Guides

Climbing Guides

Brian Gillespie

Brian began his guiding career while attending college in Vermont.  Following his graduation with a degree in Adventure Recreation he began working for Alaska Mountain Guides and Climbing School, with whom he guided for in Alaska, Utah, Mexico and Argentina.  During his years with AMG he also became a certifying instructor for the Wilderness Education Association, leading college students on 12-24 day expeditions for the International Wilderness Leadership School in Alaska and Utah.  Brian received a masters degree in recreational studies in 2009.

Though Brian is passionate about many forms of mountain exploration including rock/ice climbing, glacier travel and high elevations; family, friends and sandstone led him back to Kentucky.  Brian is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, a Wilderness First Responder, and a Technical Rope Technician.  He has been guiding for seven years.

Allen White

Allen is a Kentucky native who loves climbing and the outdoors.   His dynamic leadership style can be attributed  to his experience working with groups of various ages and backgrounds while instructing for Vanderbilt, Ohio University and The Boy Scouts of America. Allen is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, and a CPR/First Aid instructor for the American Red Cross.

Clifton Gifford

Clifton is an enthusiastic climber and instructor who enjoys sharing his passion with others. Clifton’s experience features the various disciplines of sport, ice, and multi-pitch traditional climbing–his extensive résumé includes routes throughout the United States with over 450 routes on his ’tick list’ in the Red River Gorge. He is a skilled, patient guide–possessing a blend of technical knowledge, professional expertise, and energetic personality. Clifton is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and First Aid/CPR certified through the American Red Cross.

Isaac McShane

Isaac has participated in outdoor sports his whole life. While an avid rock climber, Isaac also enjoys mountain biking, scuba diving, skiing, and running the chain saw. With years of climbing experience, a positive attitude, and a knack for instructing, Isaac enjoys the opportunity to help others learn safe rock climbing techniques.

Isaac is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness First Responder and Technical Rope Technician.  He employs his skills as a member of the Wolfe County and Muir Valley Search and Rescue Teams.