Why Choose The Mountain Guides?

Five Decades of Mountain Expertise

The Mountain Guides (formerly Jackson Hole Mountain Guides) is the second-oldest guide service in the United States, founded in 1968 at the base of the Grand Teton. Over five decades of continuous operation means we’ve refined our safety systems, client processes, and guide training to the highest standard in the industry. We’re not a startup or a side hustle — we’re a professional mountain guiding company with a long track record.

AMGA-Accredited at the Organizational Level

The Mountain Guides is accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) — not just individual guides, but the business itself. AMGA organizational accreditation means our operations, risk management, hiring practices, and guide training all meet the highest professional standard recognized in the United States. Our guides hold AMGA certifications in rock, alpine, and ski guiding, earned through years of training and rigorous third-party examination.

Authorized by the National Park Service

We are an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service in Grand Teton National Park. NPS concessioner status requires annual review of our operations, finances, insurance, safety record, hiring practices, and customer satisfaction. This isn’t a rubber stamp — it’s rigorous, ongoing oversight. We apply the same operational standard to every location we operate in, from RMNP to Red Rock to Moab.

 Professional Guides, Not Subcontractors

Every guide on our team is a W-2 employee with full benefits — not a seasonal subcontractor. All certified guides maintain at minimum a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) medical certification. Many hold higher credentials including Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) and EMT. We invest in our guides because your safety depends on their training, judgment, and commitment.

The Right Fit

We keep group sizes small, provide all technical gear, and customize every program to your goals. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, we’re probably not your best fit. But if you want a professional, experienced team with the credentials to back it up and a genuine commitment to making your mountain experience exceptional, you’re in the right place. Call us at 307-733-4979.