Our Guides

Meet Our Guides

  • Our Guides are enthusiastic and experienced outdoor educators with American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) certifications to support their scope of instruction.

    Want to join our Guide team?

    Email us! info@sdclimbingschool.org


  • Co-Founder

    Spencer Huffman is a seasoned climbing guide and co-founder of San Diego Climbing School. With over a decade of experience in leadership and program facilitation in the climbing industry, Spencer is passionate about mentoring the next generation of climbers.

    Spencer holds certifications as an AMGA Rock Guide, Single Pitch Instructor Provider and Wilderness First Responder, bringing technical expertise and a deep commitment to safety to all of San Diego Climbing School's programs. His career includes impactful roles with North Carolina Outward Bound School, where he contributed towards building a strong climbing program that sustains its impact on instructors and students today. Spencer has a personal affinity for high desert climbs in Red Rocks where he brings clients on ultra-classic routes to share his stoke while working with The Mountain Guides and Golden State Guiding. His passion for mentorship can be heard in his collaborative podcast “Everything SPI” on Ting Ting’s Female Guides Requested show. 


    As co-founder, Spencer combines his technical knowledge and facilitation skills to ensure that every participant receives a high-quality climbing experience. His vision for San Diego Climbing School is rooted in the belief that climbing can be a powerful tool for personal growth and community building. When he's not climbing, Spencer enjoys surfing and researching how to create the best cup of coffee.

  • Wilderness First Responder & CPR

    American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Certified Rock Guide

    AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide

    AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor Provider


  • Co-Founder

    Caroline is an accomplished outdoor educator, facilitator, and co-founder of the San Diego Climbing School. With over a decade of experience instructing and managing outdoor programs, Caroline specializes in blending technical skill development with community-building and personal growth. She is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Wilderness First Responder. She has over 700 field days guiding a wide range of activities across the country, including climbing, backpacking, canoeing, and sea kayaking.

    Caroline spent several years working with Outward Bound in California, North Carolina and Florida where she guided extended wilderness expeditions designed to foster resilience, leadership, and teamwork for high school/college students, adults, educators and veterans. More recently, she served as the Program Coordinator for the University of San Diego’s Outdoor Adventures program, where she led local and regional outdoor experiences for students while mentoring emerging outdoor leaders.

    Growing up in San Diego, Caroline developed a deep appreciation for the region's natural resources and rich biodiversity. She is completing her Master’s degree at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, where her focus on social entrepreneurship has shaped the mission of San Diego Climbing School. Caroline is particularly motivated to create accessible opportunities for underrepresented groups to engage with the outdoors in San Diego.

    When she’s not climbing or teaching, Caroline enjoys surfing, reading, gardening and spending quality time with friends and family. Her vision for San Diego Climbing School is to empower individuals and communities to connect with nature, themselves, and each other through meaningful climbing experiences.

  • Wilderness First Responder & CPR

    American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Certified Single Pitch Instructor (SPI)