Mary Murphy
331 articles

Mary Murphy

Contributing Writer

Title: Contributing Writer
Location: Denver, CO
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marym-murphy/
Pronouns: she/her/hers

 

Expertise

  • Topics of Expertise: Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Running, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Sport Climbing, Ice Climbing, Skiing, Dog Gear
  • Years in Expertise: 10+
  • Number of Products & Number of Hours Tested: 700+ products, 5,000+ hours

Education & Certifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in English, Creative Writing, Minor in Journalism, Colorado College
  • Years of Writing: 7+
  • Certifications: WFR, CPR, ACA Flatwater & Swiftwater Rescue, SSI/PADI
  • Club/Association Memberships: AORE, Colorado 14ers Initiative (CFI), Backcountry Beauties
  • Awards/Recognitions: The John Hopkins Book Award
  • Previous Publications: 5280 Magazine, Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado College Alpine Journal/Outdoor Journal

Career Highlights

  • Section-hiking on the AT, CT, and CDT
  • Setting a self-supported SUP circuit record in Bowron Lakes, BC, Canada
  • Gravel biking in St. George, Utah
  • Running rapids on the Colorado River (whitewater SUP and kayak)
  • Running SufferFest trail runs
  • Ice climbing at Ouray Ice Festival, Lake City Ice Fest, and All In Ice Fest
  • 5/8 Colorado Via Ferratas and counting
  • Countless powder days while gear testing

A Word from Mary Murphy

I began writing professionally for my college’s alpine journal and outdoor publications, and soon after began my career in the outdoor industry working in outdoor education, while also writing for various publications here in Colorado. I’ve written for daily papers, city magazines, and worked as a freelancer and on staff for digital publications. It’s been my dream and love ever since I was young to intertwine writing and the outdoors. My personal interests include hiking, pack-paddleboarding, cooking, 1000-piece puzzles, and traveling the world. When I’m not writing, you can find me hiking around Colorado with friends and family, or at the top of a local 14er.


Josie Fouts straddling her bike, pointing towards route on horizon

teva sandals with colored drawing halo

two 20-year-old girls posing on their mountain bikes

skier doing trick off rock at Red Bull Raid

daniel woods climbing on "Sleepwalker" v16 boulder problem

Black biker attaching seat bag to bike

man kneeling next to orange pack facing a kangaroo

man in red jacket next to GMC truck with his dog in fishing waders

Nouria Nouman in blue kayak going down massive waterfall

Lava Livestream: Watch Drone Flyover of Iceland Volcano

cyclist biking across flat trail at pink sunset

hiker wearing blue leggings and HOKA collab shoes leaning against rock

two women riding bikes over bridge, title reads "All Bodies on Bikes"

madison river

Black lab running ahead of skiers in snow

A green Igloo Playmate cooler resting on sandy trail in sunshine

Black female surfer Danielle Lyons holding board on beach

skiers bushwhacking through pacific northwest forest with skis in A-frame setup on packs

two runners running down trail with sun setting in background

A view of pine tree and snow covered Bear mountain looking north

The Bicycle Nomad Erick Cedeño in field with teal blue framed bike

man running in red shorts barefoot down lane of snow

a raft along a calmer whitewater feature in a whitewater park in Franklin, NH

female ski coach standing with pre-teen girl skier

female cyclist in forest green jersey and black POC helmet

close up of cyclist clipping into Wahoo Fitness new speedplay pedals

Lahota skier connor ryan skiing downhill through powder at Eldora Mountain

Spruce founders Eli and Leah together holding their puppy

Man standing in gold Patagonia Nano Puff jacket outside

Female paddler in beanie in Mustang Helix Drysuit