Welcome to California’s Mountain Guiding Service & Mountaineering School.

From the Sierra Nevada & the Cascades of California to the big mountains of the world, we are your source for guided mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, backpacking & ski mountaineering adventures

Specializing in high-end custom guiding and instruction

Why go with California Alpine Guides?

The highest mountain guiding standards in the United States
American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) & IFMGA/UIAGM internationally certified mountain guides.
Excellent customer satisfaction record & personalized care, low ratios
Undeniable value with all-inclusive trips & excellent backcountry cuisine
California & world-wide experts in mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing and backpacking

IFMGA certification is THE world standard for guide certification. Many companies claim experienced guides, but can they back it up with IFMGA certification?

California Alpine Guides is owned and operated by IFMGA/UIAGM certified mountain guide, Dave Miller. Most trips are run by Dave himself and he is available for custom guiding just about anywhere in California and select locations throughout the world. See Dave's bio.

We offer you exceptional mountain guiding experience, certified mountain guides and high quality rock climbing, alpine climbing, winter mountaineering, backcountry skiing & trekking adventures throughout the Sierra Nevada & Cascade mountains of California and around the mountains of the world.

1 877 MTN-CLIMB (686-2546)
Toll Free within the United States
Need an Escape? Let's explore!

California Alpine Guides LLC is fully insured and provides California mountain guides, rock climbing instruction, backcountry ski guides and Yosemite hiking & snowshoe guides under special use permits from, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Park, Lassen National Park, United States Forest Service & Toyaibe National Forest. Mount Shasta climbs & courses are offered through Shasta Mountain Guides. Lee Vining ice climbing is offered through Sierra Mountain Guides.

Featured Trips

"Wanted to let you know we had an amazing time during the Sierra winter climbing course this weekend. It was probably the coolest experience we've had in the mountains so far."
Rich & Deanna Graziano

"I've climbed with quite a few different mountain guide companies...the professionalism of California Alpine Guides is quite a bit better"
Ted Lenzie

"Our experience with California Alpine Guides was one we will never forget. We look forward to many other CAG trips in the future. You instilled the trust in our own capabilities to make our goals a reality"
Bobbette Biddulph

"I went on my first technical winter mountaineering climb last week and what an awsome experience! The CAG guys were so good they totally got me through it"
Maryam Mehrkhast