Brian Johnson
About me
Brian is originally from upstate New York where he began climbing at an early age with his parents. He started his guiding career in 2013 spending his summers in Colorado in between finishing up his undergrad degree from the University at Buffalo. After college, he moved to the beautiful sandstone walls of Moab, Utah to pursue a full-time career in guiding. Having done many international climbing trips Brian has been able to climb and ski some of Central and South America's most classic volcanos. Brian now splits his time between summers in the high glaciers of Washington state and the rivers and towers of the western US desert. He then often spends the winters scaling technical rock routes in Mexico. Utah: Ancient Art (20+ Ascents) Castleton Tower (10+ Ascents via 3 different routes) Washington: Mount Baker (10+ Ascents via 3 different routes) Sahale Peak (via Quien Sabe Glacier) Torment - Forbidden Traverse Ptarmigan Traverse International: Timewave Zero When You're Lost in the Wild (Second Ascent) Illiniza Norte (17,267ft/5263m) Ski descent of Cayambe (18,996ft/5790m) Ski descent of Pico de Orizaba (18,491ft/5636m) Maderas and ConcepcionCertifications
AMGA Certified Rock Guide
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
AIARE 1 + 2 + Avalanche Rescue Course
Wilderness First Responder
Reviews
Trip: 2-Day Crevasse Rescue Course
With Brian J. on August 01, 2025
Company: Access the Alpine
By Jackson S. on August 10, 2025
Trip: Full Day Rock Climbing
With Brian J. on August 03, 2025
Company: Access the Alpine
Brian is a great guide for people with experience as well. Hone and practice your skills! Had a great day out with him and look forward to doing more in the future with Access Alpine!
By Stephen R. on August 04, 2025
Trip: 2-Day Crevasse Rescue Course
With Brian J. on August 01, 2025
Company: Access the Alpine
SO MUCH FUN. Awesome guide (bring extra snacks)
By Asher S. on August 04, 2025
Trip: 2-Day Crevasse Rescue Course
With Brian J. on July 25, 2025
Company: Access the Alpine
I had an absolutely incredible experience with the crevasse rescue course on Mt. Baker! Our guide, Brian, was phenomenal—knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about teaching us the skills we needed. I never thought I would feel comfortable dangling hundreds of feet into a crevasse, but after guided instruction and practice with Brian, the whole experience felt safe, controlled, and exhilarating. Mt. Baker is a beautiful mountain and offers spectacular views of glaciers, rushing water, and wild flowers. 10/10 would recommend.
By Jake L. on August 03, 2025
Trip: 2-Day Crevasse Rescue Course
With Brian J. on July 25, 2025
Company: Access the Alpine
An excellent trip and an incredible opportunity to train Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue skills. Brian was knowledgeable, committed, and friendly. This was an invaluable experience to prepare for climbs of mountains like Rainier and Baker.
By Gharett V. on July 28, 2025
Trip: 2-Day Crevasse Rescue Course
With Brian J. on July 11, 2025
Company: Access the Alpine
Brian was an awesome guide, very laid back, knowledgeable and approachable. I really appreciated his willingness to answer questions and go over unique knots/belay techniques.
By Chandler J. on July 14, 2025
Trip: 5-Day Mountaineering Course
With Brian J. on July 04, 2025
Company: Access the Alpine
In the 5-day Mountaineering course at Mt Baker, Brian changed my life while taking amazing care of it. I had low experience in snow, and had never seen a glacier. However, he guided me and taught me everything necessary to undertake the challenge of summiting Mt Baker safely. Brian worked to earn my trust, and simultaniously built my self-confidence in the new mountaineering skills. I would join any expedition Brian leads, and trust anyone who joins a trip with Brian is in the best hands possible.
By Jose L. on July 10, 2025
Trip: 5-Day Mountaineering Course
With Brian J. on June 20, 2025
Company: Access the Alpine
Brian was entirely competent, an excellent instructor, personable, and provided a great atmosphere. I’d recommend a course with Brian/Access the Alpine to anyone.
By Truitt H. on June 25, 2025
Trip: 2-Day Crevasse Rescue Course
With Brian J. on August 14, 2024
Company: Access the Alpine
By Corbin B. on May 28, 2025
Trip: 2-Day Crevasse Rescue Course
With Brian J. on May 10, 2025
Company: Access the Alpine
Brian put on a top notch crevasse rescue course that I wouldn't hesitate recommending to anyone interested in glacier travel whether it's your first time or an experienced individual seeking a hands on refresh on invaluable knowledge. I showed up not knowing how to tie any knots other than the one on my shoes. I was patiently taught everything I needed to know to set up a crevasse rescue hauling system, as well many general guidelines how to set up, and travel as a rope team on glaciated terrain. This trip was equally educational as it was fun and I really encourage anyone looking for a crevasse rescue course to sign up with Brian!
By Jeremy M. on May 20, 2025
Trip: 2-Day Crevasse Rescue Course
With Brian J. on May 10, 2025
Company: Access the Alpine
Without a doubt the best guided trip I have taken. Brian is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and enthusiastic to teach. You can tell he does this because he loves the sport and teaching others how to be safe/what to do in an emergency. Would recommend him as a guide without a second thought.
By Brandon T. on May 16, 2025