A Letter From the Office May 2023
May 15, 2023 | Posted in: JHMG
Joel Enrico takes over as Jackson Branch Manager
Joel Enrico by Colin Wann
A Maine native, Joel started climbing just after high school. Some of his favorite areas include the Tetons, Wind Rivers, Red Rock, and Zion. After guiding since 2009 he now spends most of his working time in the Jackson office. He previously managed our Desert programs. When not in the office he can be found in the mountains or at the local crags. In his current role he enjoys working behind the scenes helping some of his favorite trips run smoothly and learning more about developing a guiding service. Joel is a certified AMGA Rock Guide, SPI, WFR, Leave No Trace Trainer, and has completed a Professional Level One Avalanche Course. He looks forward to getting a height adjustable desk and does his best work with dual monitors.
Gary Newmeyer, Desert Branches Manager
Gary Newmeyer
Gary Newmeyer now manages our desert branches: Moab and Red Rock. Gary made his first trip to Red Rock in the fall of 2014 and i
mmediately fell in love with the wonderful nature of the towering sandstone walls. The biannual Red Rock climbing trips got longer and longer every year – 3 weeks, 5 weeks, 8 weeks. In the fall of 2017 he made the move to Vegas and started work with The Mountain Guides. Since then, he’s built up a large tick-list of notable guided ascents in Red Rock including (40+!) ascents of Solar Slab, Levitation 29, Cloud Tower, and the OG Route on the Rainbow Wall. Last year, he climbed more than 1,000 pitches in Red Rock! His favorite route to guide in RR: Frogland. His personal favorite RR route: Risky Business. We have a phenomenal team of guides in the Red Rock and Moab. Let Gary make your climbing goals a reality.
Owner Phil Powers is back on staff as company President
Phil by Mei Ratz
With Jason Dittmer moving on to other adventures, Phil has stepped back in to manage The Mountain Guides overall. He has led dozens of expeditions to South America, Alaska and Pakistan’s Karakoram Range, including ascents of K2 and Gasherbrum II. He made the first ascent of the Washburn Face on Denali, the first ascent of Lukpilla Brakk’s Western Edge in Pakistan, and the first winter traverse of the Tetons’ Cathedral Peaks.
He served as the CEO of the American Alpine Club from 2005 to 2020 and has been an owner at The Mountain Guides since 1998. Phil is a certified Rock Guide.
An active skier and climber, he and his wife split their time between a home in Vermont and their Yurt in Kelly, Wyoming.
