The Joy Trip Project

One year after Jim Whittaker and his team became the first Americans to summit Mount Everest another historic climb was achieved in Alaska. In 1964 along with 14 other climbers Charles Crenchaw became the first African-American to reach the top of Mount McKinley, also known as Denali. Achieving a height of 20,328 feet above sea [...]

Few films successfully convey the true spirit of the ecstatic existence. A new short by Fitz Cahall reveals much of the mystery behind the idea that at the heart of a life well lived is joy and the serious work of play. Called simply 35 the movie depicts the birthday challenge of climber Derek Craig. [...]

Adventure media fans got a rare online look at one of the new features set to appear late this year in the REEL ROCK 8 Film Tour. This six-minute short that posted to YouTube is based on the most recent alpine innovations of the high-speed ascender known as the Swiss Machine. Called Ueli Steck: A [...]

I admit some apprehension to being in front of the camera. As a trained observer I’ve always been more than a little reluctant to be part of the story. But when it comes to Expedition Denali I’m prepared to make an exception. To be part of the first team of African-American climbers to reach the [...]

The Joy Trip Project is pleased to present a free screening of the film High Ground by Michael Brown at the Marquee Theater in Union South on the UW Madison Campus on March 5th at 7PM. This inspiring feature follows the true story of 11 wounded Iraq and Afghan war veterans who overcome their injuries [...]

WhenAlpinisteditor Katie Ives asked me to write a story about diversity in mountaineering, I was incredibly honored and more than a little thrilled. But upon deeper reflection, I realized to my chagrin that there were only so many writers she might have tapped to address this emerging issue in the world of adventure. As I [...]