About Eric Murphy
Eric with his wife, Melissa, and their 6-year-old son, Conner, on the summit of Mt. Meru, the fifth highest peak in Africa at 14,990 feet.
One of the world’s foremost high-altitude mountain guides, I have led expeditions on all seven continents in a career spanning more than 30 years.
Born in the wilds of Alaska, I experienced the outdoors as an ever-vital part of life. Living for 30 years in the Pacific Northwest, in Washington state, provided me opportunities to become a world-class mountaineer and pursue a career as a mountain guide. I have personally climbed or led:
More than 50 expeditions to Nepal (including Everest Base Camp), Pakistan, Alaska, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Antarctica, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Multiple Everest and 8,000-meter summits.
More than 50 summits of iconic peaks between 4,000 and 6,000 meters high, from the Central Alaska Range to the Cordillera Blanca of Peru, the Ellsworth Mountains of Antarctica, and Argentine Patagonia.
Hundreds of ascents in the Cascade mountains of the Pacific Northwest over 25 years.
More than 145 ascents of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania over the past 15 years, guiding more than 1,000 people to the summit at Uhuru “Freedom” Point (5,895 meters) and spending significant time with the local Chagga tribe who lives on the lower slopes of the mountain.
I have been a senior guide for Seattle-based Alpine Ascents International for more than 20 years, personally guiding technical high-altitude mountaineering and non-technical trekking expeditions in the world’s most beautiful mountain regions.
Murphy Expeditions brings together my passion for these special places, my deep connections to the local cultures and people who are so much a part of these experiences, and philanthropic opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the local people we meet along our journey.
This kind of adventure makes a difference in the lives of the people trekking, too. It’s not uncommon for clients to have a life-changing experience. With my guidance, they overcome a physical or mental challenge in the mountains they didn’t think they could, and they take that confidence into their career, relationships, parenting, or own personal journey to make positive changes. It’s one reason I do this work.
I live in Aotearoa Te Waipounamu/South Island New Zealand with my wife, Melissa, and young son, Conner. We keep a lifestyle close to nature, and the South Island provides for abundant adventures tramping, skiing, climbing, and cycling.
About Murphy Expeditions
Mountain adventures with Murphy Expeditions weave together luxury accommodations, cultural exploration, deep connection to the local people, and contributions to good causes.
Partners
The Timmerman Traverse brings together teams of biotech leaders to raise $1 million for good causes and embark on an often life-changing expedition. I have been a crucial, trusted partner in making the international expeditions successful since their inception in 2019.
Campaigns in 2024 support the high-risk, high-reward work of bold young scientists identified by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, as well as life-saving newborn screening for sickle-cell disease in Africa funded by Sickle Forward.
Timmerman Traverse teams also give generously to local causes dear to me. During the Everest Base Camp expedition, for example, donations go to the Alpine Ascents Foundation, which funds K-12 education for Sherpa children.
Luke Timmerman, founder of the Timmerman Traverse, has partnered with Eric Murphy since the inaugural 2019 traverse on Kilimanjaro to raise $1 million for cancer research.
Clients say…
“Eric is exceptional. He has very effective leadership and decision-making skills.”
“Superb in all dimensions.”
“One of the most effective leaders I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with.”
“Inspiring communication skills.”
“Just the right level of coaching, directing, caring, and support.”
“Beyond organized.”
“Patient yet firm.”
“Calm, knowledgeable, and never lost his cool.”
“Exceptional at transmitting information verbally (whether technical, medical, flora/fauna, cultural, Swahili) while maximizing individual understanding and autonomy. ‘Make it work for you.’ ‘You have all the information; make your decision.’”
“Masterful in guiding the group, reading the dynamics, and getting everyone to excel.”