Experience nature
from a new angle

OUR FOCUS IS ON PROVIDING THE BEST EXPERIENCE FOR OUR GUESTS

This means tailor-making each experience to fit your goals, from the total beginner looking for their first time on real rock to the long-time legend interested in maximizing efficiency on a big multi-pitch day.

Explore Our Private Bookings →

SAFETY IS WHAT DEFINES US

We hold to the American Mountain Guides Association standards for terrain-specific training and certification and are fully insured. With a low guest-to-guide ratio, we can provide you with the full attention you deserve on your private outing.

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SINGLE-PITCH

→ For beginner or advanced climbers
→ No experience necessary
→ Up to 6 participants
→ Full or half day

Learn More

MULTI-PITCH

→ Outdoor climbing experience is a prerequisite
→ Up to 2 participants
→ Full day

Learn More

INSTRUCTION

→ Lessons tailored to your goals
→ Up to 6 participants
→ Full or half day

Learn More

      
   Guillard Climbing
   47 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Joe Schaefer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pete was exceptional.  Not only did he suggest the best place to climb based on the time of year and conditions, but he was ultra safe and methodical in his safety. He explained every step of how and why he was setting up the rope systems and curated a climbing day perfectly suited to my ability. I had one of the most thrilling days of my life and can’t wait to climb again with Pete. Do yourself a favor and hire Pete, have a blast, and tell your friends. 5 stars.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bobby Starke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been climbing for 30 years and was a professional Climber long time ago. Wanted to hire a guide to explore this new area with friends. Pete Was awesome. Very safe. We changed our location the day before the trip because it was really warm down in the valley. Even though it was July, we climbed at another cliff he recommended at elevation and it was 60 to 70° all day and in the shade. He chose a great selection of routes for what we were looking for. Very down to earth and fun. We will be back.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   bryan morris 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pete Guillard spent half a day guiding for my 5 kids:  12-21.   He is a patient and encouraging teacher, extremely knowledgeable, and prioritizes safety.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lori B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is my second time climbing with Pete, and won’t be my last!  He has great knowledge of the area, is on time and will get you climbing routes well suited to your abilities. He’s great at coaching you thru moves or giving a little belay boost to get you past the crux of the route. We had our own gear, but he has plenty to lend and it’s in good condition.  I would recommend him to friends and look forward to climbing with him again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chad Daniels 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pete's the best! He was already booked on my only available day. So he rearranged his schedule to accommodate mine. I have been climbing for many years but the day of the session I wasn't feeling great. So Pete carried the heavier equipment on the hardest part of the approach so I could save my energy for climbing the wall itself. The weather was so cold we could barely feel our fingertips but we powered through. He took me on an easy route first to judge my strength and expertise, then increased the difficulty until the end of the day. I felt safe with his trad leading, protection placement, anchoring, and belaying techniques. We got along so great that the day was over too soon. I hope to see him again and would use his guide service again in a heartbeat. Thanks Pete!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jeffrey Harvey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I climbed with Petey before he started his own guide service, he is an awesome guide/guy to climb with and is super patient if you are a beginner or if you are learning.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christopher Wiener 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an amazing time climbing with Pete! I had been looking to get out and explore, and this was the perfect way to do it. The weather was perfect, and he picked out a great mix of routes that made the whole day both fun and challenging. He’s extremely friendly and very easy to talk to, which made the experience even better. Pete is a strong climber and incredibly knowledgeable. He was also very responsive and easy to coordinate with ahead of the trip. I had such a great time that I plan on booking more days with him to continue getting out, exploring, and learning more about what North Carolina has to offer. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Travis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an awesome time climbing with Pete! This was our first time climbing outdoors, but we have experience climbing indoors. Pete was able to recommend a few places nearby based on our climbing level and it did not disappoint. If you're not sure what is best for you, reach out before booking and he's very helpful. We did a full day single pitch climb, and the routes were so fun. The views from the wall in Linville gorge were amazing. Pete picked the routes he thought we'd enjoy the most to start and then adjusted based on skill level. He also took a bunch of pictures, which is a really nice touch to help remember the climb. Whether this is your first time climbing or you've been climbing for years, I highly recommend booking with Guillard climbing.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joseph Hettler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic time climbing with Pete! He was such a knowledgeable and patient guide who made the two days a really enjoyable experience.  I highly recommend Pete as your hiking guide in this area - we will definitely be coming back.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nellie in a Can 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Petey is hands down the best climbing guide in the North Carolina area. This was my third time climbing with him, which says a lot. He’s knowledgeable, patient, and a great teacher. I told him I wanted the views, the pics, and a bit of a challenge this time and he picked routes delivered all three. Always a great day out on the rock with Petey! 🧗‍♀️
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

