John Kear is a professional mountain guide and zealous all-around climber. He is one of only a handful of Americans to become a fully certified UIAGM guide. Nineteen years of mountain experience has taken him all over the world for work and play. From the high Alpine peaks of Alaska, the Alps, the Andes and the Himalaya to the desert crags and towers of the American Southwest, John is equally at home seeking out beautiful and challenging ascents. Specializing in demanding and technical routes he guides as Co-owner of Suntoucher Mountain Guides. His passion for first ascents and adventure climbing was born in the Sandia Mountains of New Mexico, an enchanting little range of granite fins, towers and walls just outside of his home in Albuquerque. When not away climbing and guiding in the world's greater mountain ranges, John is home in New Mexico continuing to seek out challenging new routes and share the