Meet Our Guides!

Nelson Day, Lead Guide.

Nelson Day, the Lead Guide and Director of The Climbing Life Guides, resides in sunny Joshua Tree, CA. Nelson has been rock climbing since 2008 and guiding since 2012, and is certified through the AMGA as both a Certified Rock Guide and Single Pitch Instructor, as well as an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Program Provider (Nelson offers AMGA instructor courses and exams). Read more...

Nelson received a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla in 2002, and is registered in the state of California as a professional engineer in Mechanical Engineering. Nelson’s love for teaching, guiding, and rock climbing is evident if you have ever climbed with him as a client or partner. Nelson has rock climbed in Indian Creek, Joshua Tree National Park, Tahquitz, Big Bear (Holcomb Valley), Riverside Quarry, Moore’s Wall, Red Rock Canyon, New River Gorge, The Incredible Hulk, Squamish, the Bugaboos and various other cragging destinations. Nelson specializes in assisting clients “reach” their rock climbing goals and rock climbing objectives in a patient and positive environment.

Matt Lounsbury, Guide.

Matt grew up in a small Vermont town of around 500 people with a crippling fear of heights. Surrounded by nature Matt explored the outdoors in every way possible. Hunting and fishing gave way to hiking, white water, and skiing. In college Matt studied outdoor education and pursued a degree in fine art glassblowing. Read more...

Later he exited the studio and worked as an outdoor educator in many different parts of the world. Along the way he learned to conquer his fears while exploring the outdoors, eventually sailing across the Atlantic and learning to embrace heights on the end of a climbing rope. Now a full time resident of Joshua Tree he especially enjoys introducing new people to climbing, teaching about the uses of local flora fauna, and tending to his beehive and garden.

Carlin Reynolds, Guide.

Carlin began climbing as soon as they were left unsupervised in central New Jersey, where there are trees instead of rocks. In college they discovered “real” climbing with their school’s competitive team. Soon they were elected captain, ranking among the top 25 collegiate boulderers in 2018. Over the past six years their climbing career has brought them to the golden Mojave desert and the sweeping granite faces of the Sierra Nevada. Read more...

Their passion is teaching, whether that's technical subjects or helping someone overcome fear on their first rappel. They are an Apprentice Rock Guide, certified Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Trainer. They also hold a B.S. and M.S. from Northeastern University in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science.

Cezanne Deraymond, Guide.

Cezanne grew up outside of a small town in northern California. Homeschooled until third grade, he was immersed in nature from a young age and learned to love the outdoors. In his early adulthood he studied traditional wilderness skills and animal tracking. This would lead to learning crafts such as bow making, flint knapping and later would transition into blacksmithing and metal fabrication. Read more...

An avid fly fisherman, Cezanne moved to Tahoe in 2018 to persue trout on the Truckee river. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery and superb granite of the Sierras he soon dove headfirst into the craft of rock climbing. As an AMGA certified Single pitch instructor Cezanne is always excited to teach and share his passion for climbing and the outdoors with others.

Cory Goei, Guide.

Cory grew up in Michigan and became a professional dancer. He began climbing in a local gym in Dayton, Ohio in the 90’s (yes, that's the 1900's) where he met his adventure mentor. Together they traveled all over the US rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering and backpacking. Through these experiences, Cory developed a deep love of the outdoors and eventually found his true passion, sharing with others his love for the outdoors, teaching them new outdoor skills, and helping them escape those darn screen! Read more...

Some of his most memorable climbs and hikes have been in the Wind River Range in WY, The Grand Teton, Gannet Peak in WY, Granite Peak in MT, Whitney in CA and Mount Rainer in WA. But his favorite place to climb and play is still Joshua Tree National Park.

Loren Copp, Guide.

Loren is a certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, a Wilderness EMT, and a seasoned wilderness therapy guide who, over the past 10 years, has guided climbing and backpacking trips all over the country. Loren graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Outdoor Education. While there, he studied rock climbing instruction as well as the therapeutic applications of adventure programs at the country’s premier wilderness therapy research university. Read more...

Loren has dedicated his life to the instruction of rock climbing, mountaineering, and survival skills. Most importantly, Loren teaches how these activities can inspire personal growth, and lead to deep, holistic healing. Whether you are an advanced climber or a complete beginner, Loren has the experience and empathy to meet you where you're at and take you to new heights. Loren, a father himself, especially loves to work with families and children, and he teaches how outdoor adventures bring families together.