California Alpine Guides
& International Alpine Guides
is a mountain guiding & trekking service, and climbing school. We are a small company run by IFMGA internationally certified mountain guide Dave Miller who, with his tight-knit team of mountain guides, run highly personalized climbs, treks and courses around the world. No "conveyor-belt" guiding here.

We represent the highest standards of mountain guiding in the United States and the world. CAG/IAG was founded by certified veteran mountain guides and California natives Dave Miller and Scott Brown. Dave and the rest of our team bring a high level of guiding experience and professionalism to CAG/IAG. Most are AMGA certified mountain guides and Dave is IFMGA internationally certified, the highest level of mountain guide certification in the world.

We strive to help you achieve your climbing, skiing and trekking goals through cutting-edge mountain climbing instruction and distinctive backcountry adventures not only in California, but around the world. Internationally we guide throughout Europe, Mexico and South America.

With CAG/IAG you can be assured you are in good hands. On all our trips we have three primary goals:

  1. Your Safety - We never sacrifice this goal
  2. Your Enjoyment and Care - A positive experience is what we strive for
  3. The Objective - Whether a summit or the full completion of a trek or ski tour, this goals never trumps the first two. Although we do everthing we safely can to accomplish the objective at hand.

Our Service
We believe in a high level of mountain guiding. You can count on the climbing instruction you receive from our AMGA certified and trained guides is the current world standard. Our trekking trips are led by highly experienced and personable guides who provide a high level of service. The attention you receive on all our trips and courses is friendly and personalized. We love our jobs and being with our guests in the mountains! We take care of you not just from the trailhead, but from the moment you contact us. We're always available to help you with any equipment or fitness questions. When you contact us you will be talking with the owner Dave or another mountain guide, not just an office person with limited knowledge.

Our Professionalism
We believe the best mountain guide is not simply the best climber or trekker. Our small team of mountain guides are highly trained professionals with certifications from American Mountain Guides Association and the international mountain guiding assoc., the IFMGA/UIAGM. They are charismatic folks dedicated to the pursuit of mountain adventure who are passionate about their chosen career. CAG strongly supports mountain guide education and certification through the American Mountain Guides Association.

Our Value
We believe in providing you with all the tools for success. In addition to meals, all our trips include group camping equipment such as tents and cooking gear. On winter backcountry skiing and climbing trips all avalanche safety equipment such as rescue beacons and shovels are always included. Our mountain guides use only state-of-the-art technical climbing equipment. On trips that do not include lodging, we are always happy to help you arrange accommodations and give travel advice.

Our Commitment
We believe our first commitment is to you, the mountain guiding client. Your well-being and safety are paramount. We believe in stewardship of the land on which we work and play. We strictly hold to Leave No Trace principles, which means we leave the land in the same, or better, condition in which we found it. We teach LNT principles on all our trips. The land belongs to everyone and must be preserved for all to enjoy.

Permits and authorizations

California Alpine Guides holds permits with the Humboldt/Toiyabe and Inyo National Forest Service, Dept. of Agriculture and the Lassen, Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park Service, Dept. of the Interior and operate internationally withing the laws of each country. CAG is an equal opportunity employer.

"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."