Mountain Guide, Instructor, Adventurer.

Why Choose Gallant Wind Guiding?

Meet James Gallant
With over a decade of experience in mountaineering, rock climbing, canyoneering, and backcountry travel, I’ve led unforgettable trips across the U.S. — from the red rock canyons of Arizona to the high alpine of California and Colorado.

I’m an AMGA Apprentice Rock & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Master Educator — and also a bit of a backcountry gourmet chef. I don’t believe in shortcuts that sacrifice safety, learning, or the landscape. But I do believe in adventures that taste like chocolate cake and leave you stronger than when you started.

My goal? To take the guesswork out of your planning, to make the outdoors feel like home, and to help you reach your version of “the summit” — whatever that may be.

Wherever the wind takes you.

When you book a trip with Gallant Wind Guiding, you’re not just hiring a guide — you’re joining a community of people who believe in adventure with purpose. Here's what sets us apart:

  • Truly Personalized Service – Every trip is tailored to you. Whether it’s your first time in the backcountry or your fiftieth, we match the pace, challenge, and teaching style to your needs.

  • 24/7 Direct Access to Your Guide – Got a question at 10 p.m. before your flight? No problem. You’ll always have a direct line to your guide — no call centers, just real connection.

  • Backcountry Gourmet Meals – No freeze-dried mush here. Think fresh, flavorful, hearty meals that keep spirits high and bellies full. (Yes, there’s dessert.)

  • Custom Swag – Overnight and select trips come with exclusive Gallant Wind sun hoodies — a wearable reminder of your adventure.

  • More Than a Trip: A Launchpad – James’ global guiding experience means he can offer advice on your next big adventure — even if it’s not with us.

  • One-on-One Instruction – Learn map and compass, rappelling, snow travel, or alpine anchors. We break down complex skills in a way that clicks — and sticks.

  • Ethical & Earth-Minded – We practice what we teach. With a certified Leave No Trace Master Educator at the helm, every trip is designed to protect the places we love.

  • Support a Small Business with Big Impact – When you book with Gallant Wind, you’re directly supporting a guide who cares deeply about your experience and this planet.

  •  James is truly gifted at what he does and I felt he provided not only a best-in-class guided adventure, but also importantly one where we always felt safe and prepared. James exhibits incredible patience, a positive attitude, flexibility, extensive knowledge, and safe guidance

    — Christie

  • " Just wanted to say real quick that James was great , I really appreciated that they made sure we did everything the right way. They were knowledgable and kind. Two thumbs up!   We are planning on coming back next summer!"

    -Joe

  • "Had such a great time with everyone on this trip! It was a pleasure to meet and climb with our group. Big thanks toour guides for making this a successful and more importantly safe trek and successful summit for everyone! Best of luck and safety on your next climbs!"

    -Rob

  • "James Gallant was my guide up Liberty Bell and he literally made the trip an absolute blast for me!  I cannot express how much fun & safe he made me feel.  He is a fantastic guide!  I really want to express my gratitude for him!"

    -Sarah

  • "HELLO! Thanks everyone for such a wonderful couple of nights under the stars and days in the mountains. I love the reset from fast pace and noise of everyday life. Let’s keep adventuring it was a great group. I am going to practice cards so I can give you some real competition next time. James, how was half dome?  Cheers"

    -Kate

  • "Through my observations you are a professional, highly technical, and you have shown expertise and empathy to the guest.  I am sure you will continue to be successful."

    -Ted L.

  • "Thank you for all of the pics!   Just wanted to send a personal Thank you!!!  This was such an amazing and transformative trip for me personally. I’ve wanted to climb Whitney for a few years now so thank you for making it possible! It’s amazing what we can do when we are determined!   I truly appreciate you and how you got us through the climb!   Hope you have a wonderful week doing it again.:).  Will be in touch for future adventures! "

    -Kelly:)

  • We had a great time. Our guide James Gallant was awesome. He was patient knowledgeable and gave us all individual attention. It was like having a private lesson, He was willing to continue as much as we wanted to keep going and made sure we had the basic skills down. 

    -Itzik

  • "James is truly gifted at what he does and I felt he provided not only a best-in-class guided adventure, but also importantly one where we always felt safe and prepared. James exhibits incredible patience, a positive attitude, flexibility, extensive knowledge, and safe guidance. I for one am inspired to continue to climb big, snowy mountains  All the best"

    -Christie

  • "Our class went fantastic! James was super patient and friendly. I would highly recommend this course and James to all my friends.  Thanks"

    -Priya

  •  "Thank you for an incredible experience. You are truly gifted at what you do. you provided a best-in-class guided adventure. Your patience, positive attitude, flexibility, extensive knowledge, and safe guidance are what made this trip so amazing, and I think it’s safe to say you have inspired us all to continue climbing cold, snowy, big mountains. I also want to say for me personally this trip was a much-needed respite from what’s been an incredibly difficult and challenging past year and a half. It calmed my mind and filled my soul. So thank you for helping to bring some joy and fulfillment to my life."

    Christie L.

  • I couldn't have asked for more. It was only my second time in mountaineering boots and crampons, and James took the time to teach me how to improve my steps, get more comfortable moving, use an ice axe, set a pace.. I can't say enough how helpful it all was - they had my complete trust. It was a pleasure spending the weekend and learning from people who obviously love what he does and are impressively good at it.   Best,

    -Lenka

  • Firstly, the trip surpassed my expectations in every way and this was due to your awesome guide James Gallant. His enthusiasm, professionalism, in-depth knowledge, patience (needed a lot of it!), show of care and FUN, made my experience a memorable one. While having hiked before I did feel a bit of a novice but James boosted my confidence daily.    The route was amazing, which was helped towards the latter stages by James' suggestion to break down into smaller chunks which was perfect, ending on a more relaxed hiking knowing that the major milestones were behind us.    Man can James cook! Food was delicious, the only request on the snack front was more BabyBells :-) The gear rented was top-notch and I felt I had everything I needed.    Only constructive comment would be for James to continue to invest in his card playing ... .he was easy to beat everytime :).    I will for sure book another trip soon.

    -Andrea

  • "We had a great time. I think it exposed the boys to a new world beyond what they've seen in the outdoors before. I think he got a lot out of it in his own way and will really remember the trip positively for a long time. I really like the picture of you and Colin coming down off the peak, he was pretty pleased with himself. Arran is now obsessed with learning knots now so I've given him my knots book and will dig out my climbing rope when I get a moment. I really appreciate your patience and your efforts to entertain the boys throughout the weekend, which I don't think we'd have got with every mountain guide. We'll keep you guys in mind for any future trips we plan. Hope you have a great summer of adventures! Best"

    -ANGUS

  • Thank you so much for the experience! I had so much fun! I am definitely doing this again!

    -Ray

  • "Thank you for taking care of us.  Ryan joked that he gained weight on this trip because of how much he ate.  And James, he said that all your riddles kept him moving when his feet were not willing to.Thank you all for making this trip absolutely memorable!"

    -Hang N.

  • "Thanks again for an incredible experience. I can't believe it's been a few weeks - I'm still talking about our trip and using my skills *all* the time :) Last weekend, I was in Lassen Volcanic and hiked the Cinder Cone peak. The trail up the peak ascends steeply up loose rock and I was glad I knew some fancy french steps. I also felt pretty cool pointing out the Jeffrey pines from the Ponderosa. "

    -Ellen A.