Nate Emerson

Location Aspen, CO

Role Guide

Years Guiding 20

About Nate Emerson

Nate has been guiding for JHMG since 2004. He is based out of Boulder, CO, guiding in numerous locales over the course of the year: mainly the Tetons, Boulder, Aspen, Alaska, and Vegas. An AMGA Rock Guide, Nate has guided full-time in Red Rocks and the Tetons, and has worked in many other western US rock and alpine venues in addition to Denali and Aconcagua. In the winter he works as a Diamond Ski Pro and resort trainer at Aspen Highlands. He has a B.S. in Kinesiology along with a C.S.C.S. credential. Combining this academic background with a senior guide’s knowledge gives him a unique perspective on athletic performance in the mountains. Testing his training programs, he’s climbed 5.13, won a 100 mile ultramarathon, and had countless alpine, rock, and ski adventures. He finds the greatest reward in empowering his guests through knowledge and positive experiences. His goal with his guests is to transform an intimidating mountain challenge and turn it into a refined, streamlined adventure. Most of his best days in the outdoors are spent with his young son Blake, heading out fishing, skiing, and climbing.

Certifications:

  • - AMGA Rock Guide
  • - WFR

Testimonials

  • Nate and Noah were top notch, professional and safety first. I would use them both again, great guys, knowledgeable and prepared.

    — Doug Chinn
  • We love JHMG! We try and go once a year to climb with them and it is always a highlight of our year! It’s relaxing, fun, challenging and exciting! Thanks for a great trip!

    — Rachel Soeken
  • Nate combined safety and teaching into an awesome adventure.  His explanation of the equipment and how it is used, made the climb more interesting and his encouragement made the experience lots of fun.  My son and I had a truly great day!

    — Alison Lee
  • Great trip. Nate Opp was great to work with. I always felt safe, given the environment. He was very attentive and supportive. All the guides we met were great. Highly recommend JHMG!!! Good camp setup.

    — Bruce Murphy
  • I had a really great trip on the Grand with Nate Opp, who was able to make the climb feel challenging, yet obtainable, the entire time.  The entire experience, from the trip up, to the stay at Corbett High Camp, to the climb itself, was first rate.  I can’t wait to come back and climb in the Tetons with JHMG again!

    — Dan Mulvihill
  • I just climbed the Grand Teton with three amazing guides from JHMG. Nate, Paul and Jacob have years of experience mountaineering, and their professionalism and ability is second to none. I would climb with any of them again, without hesitation.

    — Wm. Craig Penglase
  • I thought all three of our guides, Nate, Paul and Jacob were extremely professional, very patient and took the time to get to know us.  They were informative on the actual climb and expectations.  I enjoyed the experience and would feel comfortable recommending and choosing JHMG again.  I also wanted to give a shout-out to Mark and Patrick in the office who helped to coordinate everything on the front-end for me.  They did an awesome job!!

    — Michele Smith
  • JHMG provides a total package experience for all level of adventures. I highly recommend them for an awesome and safe vacation.

    — Pablo Lima
  • My two sons had an awesome experience learning more about climbing, the associated terms and interacting with their guide Nate.  They had great stories to tell about the day, and are looking forward to summiting the Grand Teton one day.

  • Totally positive experience climbing the Grand Teton that exceeded my expectations. Guides Nate, Jed and Noah were professional, knowledgeable, with great senses of humor, and I felt totally safe and encouraged to push my limits of climbing to gain confidence and still have fun.  Also to meet Rob Hess and share conversation at high camp was very memorable. The trip was well organized and executed with care and precision. The equipment and accommodations were premier…very comfortable and well laid out. The food was good and satisfying. JHMG made this trip the best climbing experience of my life. Well done JHMG!

    — Ed Erikson
Request this guide

Request a Guide

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

Contact Us

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