Scott McDaniel
About me
Scott was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and began forging a deep connection with the desert (and an equally deep love for teaching others about it) long before he touched a climbing rope. Adventuring in and exploring the rugged and rocky Superstition Mountains, in particular, often left him desperately wondering how (and if) he could one day scale the intimidating cliffs and wondrous spires that captivated him so. Once he began climbing in 2016, it quickly became clear that he had found his primary pursuit of passion in the outdoors. Five years later, this still-burning passion for both education and exploration fuels his many personal and professional endeavors in the vertical world.
Coming from a background in the construction field, Scott switched gears to enter the outdoor industry in 2018 after organizing a large-scale community stewardship project at the Beardsley Boulder Pile (a small climbing area located in Phoenix). Since then, Scott has worked diligently as both a climbing instructor and multi-day backpacking guide in locales ranging from the McDowell Mountains to Yosemite, and has a persistent focus not only on providing the best service possible, but on consistently growing and evolving in his roles as an educator and facilitator of experiences.
Scott is a Wilderness First Responder and an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Certified Single-Pitch Instructor.
Certifications
No certifications added yet.
Reviews
Trip: A Day in the Dells | Private
With Scott M. on December 26, 2024
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
My family and I booked a full day climbing at Watson Lake and had the best experience with Scott! As a group with mixed levels of climbing experience ranging from brand new to moderately experienced, he did an amazing job finding routes for everyone to have fun and challenge themselves. He went above and beyond to show technique and give amazing tips so we all left feeling more confident on the rock. Not to mention, the amazing photos he took for us to remember the day! We’ve booked climbing guides before but Scott truly went above and beyond and made the entire experience so incredible. The whole family was raving about him the rest of the week! Thank you Scott & Granite Mountain Guides!!
By Eddie R. on January 03, 2025
Trip: A Golden Day on Gardener's Wall
With Scott M. on December 30, 2024
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
Awesome guide. Helped me achieve my goal of my first multi pitch ascendant. Very good with instructional of gear placement and removing.
By Danny S. on December 31, 2024
Trip: AZWCC's Day in Queen Creek!
With Ann R., Scott M. on December 08, 2024
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
Was a lovely trip! Guides were very accommodating to the group. Looking forward to the next trip!
By Ann T. on December 09, 2024
Trip: AZWCC's Day in Queen Creek!
With Ann R., Scott M. on December 08, 2024
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
Ann and Scott were amazing guides and fine-tuned the day to fulfill the goals of the climbers present. This was an awesome day and really built my confidence with lead climbing and belaying. I sent my first outdoor lead!
By Delaney K. on December 09, 2024
Trip: BIPOC RED ROCK RETREAT
With Angela S., Leah G., Scott M., Brad B. on November 15, 2024
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
Awesome all around. Would do again.
By Cheryl M. on November 21, 2024
Trip: BIPOC RED ROCK RETREAT
With Angela S., Leah G., Scott M., Brad B. on November 15, 2024
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
Wonderful trip with enthusiastic, educational, and engaging guides in a special place.
By Tiffany T. on November 19, 2024
Trip: BIPOC RED ROCK RETREAT
With Angela S., Leah G., Scott M., Brad B. on November 15, 2024
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
By Erick M. on November 18, 2024
Trip: BIPOC RED ROCK RETREAT
With Angela S., Leah G., Scott M., Brad B. on November 15, 2024
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
By Christine L. on November 18, 2024
Trip: A Momentous Day in the McDowell's | Private - 4hr
With Scott M. on November 22, 2023
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
Exceptional guide!
By Jason C. on November 23, 2023
Trip: A Half-Squeeze of Mt. Lemmon | Private
With Scott M., Brad B. on April 04, 2023
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
What a great day! Our group included three children (ages 6, 9, 12) with varying degrees of comfort and experience climbing. Scott & Brad matched their energy and helped each of them to push their comfort level. They were both professional, skilled, safety-oriented climbers who set us a ease and made it an enjoyable day. Thank you!
By Andrea P. on April 12, 2023
Trip: Tucson | Introduction to Lead Climbing - Private
With Scott M. on April 03, 2023
Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
Great experience from beginning to end. Our guide, Scott, was extremely knowledgeable and made the day fun. Scott was also mindful of what we were learning as we then applied the lessons learned to the actual wall. He reads the room well. Interprets the climbers comfort levels and makes the day fun, productive and most importantly safe. Highly recommend.
By Stephen B. on April 04, 2023