Eric Murphy

    Eric Murphy

    Senior Guide: Kilimanjaro Program Manager, Everest, Pakistan

    A talented climber and guide, Eric is a 35 year resident of the Pacific Northwest. A former competitive distance runner, and cyclist, Eric was born in Alaska and introduced to the wilderness at an early age. He has led many of our mountaineering courses in the Cascades. He has been climbing for over 25 years, and has guided trips for 16 years. Eric has vast experience in the mountain ranges of the Cascades, Rockies, Andes and Himalaya. He has led or participated in over 30 expeditions to Alaska, Canada, Kenya, Tanzania, Antarctica, Nepal, Tibet, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. His background covers technical ice, rock, and high altitude. Over the last 15 years, he has developed climbing curriculums for local organizations. Eric has guided for us in the Cascades, on Denali, Mount Vinson, Cho Oyu, Everest/Lhotse, Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro for the past 15 years. Most recently, Eric guided for us on Mt. Rainier, Kilimanjaro, Everest/Lhotse, Denali and has been helping future Everest climbers with training and consultation. Eric has led large fundraising teams and film projects on Kilimanjaro, including the 2008 film documentary – The Mountain Within. Eric is the most experienced Western guide working on Kilimanjaro, having led more than 100 trips on that mountain, spending significant time with the local Chagga peoples native to the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. Eric has led Other passions include ski mountaineering, distance trail running, ocean sailing, and winemaking. From 2006 until 2015 Eric was a founding member, partner and winemaker for Ott & Murphy wines, located on Whidbey Island, Washington State. Eric lives on South Island, New Zealand with his wife Melissa and young son Conner. Tramping (hiking) being Kiwi passion, the family enjoys abundant time in nature close to the mountains and the sea. Eric is passionate about introducing Conner to the mountains and cultures of the world.

    20-year

    Significant Ascents

    Everest 8848m, Nepal Multiple summits
    Mt. Lhotse, 8516m, Nepal (1 Personal – Solo) Standard route
    Kilimanjaro (105+ guided, 4 routes) Machame, Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Umbwe
    Kilmanjaro circumnavigation in a day – 66 miles, 16,000 feet gain
    Denali (13 guided, 2 personal, 2 routes) W. Buttress, W. Rib, 2 Casin attempts
    Aconcagua (6 guided, 1 personal) False Polish, Polish glacier routes
    Vinson (5 guided)
    Shinn (1 guided)
    Cerro Fitzroy (2 personal) Supercouloir, California routes
    Cerro Poincenot (2 personal) Whillans route, 1 solo
    Cerro Guillamet (1 personal) Fonrouge route
    Huascuran Sur (2 Personal) Standard, Shield route solo
    Alpamayo (1 personal) French Direct route
    Chopicalqui (1 personal) Standard route
    Huandoy Este (1 personal) Lowe route
    Huanya Potosi (1 personal) Standard route
    Mooses Tooth (3 personal) West ridge, Ham & Eggs, Shaken not stirred routes\
    Mt Kenya (2 personal)
    Mt Slesse (2 personal)
    Mt Stuart (3 personal) N. Ridge, W. ridge, Stuart glacier couloir
    Eldorado (guided, personal, ski)
    Early Morning Spire
    Forbidden Peak (personal, guided)
    Mt Challenger- Picket Range
    McMillan Spire – Picket Range
    Mt Terror- Picket Range
    Mt Fury- Picket Range
    Numerous Cascade alpine climbs
    Rainer (40+ guided, 6 routes, winter, ski) Emmons, Liberty Ridge, Ptarmigan Ridge, Willis Wall, Fuhrer Finger, DC
    Baker (40+ guided, 4 routes, winter, ski) Coleman-Deming, Easton, North Ridge, Coleman Headwall
    Glacier Peak (3 personal, 2 routes) Sitkum Glacier, Frostbite Ridge
    Adams (2 personal, ski)
    Shasta (winter, ski)
    Numerous Canadian winter ice routes – Curtain Call, Polar Circus, Weeping Wall

    Certifications

    • Wilderness First Responder
    • Avalanche Level II
    • Leave No Trace Trainer
    • AMGA Alpine Guides Course

    From India Trek: When Gordon announced an exploratory trip with trekking, I made the decision to participate. From beginning to end it was a dream come true. The sights, sounds, people, food, and majestic landscape were truly an incredible experience.

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