About
Santa Barbara
Rock Climbing
Elevating Santa Barbara climbers to greater heights.
Mission Statement
Santa Barbara Rock Climbing was created to share the distinctive character of Santa Barbara’s cliffs, canyons, and coastal mountains through experiences that are safe, meaningful, and genuinely adventurous. Our commitment to professionalism is unwavering, and we hold ourselves to the highest standard as the most experienced and well-run guiding service in the Santa Barbara region.
At Santa Barbara Rock Climbing, we see climbing as far more than a recreational activity — it’s a way to connect deeply with the natural world. A gateway to surpassing the limits you once thought fixed. A source of growth that uncovers new layers of strength, confidence, and self-trust. Every outing is designed with those principles at the center, not just as a technical exercise.
Our Roots
Santa Barbara Rock Climbing was established by Alex Bury, after years of guiding under Mathew Fienup and his company Earthworks. Alex’s guiding ambitions were originally born from a desire to live close to the rugged terrain of the Southern Los Padres. Over time, this evolved into a guiding service committed to educating, supporting, and elevating the next generation of climbers exploring the Santa Barbara backcountry and the greater Central Coast.
Alex grew up on the Central Coast and started climbing as a young kid on the very sandstone formations that now anchor his professional guiding career. He holds AMGA certification, serves as the lead guide for Santa Barbara Rock Climbing, and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the local climbing community. Alex is one of the most dedicated and prolific traditional climbers active in the region today, developing new routes and uncovering new climbing zones throughout the coastal mountains.
With more than two decades of experience exploring, climbing, and developing routes across Santa Barbara, Ventura County, and the wider Los Padres backcountry, Alex brings unparalleled expertise and an abiding passion for sharing the craft of climbing. His deep familiarity with the local landscape ensures every outing — from entry-level top-rope sessions to advanced multi-pitch instruction — is safe, inspiring, and fully grounded in the natural beauty of Santa Barbara’s mountains.
Alex’s résumé includes pioneering dozens of first ascents throughout the Santa Barbara and Ventura backcountry. His portfolio spans difficult 5.12 traditional lines, high-quality multi-pitch routes, and many sport climbs that have since become community favorites. This body of development work reflects his commitment to the craft and his unmatched knowledge of the area’s diverse sandstone and alpine terrain.
Beyond personal achievements on the rock, Alex prioritizes professionalism and client safety at the highest level. He is a proud member of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and follows the organization’s rigorous standards for technical systems and risk management. He is also an alumnus of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), where he developed foundational leadership and wilderness safety skills. His professional training includes:
• AMGA Rock Guide Course — Completed for professional multi-pitch guiding
• AMGA SPI (Single Pitch Instructor) — Certified for instruction and guiding on single-pitch terrain
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) — Current certification through NOLS Wilderness Medicine
At Santa Barbara Rock Climbing, Alex’s approach goes far beyond technical instruction. His core mission is to help people form a genuine connection to the wild landscapes of Santa Barbara — using climbing as a pathway toward confidence, resilience, and meaningful engagement with the mountains.
