Ryan Pedersen’s experiences as an outdoor educator and youth climbing coach have given him a fresh and unique approach to guiding, which is ideal for climbers transitioning to the outdoors or those who are looking to advance their existing climbing skills. Ryan was born in Massachusetts, where he grew up tromping around New England’s dense forests and rivers. As he got a little older, this naturally progressed into learning to climb in the mountains. Following his desire to pursue a career in the outdoors, he studied Outdoor Education and Psychology at Johnson State College in northern Vermont. He began his formal mountain guide training with the American Mountain Guides Association in 2011 and began guiding single pitch rock climbing. In 2012 Ryan moved to Boulder, Colorado where he has worked as a climbing guide and youth team climbing coach.

Ryan has climbed extensively all over the United States in places such as Yosemite Valley,  the Colorado Rockies, the North Cascades, the desert sandstone in Utah, and all over the Northeast. He has also been fortunate enough to travel abroad to experience new places and cultures that offer a variety of climbing opportunities. Most recently, Ryan traveled to climb in the Peruvian Andes, the jungles of Cambodia, and the tall granite walls in Canada. When Ryan is not climbing for work or pleasure, he loves growing veggies in his garden and hanging out with his awesome border collie Lula!

Ryan is a Wilderness First Responder, an AMGA Rock Guide, an Apprentice Alpine Guide, a USA Climbing Coach, and a NOLS graduate.

“I really believe that people from all different backgrounds can have life-changing experiences in the mountains and that the shared adventures between partners create a unique bond. I’m very excited to share my passion and experiences with others who are searching for change in their lives or simply wishing to learn and progress as a climber.”

Testimonials

“One of the Greatest Experiences I Have Had in Years”

David Fourqurean climbs the Second Flatiron with Colorado Mountain School Guide, Ryan Pedersen.

Earlier this week I made a wonderful climb with my guide from Colorado Mountain School, Ryan Pedersen. I am from Florida, age 67, and it was not only my first climb up the Second Flatiron, it was my first climb up any mountain ever. So I freely admitted that I was an “absolute beginner” and yet he never made me feel stupid. On the contrary he made me feel safe, especially by keeping that rope taught. And yet he also knew how to give me slack when I had to backtrack, once I realized I chose a wrong path with fewer holds. I believe it is rare to see real excellence and real humility combined in one person. And by “humility” I mean that Ryan never told me (before I asked at the end) about his many ascents up mountains all over the world (four up El Cap!) and he also never told me that he would be my personal photographer who could take great pictures of my first ascent. Climbing with Ryan was one of the greatest experiences I have had in years: the rock itself was beyond our puny human scale, and seeing a hawk soaring right there at eye-level was amazing. Also, that panoramic view from the top was well worth sore legs. And I finally realized about half way up that I could climb all the way to the top (only with his help of course). And since I am nearing 70, that meant the world to me. Ryan also advised me on equipment to buy for future climbs, and how to get better at climbing. I sure respect the staff you hired at CMS, and just know that I can’t wait to climb with Ryan again.

- David Fourqurean

“Fabulous Leaders, Teachers, and Mentors to Our Son”

- Rhonda Davie

Stay Connected

Enjoy free tips and tricks from professional mountain guides, special offers and updates, and much more.

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.