EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Annika is a professional mariner and sailor by trade. She was formally educated at Maine Maritime Academy (in her home state) and spent the better part of her 15-year career on boats, living and working on large, private sailing yachts around the world.

She recently hung up her seaboots to pursue a more stable life on land (and get to climb more). You can find her at the Trading Co. where she will happily share and amplify your stoke for climbing, mountain biking, hiking and generally any outdoor awesomeness (or help you make a reservation).

LEAD GUIDE AND SENIOR CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR | AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, WFR, LNT Educator

Jason is a local legend within in the climbing community that had a huge part in the development of Horseshoe Canyon Ranch rock climbing and its program. He started out as a gym climber in Springfield, Missouri and was quickly introduced to the sandstone of Sam’s Throne.

He did his internship at the ranch in Recreation and Leisure Studies from MSU and he never left. Throughout the years at the ranch, he has climbed extensively in the desert southwest, eastern US, Mexico, Canada, Thailand, and has had several first ascents within the ranch.

PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR | WFA

Hailing from the Driftless area of Wisconsin, Olivia earned her Associate’s degree in Fitness and Recreation Management from Madison College, where she excelled as a dual-sport athlete. Her career began as an Outdoor Recreation Instructor, where she developed skills in facilitation, rope management, and team building.

A passionate climber since 2022, Olivia managed a climbing gym before joining Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in February 2024. She aims to achieve her Single Pitch Instructor Certification by Spring 2026, bringing energy and expertise to every adventure she leads.

MTB TRAIL MANAGER | WFA

Alberto’s journey from trucking to mountain biking is an inspiring one. After 15 years in the trucking industry and 8 years of drag racing, he shifted gears to pursue his true passion—mountain biking. Now, as part of the HCR trail crew, he not only builds and maintains trails but also enjoys the thrill of biking, hiking, and climbing on the ranch.

Born and raised in Perth Amboy, NJ, his love for fast automobiles and outdoor adventures has clearly shaped his dynamic lifestyle. Alberto’s story shows that it’s never too late to turn your passion into a career.

ADVENTURE GUIDE | WFR

Allison grew up in a small town in eastern Wisconsin along the shores of Lake Michigan. At the University of Wisconsin, she explored the science behind Earth's systems while working several research jobs, but her greatest interest was understanding how people connect with the environment.

She started her climbing career as a coach at Boulders Gym in Madison, WI, where she coached a team of 8-to-12-year-olds. In early 2024, seeking a life away from an office cubicle, she transitioned to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. Though climbing brought her to the ranch, she’s found a new passion in mountain biking, competing in several enduro races throughout NWA. When not working, you can find her biking, climbing, hiking, or paddling the Buffalo.

TRAIL CREW AND COOK

Bryce grew up outside Dallas, Texas and is the oldest of three. He took a particular interest in competitive swimming early on in life and grew up playing various other sports. He started working early, doing maintenance for his HOA at 14. He spent time in Pennsylvania after high school, where he served in a Mediterranean restaurant and worked in a beer distribution center. 

He joined the ranch in 2020 as a dishwasher before becoming a cook. While he’s still in the kitchen, he’s recently taken on bike trail maintenance and enjoys spending more time outdoors. Whether in the kitchen or outside, he usually finishes the day by telling jokes to staff over the ranch radio channels. Off the clock, Bryce can be found kayaking on the Buffalo, relaxing on the barn porch, or exploring the trails.

ADVENTURE GUIDE | SPI, WFA

Originally from Orange, TX, Diego is a passionate Single Pitch Instructor currently in his fourth season at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. He discovered climbing in August 2019 and joined HCR in June 2022. In November 2023, he earned his Single Pitch Instructor certification through the AMGA. With his time spent in Arkansas, Diego has cultivated a deep appreciation for the climbing the state has to offer, fueling his mission to lead re-bolting efforts at HCR and ensuring the sustainability and safety of the vibrant climbing community he has grown to love.

Beyond climbing, Diego has been a knifemaker since 2019 and enjoys scuba diving, adding to his diverse interests. Looking ahead, he aims to one day build a career in the outdoor industry that merges his future career in marketing.

ADVENTURE GUIDE | SPI, WFR

Graedon grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where he attended the Kansas City Art Institute before pursuing his true passion in outdoor recreation and guiding.

He attended the National Outdoor Leadership School in the summer of 2022 and completed the Rocky Mountain Rescue semester, during which he obtained his Swift Water Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, High Angle Rescue, and LNT principle certifications. Following his NOLS semester, Graedon was a Cross Country Ski Instructor and Day Hiking Guide in Big Sky, MT and West Yellowstone. In the fall of 2023, he obtained his Single Pitch Instructor certification and has been utilizing the certification since May of 2024 at HCR.

BIKE MECHANIC AND GUIDE | WFA

Mason grew up local, graduating from Jasper High School in 2020. Throughout high school, he spent the majority of his time playing basketball and hanging out on the river with friends. Spending three summers after high school working as a Canoe Operator and Guide on the Buffalo River, he developed a strong passion for outdoor activities.

After joining the Horseshoe Canyon crew in September 2024, he completed a Wilderness First Aid course, obtaining his WFA certification, and attended Specialized University in February, furthering his mountain bike knowledge. Mason’s two main hobbies are mountain biking and rock climbing, so it would be hard to find him anywhere other than here in the canyon.