Scott McDaniel

Granite Mountain Guides, LLC
Prescott, Arizona

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

5.0 (9 reviews)

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

Trip: A Momentous Day in the McDowell's | Private - 4hr

With Scott M. on March 23, 2023

Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC

Absolutely awesome time!

By Steve G. on March 24, 2023

Trip: RED ROCK RETREAT | HIGH CAMP LEVEL

With Scott M. on March 16, 2023

Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC

Well worth the money. #1 it's nice to have people who just know where to go to climb, how to get there,and how to get back . #2 I came with my girlfriend with goals of learning how to safely climb out side together, gym-crag kind of deal. (Neither of us had even lead in the gym) #3 with Scott's (our guide) personalized instruction and route selection we successfully learned how to build anchors, lead climb, lead belay, and clean a route with a little bit of an exposé on trad gear and placement. Seriously so worth the money. Plus the guides are super professional, kind, and encouraging in all the right ways! Memories for the rest of my life were made and I couldn't be more thankful for Scott and Brad being our guides. So freaking awesome!

By David D. on March 19, 2023

Trip: RED ROCK RETREAT | HIGH CAMP LEVEL

With Scott M. on March 16, 2023

Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC

Incredible trip overall. I would HIGHLY recommend Granite Mountain Guides. Both Brad and Scott were incredible guides, both were incredibly knowledgeable and easy to approach with questions. Not only was their guiding amazing, the time at camp was also incredible. Breakfasts and dinners were great. Fires were filled with fun stories. I can’t say enough good things about this retreat. 20/10 would absolutely recommend.

By Ana M. on March 19, 2023

Trip: A Thoughtful Day on Tom's Thumb

With Scott M. on December 23, 2022

Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC

Had a great time, Scott was awesome!

By Scott N. on December 24, 2022

Trip: A Momentous Day in the McDowell's | Private

With Scott M. on December 03, 2022

Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC

By Clayton P. on December 14, 2022

Trip: A Momentous Day in the McDowell's | Private

With Scott M. on December 03, 2022

Company: Granite Mountain Guides, LLC

We had a great time. Scott had a great attitude and was totally flexible and tuned in to what we wanted. Highly recommended.

By Christine M. on December 10, 2022