MEET YOUR GUIDE

Experiences for every goal, level, and skill set

Single-Pitch Day

On a single-pitch day, we stay closer to the ground, all within reach of a single rope length. This day is excellent for the beginner with little to no experience, the guest looking to climb at an advanced level but with less commitment, or a group of friends/family hoping to spend most of the day together.

Book Single-Pitch →

Multi-Pitch Day

Multi-pitch routes involve climbing higher than a single rope length. This form of climbing is higher commitment and requires more experience than a single-pitch day. It does not mean you need to be climbing at a harder difficulty, but you do need to have an understanding of climbing outdoors.

Book Multi-Pitch →

Instruction Day

Want to gain the skills necessary to go climbing on your own? Learn to traditional or sport climb? Practice a technique you saw online under supervision? This day is for you!

Book Instruction →

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Do I need my own gear?

We recommend you bring your own gear if you have it! Shoes, harnesses, and helmets are all things that we recommend having if you’re looking to start your own climbing journey. However, we understand that climbing is an expensive sport that you may be trying out for the first time ever, or for the first time in a while. We happily provide harnesses, helmets, and shoes for those who need them.

What do I need to bring?

Things you will be responsible for bringing include:

1. Nutrition: Ample food (based on your personal caloric needs for a day of activity outside) and water (2-3L is recommended.) Bringing a little extra food and water never hurts!

2. Weather-appropriate clothes: As the seasons change, so do our clothing needs. Summer requires breathable activewear, a warm insulating layer, rain-gear, and sun protection (a sun-shirt or sunscreen). Winter, fall, and spring require layering; we often start off in a coat and spend most of the day climbing in light layers!

Can I climb in the winter?

Believe it or not, winter is the BEST time to climb in many of our favorite Western NC locations!

Do I drive with the guide or separately?

Our guide will contact you via email before the day of your booking to confirm location and start time (depending upon whether you’re doing a full or half day.) He will send you a pin location to the parking area where you will drive separately and meet to begin your day together. This location will vary depending upon what climbing area you are going to.

Can anyone climb?

We believe climbing is for everyone! No matter your experience level, we’d love to go climbing with you. Our minimum age is six years old, and the only requirement is that you’re able to hike to the cliff-line. For guests under the age of 18, we do require a guardian to be present, whether or not they’ll also be climbing.

If you have any questions or concerns about what a climbing day looks like, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us a message, we’re always happy to accommodate our guests as much as we can!

If you are interested in climbing and have a disability, we highly recommend checking out our friends at Waypoint Adventure!

What do half days vs. full days look like?

Single-pitch and Private Instruction bookings can be made for either a half day or a full day. Half day bookings can either be made in the morning (9-1:00 pm) or the afternoon (12-4:00 pm.)

Multi-pitch bookings last for a full day and run from 9-5:00 pm.

We will always do our best to accommodate your schedule when we can. If you’d like to discuss a change in start time, please note it in your booking or give us a call!

What safety measures are in place?

Our guide has been properly trained by the American Mountain Guides Association for the terrain he guides in and has a decade of experience safely guiding rock climbing groups of all levels. He has also been trained as a Wilderness First Responder, and carries a satellite communication device on all trips.

Where do you guide?

All of our bookings can be made for the following locations:

Rumbling Bald (North Carolina)
Looking Glass Rock (North Carolina)
Cedar Rock (North Carolina)
Linville Gorge (North Carolina)
Big Rock (South Carolina)
Hidden Valley (Virginia)

Seasonally, we may recommend certain locations over others depending upon weather. However, we will always do our best to accommodate your desired location!

Take a peek at what our guided days look like.

CHECK IT OUT

Gallery →