Looking for a Mentor in or near Denton, TX/DFW. For Mountaineering, Ice, and Rock.

Hi there! I'm Hunter, 19 years old, and trying to start mountaineering.

I'm new to climbing in general, but am trying to push into 5.10s at my local gym weekly. I took an intro to Ice Climbing course this past January in Ouray, CO and loved it. I want to get into mountaineering starting this summer hopefully, but I'm having a hard time finding people that are 1, interested as well, and 2, more knowledgeable than me so I can learn something.

I hike and backpack a lot, and do great at altitude. I however have never lead any climbs and only done toprope for rock or ice. I'm looking for someone who can show me the ropes to mountaineering, or even just lead and trad climbing.

I'm in college now so my schedule is restricted until summer, but I want to get into the sport as fast as (safely) possible.

Is there anyone with experience who would be willing to teach a newbie? I'm looking for someone who doesn't mind driving to the mountains since living in Texas puts me super far away from any (I have done 16 hour drive days to get to Colorado before though).

Thanks in advance!

Hey Hunter,

I'm local to the DFW area (downtown Dallas), and would consider myself at least roughly a fit for your description below. I drive down to Enchanted Rock pretty regularly, and also down to El Petrero Chico every now and then as well (though i fly) to get outdoor rock experience - would highly suggest that if you haven't already ventured out.

In terms of mountain objectives, what are you looking to climb? I've been looking to arrange a short (1-3 days) easy to moderate mountain trip to something like Mt Hood or one of the lesser traveled routes up Rainier for this summer. Still fluid as I have no other partners... Go figure I have the same issue as you do finding partners here in DFW.

Maybe some more insight into your background and climbing history would be a good start to gauge what your next step might be. Will be glad to help out where I can, or at least we can partner up and be gumbies together.

Ryan

I'm not a mountaineer but have climbed technical rock for the last 12 years or so. I head to the summit gyms on occasion and if you have interest we could climb at the gym.

-Brent

Pick up a copy of FOTH and read it. When your done with it read it again. Will this make you an experienced mountaineer? No, but it will give you a baseline so when you do find someone to mentor you you're not totally lost when they go over the basics.

Thanks! I'm already reading FOTH for my second time, and have PMed Ryan and Brent.

I was at Summit Dallas today. I hardly go to the Grapevine one but if you want my climbing partner and I will be at Sunmit Dallas and you are welcome to come climb with us.

Go to the North Texas Outdoor Pursuit Center in Carrollton and talk to the owner Chris. He is quite knowledgable.

Jake G wrote:North Texas Outdoor Pursuit Center