Why Yarrow?
Yarrow is a flowering plant, native to the temperate regions of North America and beyond. Its characteristic clusters of small white flowers and almost feathery leaves are a common but no less delightful sight in the mountains of northern New Mexico. In addition to its beauty, the yarrow plant is bestowed with many medicinal qualities and has a long history of use in cultures around the world.
It is both its ubiquitous nature and veritable power to heal that inspires us to use this plant as our namesake . It is our intention to bring accessibility and care into the experiences we share with our clients, and support all those we serve in their vertical journey, as we believe deeply in the inherent potential for healing and transformation in climbing.
Yarrow Mountain Guides was founded by Christian Sommer and Tommy Jackson, two local climbing guides each with more than a decade of experience facilitating, guiding and adventuring in the outdoors. We are passionate about increasing accessibility in the world of rock climbing, sharing our reverence for the magic and beauty of the high desert, and supporting others in engaging with the land in the unique ways that rock climbing affords. We are a small, value-driven team dedicated to delivering bespoke and inspired experiences to all who seek out our services. In an effort to live our values, we donate 10% of all profit to local charitable organizations.
Yarrow, Achillea millefolium
Our Guides
Christian Sommer
Born in Santa Fe, Christian began adventuring in the high desert of northern New Mexico at a tender age, and has been fortunate enough to spend his whole life immersed in a variety of outdoor pursuits. Across a decade-long climbing career, he has had the privilege of climbing primarily in the desert southwest, with intermittent excursions to farther off places like Wyoming and Patagonia. For over nine years, Christian worked as a facilitator of therapeutic adventure experiences with a local non-profit for vulnerable populations in New Mexico. He is an avid backcountry skier, backpacker, and is even trying out mountain biking with only mild trepidation. He is also a musician, DJ, event producer, and a complete nerd.
Certifications :: Single Pitch Guide - Wilderness First Responder - Leave No Trace Master Educator - AIARE 2 - Mental Health First Aid
Tommy Jackson
Tommy began rock climbing as a college student in 2011. From the moment his fingers touched stone, he was hooked. In the more than ten years that have passed since his life has revolved around climbing and sharing his passion through guiding and instructing. When he's not guiding Tommy loves nothing more than to drive out into the wide Southwestern landscape and spend a few days climbing and sleeping under the stars. Outside of touching rocks, Tommy’s life revolves around family, friends, and spending as much time as he can at his piano.
Certifications :: Single Pitch Guide - Vertical Rescue Technician - Wilderness First Responder - Leave No Trace Master Educator
Erica Nguyen
Erica's exposure to climbing in the wilderness and the season-chasing lifestyle began in 2010, while studying abroad in Spain. She has since climbed extensively across the Southwest from the Sierras and Baja to the Rocky Mountains and the Black Hills. By 2018, Erica was migrating between Joshua Tree National Park and Taos as a PCGI certified climbing guide. The journey to cultivate an understanding of how climbing can be a conduit for underserved young people and indigenous communities to find connection in their lives is rooted in her formative work at the Mountain Center. While there, a seed was planted to incorporate harm reduction practices in her therapeutic adventure work, and she has since provided Acu-detox through Public Health Acupuncture of New Mexico. Beyond climbing, she makes strides as a grassroots documentary filmmaker.
Certifications :: Single Pitch Guide - Wilderness First Responder
Joe Dorn
Joe loves to spend time outdoors and found climbing after going with friends while working in the outdoor education field. While he enjoys most things outdoors, climbing has become Joe's primary passion. Joe has worked in outdoor education, classroom teaching, and climbing gyms. He loves to teach and share his knowledge with clients, hopefully opening up doors for their own exploration. Joe enjoys exploring Southwest rock and looks forward to introducing clients to a variety of areas. Outside of climbing, Joe loves to drink fancy coffee, travel, and spend time with friends.
Certifications :: Single Pitch Instructor - Climbing Wall Instructor - Wilderness First Responder
