Mike Murphy

I first began guiding the trans-sierra trail as a professional guide for the City of Visalia, CA recreation department in 1983. This trail has become a part of me. I’ve led at least one group of 10-15 individuals across this same trans-sierra trail each year since 1983. I keep going back because this trail keeps giving back. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the face of students and adults alike who complete this trek and realize they can accomplish anything they put their mind to.

I’m also a Sierra Club National Outings Leader. I’ve led backpacking trips for the Sierra Club almost every year since 1991. In 2002, I participated in “American Frontiers: A Public Lands Journey,” a two-month trek co-sponsored by the National Geographic Society. I’m a geography nut at heart, and served on the California Geographical Society Board of Directors from 1995 to 2009.

Oh, yeah, I’ve completed the John Muir Trail five times… eh, almost five – a helicopter pulled me out from Crabtree on my last run – that was a first! I proposed to my wife on top of Whitney at the end of the second JMT trip (she said yes!). I’ve stood on Whitney 44 times and counting, and have logged over 4,000 miles of backpacking experience. When not in the back country, I’m a resident of Clovis, California, and a full-time 5th grade teacher at Gettysburg Elementary.