Jes Meiris is a Colorado native and has been guiding for over a decade. Specializing in multi-pitch climbing and technical peaks, her emphasis is on low-impact, high-efficiency climbing and guiding geared toward client empowerment. Her philosophy promotes not only quality climbing education and a sense of stewardship but also powerful decision making, confidence, and other lifelong skills. Jes works all over the U.S. including access to four National Parks, and is a Warrior’s Way® mental commitment trainer, AMGA Assistant Rock Guide, and Wilderness First Responder. She is a co-founder and current Vice President of the Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance, a climbing advocacy group based in Colorado Springs, and coaches a five-time state finalist competition team in that area during the winter months. Her world record breaking rock climbs and public speaking events have raised thousands of dollars for various non-profits, and her primary commitment in life is to make a positive community impact for every action that she takes.
It all started pretty early, my parents were enthusiastic outdoorspeople! My mom climbed when I was growing up, so she would set up ropes for us kids when we went camping. Here's an early shot of one of the first climbing trips I remember....
.... and that same expression 25 years later! This photo was taken in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of my favorite places to climb. The Black boasts the tallest walls in Colorado, at 2300 feet!
My favorite thing to do as a climber and guide is to safely cover as much ground as possible in a day or less. Whether that's cruising over alpine ridges, moving efficiently on mellow multipitch climbs, or using fast and light techniques on big walls, there's never a dull moment and this approach opens up some incredible opportunities in beautiful places.
I became interested in big wall speed climbing in 2008, and between 2012 and 2014 set two speed climbing records on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. This is the view from nearly 3000 feet off the ground on The Nose, the most famous big wall climb in the world!
My mom and I looking tough at the base of El Capitan.
Another area that hosts some of the biggest walls in the nation is Red Rock, NV, just outside of Las Vegas. This is my favorite area to climb and guide, and is a great offseason escape if you enjoy sunshine and mellow, fun climbing in the fall, winter, and spring. This photo was taken from the tallest peak, Mt. Wilson, and overlooks the rest of the range.
Besides climbing, and especially in the off-season, I can be found skiing or mountain biking in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and occasionally in the deserts of neighboring Utah. The White Rim trail near Moab, UT, has some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen! This is cartwheeling over the Musselman Arch, while on a oneday mountain bike of the White Rim.
For the last six winters, I have co-coached a competitive high school climbing team to the podium at the state championship. Although I have since left that position, it was a joy watching these kids push their limits and learn about themselves through climbing!
... including the Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance, a nonprofit I cofounded in 2014 based in Colorado Springs, CO. Right now our biggest project is adopting Shelf Road climbing area to ensure it is well cared for and protected for future generations of climbers and other recreationalists to enjoy. Check us out on Facebook or pikespeakclimbersalliance.org!
Shelf Road, primary winter training grounds! I work in the winter months as a professional model, and this was taken during a photoshoot for a local photographer.
I also love climbing history! This photo is from an early ascent of the Black Canyon, circa 1974! Tough climbing for the era and in a very committing style. These guys were badasses! Inspiring and motivating always great to give thanks and appreciation to those who paved the way for modern climbers.
I'm currently considering guiding part time and becoming a helicopter pilot. My dream as a pilot would be to fly in the mountains for Search and Rescue, heli skiing, or similar operations. I have been gaining information and experience around these amazing machines for the last two years, including a brief internship with Colorado Vertical Helicopters in this Robinson R-66!
