Paul Johnson, started rock/ alpine guiding in 1995. Before that he worked at a rock gym and a physc. hospital taking challenged kids out climbing. He has guided throughout the southwest and also guided in Mexico and Bolivia. He was rock guide certified by the AMGA in 2007.
How and when did you get started climbing?
While attending NAU (Northern Arizona University), I took an outdoor adventure class in the fall of 1987, which introduced me to rock climbing. I was hooked ion the first climb.
What is your favorite style/type of climbing?
Alpine
What makes climbing/guiding so special to you?
I really enjoy watching others succeed on a climb. To watch them push themselves and try new things. I now how climbing changed my life for the better and I want to share it with them. To draw upon ones inner strength and become one in the moment, focused on the moment, without distraction very fulfilling.
What are your most difficult/proudest/favorite sends?
Difficult :climbing a 5.12 sport.
Proud: I have two, Climbing Denali in 1992. It was my first big mountain, having never camped out more then one night outside before, and being allowed to guide a 15 year old to the top of a 6000m peak in Bolivia 6 years later.
Favorite: Soloing the Matterhorn
What are some goals for your future?
For personal climbing. I hope to do more big peaks. My heart is happiest in the mountains. Hear the crush of ice under crampons always makes me smile.
For guiding, I really enjoy taking out “gym rats” and introducing the to rock and ice. Just to watch them see what real climbing is.
What do you feel comfortable guiding?
Alpine and rock up to 5.10
Do you have a favorite quote or personal mantra?
” The best climber is the one having the most fun”
– Alex Lowe
” We do not live to eat and make money. We eat and make money in order to be able to enjoy life. This is what life means and what life is for.”
– George Leigh Mallory
Name 5 things that make you happy.
- My wife
- My dogs
- First tracks
- Tumbling back into the tent after a long climb
- Starbucks Green Iced tea, unsweetened
Tell us something about yourself that isn’t climbing related.
Lets see. I have a “bachelor of science” in fashion merchandising and at one point, owned over 100 silk neck ties. Within one year, I went from managing a men’s suit store in the mall, to living in friends garages so I could climb every day.
Tell us something about someone else at Suntoucher that you find interesting.
John Kear and I climbed in Bolivia together way back when. We had a great adventure, exploring rather remote mountain valleys. John was always a level head, even when things became “spicy”. He always seems to enjoy climbing even when its not that fun.