About our climbing guide service       

What we stand for

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What we stand for *

Forged Guides is a premier climbing guide service that operates in the scenic surroundings of Interstate Park. Less than an hour from Minneapolis/St. Paul, situated perfectly to cater to the thrill-seekers or individuals looking to try something new. We offer unparalleled expertise in both climbing and hiking adventures. Our main objective is to ensure that every client, regardless of their background, is able to embark on a journey that pushes the boundaries of their comfort zone.
At Forged Guides, we firmly believe in curating an unforgettable experience for every individual who joins us. Our commitment is solidified in the Forged promise, which guarantees that we will personalize each trip according to your specific goals and aspirations. Whether you are a seasoned climber or a novice hiker, our highly skilled and professional staff is dedicated to providing exceptional guidance and support throughout your journey.
One of our key principles is maintaining low client to guide ratios, ensuring that your experience receives the utmost attention and care. By keeping our groups small, we are able to foster an intimate and tailored environment that caters to each participant's needs. Additionally, we prioritize your involvement and input, recognizing that your journey should be as unique as you are.
So, embark on a journey like no other with Forged Guides! Let us take you on a thrilling adventure, where you will not only conquer new heights but also create memories that will last a lifetime. Together, we will overcome challenges, explore uncharted territories, and awaken the bold spirit within you. Join us today and let the magic of a personalized outdoor experience unfold before your eyes!

Two young boys rock climbing on a vertical rock face with water below, wearing helmets and climbing gear.
A person rock climbing on a steep cliff with green trees around and a blue sky with clouds and birds overhead.
A young woman rock climbing outdoors, wearing a helmet and harness, pointing upward with her right hand.
A person wearing a helmet and climbing gear is sitting on a rocky cliff face, smiling and making a hand gesture, with a long rope hanging down beside them.
Two rock climbers, a man and a boy, on a rocky cliff surrounded by green trees, with climbing gear and safety ropes, under a clear blue sky.

Who we are

A person with curly hair smiling and sitting outdoors in a desert landscape, wearing a multi-colored jacket and khaki pants.


  • Climbing Guide (Forged Guides Founder)

    See some reviews of Mason here

    Born and raised in small-town Wisconsin, Mason first rock climbed as a step in earning his Eagle Scout with BSA, naturally. However, he did not really get into climbing until he started working at a wilderness adventure camp in Virginia. Mason let rock climbing sculpt his path forward as he chisled it into a career as well as a passion (borderline obsession). He has guided in three corners of the United States and is planning on making it four, you guess which one is missing! While traversing the country has been exhilarating, returning to the tranquil embrace of the Midwest, once more, has rekindled a sense of belonging within him. Ask this guy about Leave No Trace ethics!

    AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor (SPI)

    AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide

    Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

A woman wearing a bright orange helmet and a purple jacket with green accents, outdoors with blue sky, taking a close-up selfie.


  • Climbing Guide

    Annika grew up in Stevens Point, WI where she had her first real taste of climbing in her high school’s Adventure Leadership class. One thing led to another and she got her degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management at Northern Michigan University. After working (and climbing) in the Appalachian region for a few years, Annika now lives in Marquette, MI. She loves hopping over to WI and MN to guide, but when she’s in the UP, Annika is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Michigan Ice Climbing Festival and helps run the Upper Peninsula Climbing Coalition’s youth climbing program. She also works on a local organic farm and adores her two cats.

    Get Stoked Girls Podcast Episode

    AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor (SPI)

    Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

A man with a beard and mustache wearing a yellow helmet and yellow tank top outdoors near rocky terrain and trees, during daylight.

  • Climbing Guide

    Originally from Wanderoos, WI, known for its peaceful landscapes and small-town charm. Drawing from a rich background in outdoor leadership, serving for 5 years as a Scout in the Army and extensive experience as a backpacking trip leader in the Appalachian mountains, Lucas brings a unique perspective to climbing adventures. There passion was ignited during Lucas’s first rock climbing experience in Interstate Park WI, where the stunning basalt rock formations along the St. Croix River captured lucas’s heart. Since then, they has sought out and tested themself at various challenging rock formations across the United States. Looking ahead, Lucas eagerly anticipates pushing his limits and conquering new heights at legendary spots like Seneca, Red Rocks, and the astounding Devils Tower that beckon them with their awe-inspiring beauty and thrilling challenges.

    Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT)

    Aspiring AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI)


  • Climbing Guide

    Ya started climbing in 2001 as a member and later a trip leader in the Peking University Mountaineering Association in Beijing, China. While living in Michigan for graduate school and postdoc, she spent 10 years calling the Red River Gorge her home crag. Since moving to Minnesota in 2016 working as a botany professor, she’s been pleasantly surprised by the climbing here, especially Taylors’ Falls, Willow River, and the North Shore, while frequently traveling out west. Her favorite climbs are long, moderate, and scenic multi-pitch trad and alpine rock, and she seems to always be attracted to crack climbs of weird sizes. For the past 20+ years, she’s climbed throughout the US, as well as in China, Canada, and Mexico. 

    AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide

    Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

  • We had a great time with Mason! He was friendly and patient with me and my 10-year-old son since we were beginner climbers. He did a great job choosing routes that were fun and just challenging enough for us. He was very safety-conscious and we always felt we were in good hands. Signing up on the website was also very easy to do and clear. I highly recommend for a great value and fun experience.

    ~Jacob Jantzer

  • I truly could not have imagined a better rock climbing experience! As a first time climber, our guides were encouraging, informative and made me feel so safe. The energy throughout the whole day was incredible. I will definitely be back for more with Forged Guides!

    ~ Alexandra Zimmerman

  • The second tour we sent our 14 year old alone with Mason for bouldering, climbing, and scrambling. Our son had the time of his life! As an added bonus Mason also took pictures of us and sent them to us. We have done many different tours in our vacations throughout the years and Forged Guides definitely tops the list on friendliness, fun , and safety. Thank you for the great time Mason!

    ~ Cindy Hauze

  • I absolutely LOVED my day climbing with Forged Guides! They upheld both a safety and fun focused attitude, which allowed me to feel SO comfortable as a first time outdoor rock climber!

    What truly set Forged Guides apart, was their level of care they showed to everyone in our group. They took the time to understand our individual skill levels and comfort zones, encouraging us to push ourselves if we wanted, while still feeling supported every step of the way.

    ~ Cheyanne Carlin

  • Forged Guides’ Mason and Defne were amazing! I had been climbing at gyms for a while and wanted to make the transition outside in a safe and comfortable way, and they were the perfect people to help me do that! Friendly, professional, supportive but never patronizing, I couldn’t have asked for a better team. Go check out Interstate State Park with them, or other climbing spots around MN/WI!

    ~ Ellie Kincade