Brooks and Nicole guiding at Wild Iris
About Us
Wind River Climbing Guides offers guided rock climbing and instructional courses at the base of the Wind River Range in Lander, Wyoming. We are all about having a blast on the rock in a responsible and safe manner. Join our guides to learn the ropes and have an unforgettable experience in a truly amazing location. WRCG is fully insured and our experienced guides are certified through the American Mountain Guides Association and in wilderness medicine to ensure that you have the highest possible standard of safety when you're out in the mountains with them.
The Importance of Community
Wind River Climbing Guides dedicate themselves to giving back to the Fremont County community in a variety of ways. Kyle volunteers as part of the Destination Lander Committee with the Lander Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, many of our guides volunteer their time as members of the Lander Search and Rescue team. WRCG is devoted to keeping the Lander Climbing region environmentally sustainable by participating in local re-bolting days and trail work with the Sinks Canyon State Park and local USFS, as well as introducing local youth to the beauty of rock climbing by volunteering with local organizations to provide free climbing opportunities.
WRCG looks to introduce rock climbers not only to the incredible limestone, sandstone, and granite climbing of the Lander area but also see themselves as representatives of this community. It is Wind River Climbing Guides’ goal to welcome climbers to the vibrance of this area by connecting with various organizations and companies to ensure the best experience possible.
Meet our Guides
Kyle Meier founded Wind River Climbing Guides in 2016. He is dedicated to providing high quality experiences for all clients. You’ll find nothing but approachability and a genuine excitement for the outdoors when you go climbing with one of WRCG’s experienced guides.
Kyle topping out on Castleton Tower
Kyle Meier
Kyle started his climbing career traveling from Indiana to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky nearly every weekend while attending Indiana University. He’s been hooked ever since. Kyle has been guiding and instructing people of all ages and experience levels since 2008. He has worked in Kentucky, West Virginia, California, Utah, Arkansas and of course, Wyoming. He is a certified Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, and Wilderness First Responder, and he holds a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management from Indiana University. Kyle also enjoys skiing, fly fishing, and any table game ever created.
Jerome Smart
Since Jerome’s first encounter with climbing eighteen years ago, it has been a driving passion in his life. It has taken him all around the Western U.S. in pursuit of adventures on rock as well as many international trips. He finds climbing in the mountains to be some of his favorite and most peaceful climbing.
Jerome loves sharing his passion for the wilderness and climbing with others. While guiding, Jerome ensures each guest gains not only the accomplishment of safely getting to the top of a climb, but also a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Jerome is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide, AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide, IRATA Level 1 Rope Access Technician (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association), AIARE avalanche education Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Master
Nicole’s summit selfie on Jebel Rum in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Nicole Frati
Nicole grew up climbing on the small granite cliffs of New Hampshire with her dad. After college, she followed her love of adventure and moved across the globe to New Zealand and then Australia, finding climbing as a medium to explore new corners of the world. Once back in the US she took her first AMGA course in 2018, and soon after started instructing and guiding in both California and Utah. Her favorite part of teaching and guiding has been getting to know new people of all levels, abilities, and interests. Some of her fondest memories are leading groups through the wilderness of Yosemite National Park, where she worked for four years. Nicole is an Apprentice Rock Guide and Wilderness First Responder.
Brooks Allman
Brooks is a fanatic climber who loves to travel the world chasing amenable weather and inspiring rock climbing routes. He began climbing in 2013 while he was a student at Sewanee University studying Natural Resources and Spanish. Brooks lives in Lander, WY but spends significant time each year traveling to climb. He loves climbing the pocketed dolomite of Sinks Canyon and Wild Iris, and also enjoys jamming his way up the cracks of Indian Creek and Joshua Tree National Park.
Brooks began his career in outdoor education and guiding in 2014 in Northern Minnesota, and has since travelled all over the Western United States and abroad teaching climbing, backpacking, and whitewater canoeing. He frequently talks about climbing history and ethics around a campfire, and may even bust out his guitar to pick a bluegrass tune or two.
Brooks works hard to create an environment where every client is physically and emotionally safe, and can comfortably push themselves to grow in a rewarding and satisfying way. He is a certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Master Educator.
Ty Vineyard
Originally from Kemmerer, Wyoming, Ty grew up climbing in the mountains of Wyoming. His interests in climbing range from alpine to sport climbing and the disciplines that connect them all. Ty is an AMGA Apprentice Rock and Alpine Guide and Certified Single Pitch Instructor. Along with his education from the AMGA, Ty graduated from Central Wyoming College with a degree in Outdoor Education and Leadership. His education includes a Wilderness First Responder certification, as well as AAA Avalanche Level 1, Level 2, and Rescue.
Along with guiding Ty coaches for Elemental Performance + Fitness and works for ClimbStrong in Lander, Wyoming. Ty is continuing his education with Central Wyoming College and working towards his BAS in Outdoor Recreation and his AMGA/IFMGA mountain guide certification. In his spare time Ty volunteers with the Lander Search and Rescue Team, filling the role of the high angle rescue team lead.
Kenny climbing in Eldorado Canyon State Park, Colorado
Kenny Goff
Originally from Pennsylvania, Kenny graduated from Indiana University with a double business major and a minor in outdoor recreation. After graduation he made the move out west to be closer to the mountains and subsequently has climbed all over the states, as well as in Thailand, Ecuador, Mexico, and Patagonia. His favorite type of climbing is long alpine rock routes, but is just as happy to be climbing shorter routes, navigating through a glacier, or swinging ice tools. Kenny’s certifications include being a Wilderness First Responder, American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor, AIARE Level 2 Avalanche, and a Leave No Trace Master Educator. He is excited to share the joy and discovery of climbing with all who climb with him!
