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.


one person running over icy tundra in Lake Baikal Ice Marathon

two guys riding bikes carrying surfboards and gear along two lane road

climate neutral black and white hangtag

BLM land Handies Peak

mirna valerio stepping over branch as she hikes through creek

Marek Holocek hiking over boulder field

Kona Remote 160 E-bike

Female with short hair climbing in HoldBreaker Sports Bra

Braven speaker snowy landscape

scarpa maestrale rs 2017 ski boot review

Rumpl Nanoloft Puffy Blanket Mountain on Van

Skier Kelly Sildaru catches big air.

Stig Pryds Diving deep in ocean with arms outstretched

Fishers Peak in southern Colorado, photo by Nature Conservancy.

African American hiker Tyrhee Moore looking up towards mountains

Geoffrey Kamworor holding world record sign at finish line

man standing on mountain top with arms outstretched with his bike nearby

man in green jacket with headlamp looking up at stars at night

man doing backflip on bike midair in Utah

Jezza Williams in wheelchair paragliding towards beach view

one man and one woman riding e-bikes towards camera

A New Kind of Environmental Steward: The Ciggy Board Boys

Person running downhill muddy course in Kitzbühel

Screaming Deals: Outdoor Gear Savings of the Week

Kathmandu b-corp

Decathlon Rocky screwgate carabiners for climbing

leatherman G10 multi-tool in red and orange, one is open one is closed

Running Expert Explores History of Shoes in Newest Book

skier pointed downhill with bright sun in background

Emerging Gear: Cross-Country Bike, Survival Gear, Musical Sunglasses