Introduction
Sierra Knott is more than just a climber — she’s a rock climbing coach, personal trainer, world traveler, and even a reality competition alum. With over a decade of experience on the wall and five years building strength in the gym, Sierra has developed a reputation for raw power, sharp technique, and a fearless attitude. From epic off-width battles in Joshua Tree to international climbing trips and even competing on National Geographic’s Race to the Center of the Earth, Sierra brings determination, wisdom, and a love of adventure to everything she does.
Quick Facts
- Name: Sierra Knott
- Profession: Rock climbing coach & personal trainer
- Years Coaching: 4
- Years Personal Training: 5+
- Favorite Outdoor Climbing Memories: First ascents in Joshua Tree, classics in South Africa, and hidden gems in Bishop
- Indoor Gym Favorites: Flowstone (Redlands, CA), Flux Training Center (Vista, CA)
- Notable Experience: Competitor on Race to the Center of the Earth (National Geographic / Disney+)
Coaching and Training
Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I am a rock climbing coach and personal trainer.
Q: How long have you been a rock climbing coach?
A: I’ve been coaching for about 4 years.
Q: How many people have you coached in climbing? And anybody we would know in the climbing community?
A: Most of my coaching is one-on-one technique training with long-term clients, so I don’t have a huge turnover rate. I’ve probably coached around 70 climbers if you count outdoor clinics, but most are just members of the community you’d run into at the gym.
Q: How did you become a climbing coach?
A: It started as a passion project alongside personal training. I enjoyed teaching technique, had years of climbing experience, and realized I could articulate movement concepts well. With my knowledge of the body and training, it was a natural next step.
Q: How long have you been a personal trainer?
A: Over 5 years.
Q: How did you get into personal training?
A: I was always fascinated by health and fitness. I studied through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, got certified, and started working with clients right away.
Climbing Adventures
Q: What is your favorite outdoor climb? And why?
A: It’s impossible to pick just one! Here’s a short list:
- The Inquisition V6 (Joshua Tree) — introduced me to wide crack climbing, which I love.
- Garden of Forking Paths V12 (Black Mountain) — requires everything: strength, flexibility, endurance, and technical skill.
- Black Mango Chutney V10 and Molly Percocet V11 (Rocklands, South Africa) — perfect board-style climbs with beautiful views.
- Liquid Courage V10 (Joshua Tree, FA) — my hardest first ascent, sent on my birthday surrounded by friends (with the help of one fearless tequila shot).
- Fakir School V10 (Bishop) — an overlooked line with an epic Mt. Tom backdrop.
Q: Where is your favorite indoor gym? And why?
A: Recently, Flowstone in Redlands, CA impressed me with its training options and board room. I also love Flux Training Center in Vista, CA because they focus on board training. For ropes, Mesa Rim Mission Valley and Sender LAX are fun too.
Climbing Mindset
Q: What would you say your strengths are in climbing? And why?
A: My literal strength. I train hard, have strong tension, and as a smaller climber I use my reach and power to my advantage.
Q: What’s your best advice to new climbers?
A: Don’t be afraid to fail — climbing is 90% falling. Think of it like solving a puzzle and keep it fun.
Q: If you had to give yourself advice in climbing, what would it be? And why?
A: “You’re more capable than you think. Try with 100% effort — miracles happen even when odds are against you.” I’d tell myself this because I often underestimate myself, even though I’ve proved myself wrong many times.
Q: Who is your favorite professional climber? And why?
A: I don’t idolize pros. My favorites are the humble ones who don’t act elitist.
Sponsorships and Style
Q: What brands are you an athlete for? And how did you become an athlete for them?
A: I’m an athlete for TruWild (supplements), Organic Climbing (pads and gear), and Soulfire Apparel Co. (activewear). All of them connected with me through social media, and I only work with brands I truly use and support.
Q: If you were a rock climbing hold, which one would you be? And why?
A: A sharp but ergonomic micro crimp — not for everyone, a little intimidating, but strong, straightforward, and ultimately friendly once you get to know me.
Life Beyond Climbing
Q: What do you like to do outside of work and climbing? And why?
A: Traveling with my husband is my favorite thing — new places, foodie adventures, action sports, and live performances. On a normal week, I balance training with fun food, games with friends, and lifting/running days.
Q: What is your go-to music for climbing sessions? And why?
A: Outdoors, I prefer silence and the sounds of nature. Indoors, I like hardcore, metal, pop-punk, or hip-hop that gets me hyped.
On the Big Stage
Q: If you could compete on any competition show, which one would you want to compete on? And why? And how do you think you would do?
A: I already competed on Race to the Center of the Earth (National Geographic / Disney+). It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done — racing around the globe with my team through Patagonia, Chile, and Hawaii. We didn’t win, but I’m proud of my performance and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Fun Facts
Q: If you could meet any celebrity dead or alive, who would it be? And why?
A: Jesus — He’s the only one who’s not just a person.
Q: What is a fact about you people would be surprised to find out about you?
A: I used to speak French fairly fluently, I love to sing, and I’m ethnically mixed, though my Filipino heritage is the most dominant and celebrated in my family.
Connect with Sierra
Follow Sierra for climbing, training, and adventures!
Instagram: @Sierraroseknott
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