course. Her favorite kind of climbing involves long days with scenic summits, unique Indian Creek splitters, and crazy wide cracks. If she isn’t in a canyon or climbing a route then you’ll most likely find her delving into climbing photography. After volunteering for the National Park Service for six months, Mary discovered her love of guided walks and entered the guiding industry. She is stoked and excited for every new season!

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Noah McKelvin

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.

Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR

Ryan Clarke

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Ryan grew up in southeast Idaho and spent his summers playing in the Tetons. He now attends Utah Valley University, where he is studying Outdoor Recreation. His hobbies include rock climbing, rafting, skiing and generally being out under the sun.

Ryan has a natural affinity for story-telling and thinking up jokes so ridiculous they’ll make anyone’s eyes roll.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Carl Dec

Owner | Guide

Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.

Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, WFR, AAIRE Pro 1

John Lemnotis

Guide: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Split Board, Ski

John began his life in the outdoors on the East Coast, learning to ski and snowboard on a small hometown hill, and eventually ditching class whenever possible to escape to the grey bird slopes of Vermont’s resorts. Despite the call of the mountains, John finished college with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and moved to Utah for the beautiful mountains and unrivaled snow quality. By 2015, John realized that Pharmacy wasn’t for him, and he began pursuing a full AMGA certification. In August 2022 John passed his last exam and became the 179th American to gain IFMGA certification.

Certifications: IFMGA Mountain Guide, Pharm.D., Wilderness First Responder

Carl Dec

Owner | Guide

Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.

Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, WFR, AAIRE Pro 1

John Lemnotis

Guide: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Split Board, Ski

John began his life in the outdoors on the East Coast, learning to ski and snowboard on a small hometown hill, and eventually ditching class whenever possible to escape to the grey bird slopes of Vermont’s resorts. Despite the call of the mountains, John finished college with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and moved to Utah for the beautiful mountains and unrivaled snow quality. By 2015, John realized that Pharmacy wasn’t for him, and he began pursuing a full AMGA certification. In August 2022 John passed his last exam and became the 179th American to gain IFMGA certification.

Certifications: IFMGA Mountain Guide, Pharm.D., Wilderness First Responder

John Kear

Guide and Instructor: AMGA SPI courses and exams
Owner, Suntoucher Mountain Guides | IFMGA Mountain Guide 

John is a full-time mountain guide and AMGA Instructor pool member. John’s climbing, skiing and guiding encompasses nearly three decades of experience. After many years of professional guiding throughout North and South America as well as Europe, he set out on a new path: graduate school. John received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015 and currently practices in Taos, New Mexico. He continues to share his experience, knowledge, and mastery of the mountains, both as an instructor team member for the American Mountain Guides Association and as the owner and head guide for Suntoucher Mountain Guides.

Certifications: IFMGA, Wilderness First Responder