Whether you're doing an instructional course or a guided climb, we take the educational aspects of climbing seriously. Our aim is to build self reliant climbers. Southwest Adventures guides are among the best in the business. All are experienced professionals with highly effective teaching and climbing skills. Most have worked with other organizations or competitors but have chosen to work with Southwest Adventures because of the destinations we travel, the activities we provide and Southwest Adventures' teaching philosophy.
All guides have specific training and emergency wilderness first aid training.
While some are certified by various organizations, they are all concerned most with quality client care and safety. Clay Patton is the program director and founder of Southwest Adventures. He has guided extensively throughout the United States, South America and Asia. He has been guiding for 16 years and has instructed and guided for American Alpine Institute, Colorado and North Carolina Outward Bound schools previous to founding Southwest Adventures in 1989. He is certified as a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician and has a Bachelor of Science degree and an Associates degree in Outdoor Education.