Educator, Guide, Community Builder and Outdoor Lover meet Meg
Meg’s love for the outdoors was sparked during unstructured childhood vacations spent exploring trails with her family. As an adult, climbing became her passion, leading her to co-found Smile Mountain Guides—a company rooted in education, stewardship, and inclusivity, including a focus on the Deaf/ASL community. For Meg, being outside isn’t just about the adventure—it's about connection, growth, and joy.
"I felt a sense of independence out in the mountains and didn’t feel the need to worry about ‘real life.’ I could take all the time I wanted to explore and understand my true self."
You grew up in Nebraska but spent your vacations out West. Can you tell us how those formative trips shaped your love of the outdoors and nature?
Our vacations were casual and unstructured, which meant a lot of time for exploring! We spent our days on the trails, looking for wildlife and learning about the natural history of the area. Among my siblings and cousins, someone would always find a cool rock, giant pinecone, or feather, and we'd all get excited about what else was out there. I felt a sense of independence in the mountains, free from worrying about 'real life.' Out there, I had all the time I needed to explore and connect with my true self.
When did you first discover climbing? Was it during one of those childhood vacations?
Actually, I first started climbing as an adult. A friend invited me to a climbing gym, and we spent a lot of time building community there and eventually working for the gym.
What drew you to the rock face and climbing?
I’m drawn to climbing because it allows me to see new places, and being up high gives such a unique perspective.
Why did you and your partners establish Smile Mountain Guides?
We created Smile Mountain Guides to be educators and guides in the outdoor space. Our goal was to provide a safe, welcoming space to explore the mountains. The learning goes beyond technical skills and terrain assessment — it’s about becoming a better partner to those you adventure with and learning more about yourself along the way.
What makes Smile Mountain Guides unique in the guiding world? How are you different from other services?
We’re passionate about fostering community and being transparent about the outdoor guiding industry. We also work closely with the Deaf/ASL community in Colorado, which has been incredibly rewarding. Our mission is to offer resources for climbers and guides to grow their skills.
As a climber, what’s your ultimate dream climb, and why?
I love that climbing is never the same for two people. I’m not usually motivated by a single line but by the process of connecting with a partner and working together toward a shared objective. That said, I’d love to return to the Santa Cruz Valley in Peru for more climbing adventures!
With climbing gyms becoming more popular, how do you see the climbing world changing?
Climbing feels more accessible and mainstream now, which is fantastic. Gyms provide a great environment for people to learn skills safely before heading outdoors. They’re also a hub for meeting other climbers and building community.
You mentioned that Smile Mountain Guides emphasizes sustainability. How big of an issue is overcrowding and its impact on local ecosystems?
Overcrowding can significantly affect the natural environments where we climb. At Smile, we prioritize education and stewardship. We keep group sizes small and learn from land managers about protecting these spaces. That knowledge gets passed along to our guests to promote responsible exploration.
Being out climbing in the desert or alpine must be tough on your skin. How do you protect it from the elements?
I wear sunscreen every day — it’s such a simple but essential step for staying healthy.
Which Utu formulation do you gravitate toward and why?
The Utu Mineral Sunscreen Stick is my favorite because it’s quick and easy to apply, and I don’t have to get sunscreen on my hands.
I’m an Outdoor Lover because …
It’s where I feel deep peace and joy.