Will Buckman:
-16 years rock and ice climbing experience
-10 years teaching and guiding
“There is a beauty in this area that opens to the fortunate soul who dares to ascend.”
I grew up in the Black Hills. My life experience began in this amazing area. I started climbing at Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, and Custer State Park over sixteen years ago and began working as a rock climbing guide in 2004.
The climbing education began in college. I crammed a 4-year degree into 6 1/2 because fall colors, spring flowers, and crisp rock felt like my double-major. My parents had their doubts, but stayed supportive. I now hold a Bachelor of Science in English/Communication from Black Hills State University in beautiful Spearfish, SD. Education is what keeps us sharp... so does climbing. I believe there is great value in both.
After college, I eventually started working as a NPS Climbing Ranger at Devils Tower. Throughout this time, I've gained extensive knowledge of the history and cultures surrounding the Tower and Black Hills along with the vast number of climbing routes in these areas.
Over the years, I've spent eight seasons working for the National Park Service. During that time, I served as a Backcountry Ranger, Wilderness EMT, Ski Patroler, and "high-angle rescue technician"--that's a fancy term for vertical rescue.
In 2014, I graduated from the National Search and Rescue Academy and gained extensive technical rescue experience while working for Yosemite, Zion, Joshua Tree, and Devils Tower Search n' Rescue teams. Rest assured, my attention to detail regarding your personal safety while climbing will keep your mind at ease.
I've climbed all across the country: the steep 'Gunks of New York and wild limestone of El Potrero Chico, Mexico, to the great walls of Yosemite and the summit of the Grand Teton in Wyoming. I've climbed 80 different routes at Devils Tower and have over 300 summits. Literally hundreds of clients and friends have been guided safely--I will do the same for you.