Guided rock climbing & rappelling in Kentucky’s world famous Red River Gorge!
Red River Climbing Guides is the Red River Gorge’s finest guiding service.
We are a locally owned & operated guiding service, specializing in customized guided climbing & rappelling courses for all ages & skill levels. With over 17 years of rock climbing & guiding experience, we are well-versed & certified in the safety procedures & climbing techniques necessary to get you climbing & having a great time. Whether you are looking to learn the skills needed to climb on your own or just want to get out and climb for the day, we have you covered & would love to show you the ropes! Additionally, all guides are vaccinated against Covid-19 for your safety.
- Matt was very responsive and professional. I took my 14-year old son and we both had a fantastic time. While we have some climbing experience in the gym, Matt made the transition easy. Very knowledgeable and integrated some teaching / technique. Very safe. He also was a great source for local spots to hike and camp, which we appreciated. Excellent guide! Look forward to climbing with him again.Bryan Proctor6/01/2021Red River Climbing Guides was an absolutely fantastic guide service. We had a range of experience in our group. Matt did a great job of tailoring the trip to our needs individually and as a group. He was extremely knowledgeable of the local area and climbing overall. Each member of our group walked away with a great experience and new tips to up our climbing game. Even the experienced climbers in our group walked away happy as they gained “local knowledge” we simply could not have gotten from a guidebook or app. We’ll definitely be going back and I would highly recommend Matt and the Red River Climbing Guides Team to everyone planning a trip to the area!Gregory Evans2/17/2021
- I've had a handful of guiding experiences (all around the country) and climbing with Ian this weekend was among the best. He gave great instruction, balanced of making sure I had a good time vs got to push myself and learn. I had a great day with Ian in the Red and would highly recommend signing up with RRCG if you're thinking of having a guide for a climbing day/weekend in KY.Jesse Plate4/04/2022Red River Climbing Guides was an absolutely fantastic guide service. We had a range of experience in our group. Matt did a great job of tailoring the trip to our needs individually and as a group. He was extremely knowledgeable of the local area and climbing overall. Each member of our group walked away with a great experience and new tips to up our climbing game. Even the experienced climbers in our group walked away happy as they gained “local knowledge” we simply could not have gotten from a guidebook or app. We’ll definitely be going back and I would highly recommend Matt and the Red River Climbing Guides Team to everyone planning a trip to the area!Gregory Evans2/20/2021My son and I had a great experience climbing with Simon. We did 2 full days and felt safe and supported the whole time. Simon is patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging without pushing too much, and he has an all around easygoing, calm manner while meticulously paying attention to detail. He brought us to a variety of locations, and his care for the climbing environment and community was evident. We highly recommend Red River Climbing Guides!Libby C4/28/2025
- Had a fantastic time with Ian. His background as an educator made him a great guide for my friend who was new to climbing. He expertly taught him the basics and had him climbing safely with technique.I was impressed with how Ian navigated a crowded spot and efficiently set up routes so I could climb multiple different spots in just a half day.We had a blast. I HIGHLY recommend.Barry Blumenfeld11/22/2021We’re primarily gym climbers and did a half day Gym to Crag class with Ian. He was a fantastic and laid back instructor who taught us a lot and answered a ton of questions. The approach was pretty easy, the routes were a good match for our outdoor comfort level and the gear focus of the class. We got great tips on how to improve. I would totally go back and would recommend them to anyone. The only thing I wish had been different is that I should have booked a full day. We had a great time!Jes Sherman9/27/2022
- Ben is a great guide, very knowledgeable and experienced. I enjoyed climbing with him, learned many things and had a lot of fun. I would love to climb with Ben again.Irina Lomonosov10/22/2021Matt,Thank you so very much for an amazing time in the Red. My family and I cannot thank you enough for your expertise, patience, and love for this sport. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skill with us and allowing us to experience something that you love. Your patience and fun with our 6 year old allowed her the confidence to over come her fear by the end of the day and get on the rock with some excitement and independence. You pushed Logan and Lia to new heights and gave us all the confidence push ourselves beyond comfort. We can't wait to climb again!If you are ever wanting to experience some outdoor climbing in a very relaxed and humble way Matt and Red River Climbing is for sure who you should use. We will only use Red River Climbing! Thank you again for the wonderful memories!Lindsay Lindsey4/20/2021
- Alex was an excellent guide that was very knowledgeable and helpful! We would definitely recommend him and this experience! His was able to help guide us and was patient as it was our first time climbing!Cierra Glick6/30/2022Went climbing in the gorge, first time climbing outside after a lot of work in the climbing gym. Our guide Matt found good routes that pushed us but were still manageable. He answered all of our questions and was knowledgeable. Would recommend for all skill levels trying to get into outdoor climbing.Steven Reed5/18/2023
- Awesome experience - outstanding guide - great person. I took my two kids on their first climbing experience and our original guide no-showed - literally left us waiting at Muir Valley trail head. Once Matt heard our situation he immediately stepped in and provided a professional guided experience. He’s very educated on climbing and the area. He did a great job with my kids by encouraging them at the right time, advising them at the right times, and also letting them figure things out on their own. I’ve used guide services several times for trips throughout the world - I highly recommend Matt for guided climbs in Red River Gorge. Thank you Matt for a rewarding and fun experience!!Mike TenBrink4/09/2021Simon was a great guide. He was funny and very accommodating. All climbing goals were met and exceeded! His energy was perfect and his attention to detail made for a safe fun experience. I highly recommend him and this climbing company. We’ve used them 3 years and had 3 great guides.Susanne Hater3/06/2025Can’t recommend these guys enough. This was the first time coming outside for my 15 year old daughter. Matt and Simon are superb. They are extremely safe and extremely fun to climb with. My daughter and I won’t forget this trip, thanks to Matt and Simon, and I hope it’s the first of many more.Mark Blankstein9/05/2023
- Simon was incredibly patient and exceeded our expectations in what we would get to learn and be encouraged to try! We will always recommend this pro climber to be your guide.Liane peters9/11/2023Had a great time with Matt, he was a great guide and made our experience exactly what we were looking for. Will definitely be backSerenity Heil4/20/2021Simon provided a wonderful climbing experience for my family. He picked an area that included climbs for all of our skill levels (two of our three kids are a bit better than my husband and me). He didn't rush us on any of the routes and was highly encouraging when any of us struggled with a move. Would definitely recommend them!Karin Grant8/07/2023

Climbing the Red Since 2005

Experience
All of RRCG’s guides are certified by the American Mountain Guides Association & other standardizing bodies in risk management, wilderness medicine, & customer care to meet all your single-pitch climbing goals!

Determination
Meeting your rock climbing goals is our mission. We have the safety & technical knowledge to help you succeed. Whether you want to have a day on the ropes, learn new risk management skills, or gain better training platforms, we are here for you!

Passion
Rock climbing isn’t just our job, it’s what we love to do. Our guides genuinely love this sport & have dedicated their lives to mastering its craft. Here at Red River Climbing Guides, We are lucky enough to work at what we love & we can’t wait to show you why rock climbing is one of the most rewarding & fastest growing sports in America!
Let's go climbing!
Call or book online today…
(629) 207-0697