Katie Griffith

Katie is a freelance writer and gear tester with GearJunkie. She has been writing about climbing, mountaineering, and backpacking for 5 years. In addition to freelance writing, she teaches clinics and runs women’s climbing events as a guide and instructor for She Moves Mountains. Based in Joshua Tree, Calif., and Index, Wash., Katie loves climbing splitter cracks in the mountains, riding her bicycle, and cooking yummy food for her friends.

Title: Contributing Writer
Email: katie.griffith107@gmail.com
Location: Joshua Tree, Calif. & Index, Wash.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiegriffith12/

Expertise

• Topics of Expertise: Rock climbing, alpine climbing, backpacking, hiking
• Years of Expertise: Ten years for rock climbing / alpine climbing, 20 years for backpacking

Education and Certifications

• Education: BA in Environmental Ethics and Policy from the University of Portland (2012)
• Years of Writing: 5
• Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide, AIARE Level 1 and Companion Rescue 
• Clubs or Association Memberships: AMGA Professional Member
• Awards or Recognitions: Guide Like Liz Award recipient (2016), First Ascent Charitable Foundation Award recipient to take Rock Guide Course (2019)
• Previous Publications: Climbing Magazine, Mount Baker Experience, REI Uncommon Path, Therm-a-Rest Blog, The Climbing Zine, Trails Magazine, Adventure Journal, NOLS Blog

A Word From Katie Griffith

I knew I would spend my career in the outdoors after my first backpacking trip to the Bighorn Mountains when I was 14. I never felt more at home with myself than I did while hiking in the rain, bushwhacking around fallen trees, and cooking mac’n’cheese over a Whisperlite.

Twenty years later, not much has changed. Climbing and the outdoors have brought me so much joy and personal growth that I feel endlessly grateful to be able to share them with others as a writer and guide.