Sierra McMurry

Introduction

Meet Sierra McMurry—a wildlife biology PhD student, longtime routesetter, and dedicated climber who balances research, creative expression, and outdoor adventure. With nearly seven years of routesetting under her belt, nine years of climbing experience, and a knack for photography, Sierra brings both science and art to the climbing world. In this interview, she shares her journey from a Tinder date that introduced her to climbing, to big outdoor projects she’s chasing, to her love for backpacking and photographing the people she cares about.

Quick Facts

• Name: Sierra McMurry
• Occupation: PhD Student (Wildlife Biology) & Routesetter
• Years Climbing: 9
• Years Routesetting: Almost 7
• Home Crag: Moore’s Wall, North Carolina
• Dream Destination: Mongolia’s Altai Mountains
• Favorite Gym: Freestone in Missoula, MT (with Movement Rino in Denver as a close second)
• Fun Fact: She used to be a powerlifter before she found climbing

Climbing & Routesetting

Q: How long have you been a routesetter?

A: Almost 7 years.

Q: How did you get into routesetting?

A: I graduated college and was looking for a creative outlet outside of intense academia. My local gym in Missoula, Montana took me in and taught me everything.

Q: How long have you been rock climbing?

A: 9 years.

Q: How did you get into climbing?

A: A Tinder date! He took me to toprope at Pacific Edge in Santa Cruz, California. The guy didn’t work out, but climbing did. I was obsessed after my one time, so I took a belay class, made some friends, and started climbing every day—and even started working at the gym less than a year later.

Q: Where are your normal outdoor climbing spots?

A: Moore’s Wall in North Carolina is my closest-to-home spot. But I frequent Joe’s and Vegas multiple times a year. Big sandstone geek.

Q: What are your current climbing projects? And how long have you been projecting them?

A: The Following:

• Tsunami (V8) at Moore’s Wall: I’ve only given it two sessions so far, but I’m hoping to take it more seriously this fall. It’s a beautiful overhanging crimp line with heel hooks and big moves at the top—definitely hard for the grade.
• Kelly’s Bulge (V9) at Leavenworth: I’ve had two good sessions on it. I have all the moves dialed, I just need to train endurance to link it from the bottom.
• Resident Evil (V10) at Joe’s Valley: I’ve had one serious session. It used to feel way out of my league, but with some training this past year, it’s starting to feel possible. I’d love for this to be my first double-digit boulder—it’s so iconic.

Q: Where and what is your favorite rock climbing gym to climb at? And why?

A: Freestone in Missoula, Montana will always have my heart. Great techy crimp lines that are off-balance and challenging. But now that I’ve been practicing comp climbing to improve my setting, I really enjoy Movement Rino in Denver. They always set a great range of comp-style boulders.

Q: If you were a rock climbing hold, which one would you be? And why?

A: Kilter sandstone crimp (right hand) in blue. That grip is dependable, versatile, and slick. I like to think I am those things too.

Adventure & Exploration

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you want to go? And why?

A: Mongolia is my next destination! I’ve been planning a trek in the Altai Mountains for a few years. It’s stunning and remote. As for a climbing trip, I’d love to go back to Switzerland or explore Japan’s outdoor climbing.

Q: What do you like to do for fun when you aren’t climbing?

A: I’m a huge backpacker! When I’m not at the boulders, I’m usually in the woods. This year I’ve been finding more indoor hobbies for winter—right now I’m working through recipes in a cookbook called Third Culture Cooking and trying my hand at sewing.

Photography & Creativity

Q: How did you get into photography?

A: My parents were photographers! I grew up sitting in the darkroom with my mom, watching her bring blank pieces of paper to life with her images. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Q: What is your favorite thing to photograph? And why?

A: Taking pictures of the people I love will forever be one of my favorite ways to appreciate being alive.

Q: If you could photograph anything in the world—person, place, or thing—what would it be? And why?

A: I’d love to photograph the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia. The mix of the green and brown hills, the eagles, and their handlers on horseback makes me giddy. Until then, I’m just as happy photographing my friends in the mountains on a Saturday in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Favorites

Q: Who is your favorite climber to watch? And why?

A: Janja is incredible—watching her is like watching Mozart play piano. But I also love Louis Parkinson’s videos. He’s an excellent climber and coach, and I’ve learned a lot from watching him work through problems and explain his process.

Q: What is your ideal dinner entrée and dessert after a long climbing session?

A: Fried chicken sandwich from Music City Hot Chicken in Fort Collins, CO—with fries, honey mustard, and a cold Dr. Pepper. For dessert, a Safeway donut. My food preferences have always matched that of a 14-year-old boy.

Fun Facts

Q: What’s a fun fact about you people would be surprised to find out about you?

A: I was a powerlifter before I found climbing! I still love picking up heavy things and putting them back down.

Follow Sierra’s Journey

Want to keep up with Sierra’s climbing, photography, and wildlife research?

• Instagram: @sierramcmurry
• Website (academic work): sierramcmurrywildlife.com