Adventurers. Rebels. Teachers. Meet the people behind Exum Mountain Guides – the oldest and most experienced mountain climbing school in the United States. Over 90 years of history and counting. Untold stories to be shared. And here is where you can find them.
Paul Petzoldt Historical Photos – We Did It!
Thanks to generous local donors who pledged matching funds, and an incredible response by the community, our campaign to save the Paul Petzoldt Photo Collection succeeded in grand style! Petzoldt was the founder of the Petzoldt School of American Mountaineering, now known as Exum Mountain Guides. The photos include his first climb of the Grand Teton with Ralph Herron at the age of 16 and many other historical events related to climbing and guiding in the Tetons. Watch the video of the kickoff event on how Paul became the first mountain guide in the Tetons, and see the list of all the folks who made this possible on the Honor Roll.
The World Premiere of A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides was Sat, January 17, 2026 at the Center for the Arts in Jackson, WY. This Wyoming PBS documentary features Petzoldt’s story and the impact of the two organizations he founded: Exum Mountain Guides and the National Outdoor Leadership School. The film will be broadcast on PBS in the summer/fall of 2026.
Check out the Exum History Project on:
