Rachel Molstad

Rachel grew up in Oregon and attended college in her home state, earning a degree in International Relations before beginning a series of explorations of many regions of the world, living in several different countries from Asia to Europe. Since 2013 she has made La Paz, Bolivia her home base after discovering a love of exploring the region’s remote glaciated peaks and granite walls. She has been guiding full time since 2014 across various regions of the world including Bolivia, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, and the Pacific Northwest of the US. Rachel has extensive experience in high altitude and international expeditions and has guided climbers to 6000 meter plus summits on over 200 occasions. She has completed numerous female first ascents of technical routes on the highest peaks of the Bolivian Andes, along with a few first ascent routes on lesser explored peaks. Her fluent Spanish language skills are an asset on South American expeditions. When lower elevation beckons, her favorite pastime is exploring lost trails in the Amazon and cloud forest regions of Bolivia.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Mount Hood, Oregon

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
My favorite climbing partner, my husband

What’s always in your snack bag?
Chocolate

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Exploratory personal climbing, bushwhack searching for lost ancient Andes to jungle trails, and roam remote corners of Bolivia

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers?
Mountaineering can take you in so very many different directions. Explore what inspires you and don’t be afraid to get off the beaten track.