GeneO Desideraggio

Head Routesetter, Naturalist, & Bouldering Guide


Head Route Setter, Staff Naturalist, Bouldering Guide, & Youth Programs

GeneO began climbing on a crag in his hometown in Connecticut and then moved to Vermont to pursue a degree in Forestry with a minor in Geology at the University of Vermont. He began working for Petra Cliffs in June 2017 and has been stoked to become a part of the Petra climbing community. GeneO is one of Petra's four USAC Level 1 setters and he moved into the Head Routesetter role in February 2022. When he isn't climbing or working at the Petra Cliffs front desk, GeneO spends his time in the outdoors learning about nature, anywhere with a mountain view, or in the pottery studio. GeneO graduated with a B.S. in Forestry in 2019, and also completed the Vermont Master Naturalist Program that same year. He hopes to use his knowledge of the natural world to help educate others about nature and encourage stewardship of our outdoor spaces. 

Join GeneO for a day of outdoor bouldering!

Routesetter Profile:

Setting Initials: GD

Preferred Pronouns: He / Him

If you see me in the gym I will be: Playing around on the slab or making up a route

Favorite Wall Angle to Set: Vertical 

Favorite Type of Hold to Set With: Slopers

Year You Started Climbing: 2013

Favorite Crag Snack: Beef Jerky 

Certifications: USAC Level 1 Routesetter  |  AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor