We booked a climbing trip through AOTG on a local friend's recommendation. I was skeptical - I prefer working with smaller companies. But our guides, Jake and Race, were fun to hang out with and excellent at their job. They were laid back and encouraging while keeping everything safe, and their love of climbing was infectious.

We started on two fun but easy climbs, then progressed onto routes that were challenging but still doable. As a group we're somewhere between solid beginners and low-level intermediates, and the routes they chose were just right. Because we had two guides it never felt like we were waiting for them to set up the ropes. In a full day of climbing we hit nine pitches at two separate areas, which left us worn out but very happy.

I don't have much to compare it to - we're mostly gym climbers - but climbing at the New is so, so fun. Hiring guides isn't cheap, but Race and Jake earned every penny. If you're making the trip, ask for them and be sure to leave a nice tip.