Home is Crested Butte, CO. I’m an adventure journalist with a focus in adventure travel, outdoor industry news, and human endurance. My editorial work is featured in nearly 60 publications such as Outside, Men’s Journal, Backpacker, SELF, SNEWS, Gear Junkie and Elevation Outdoors among others.
I grew up in two small mountain towns in the San Juan Mountains. A fourth-generation Coloradan, I was raised in the outdoors. At 18 years old, I moved to the state capital where I earned three degrees—English creative writing, journalism, and Italian language studies—while I worked for various publications in the travel and outdoor industries including Backpacker and 5280 Magazines. I also moved to Italy for a year to study fine art, work, volunteer, and hone my second language.
Post graduation, I launched my business as a writer, in 2013. In less than a decade, I became a recipient of ten North American Travel Journalists Association awards including a recent accolade for, “Connecting with Tarahumara through Trail Running,” an essay on my experience connecting with the indigenous community of Copper Canyon, Mexico, through our shared human enjoyment of running, a form of expression that goes beyond the barrier of language and culture.
I have worked as a live news reporter for 16 trade industry events including Outdoor Retailer and Snowsports Industries America; filed features as the Teton Gravity Research Snowboard Editor; and secured stories as a two-time international media delegate for the Adventure Travel Trade Association in Canada and Jordan. Today, I’m the WeRunFar columnist for iRunFar, celebrating inspirational individuals in the worldwide trail and ultrarunning community.
I also write authentic, credible stories for brands, many in the outdoor industry; and provide photography, social media campaigns, speaking engagements, and consultation for writing and outdoor industry career paths. Read more about my writing and content creation for brands like REI, Mountain Hardwear, and Ski.com, as well as my other services, here.
After six years of city life, growing my writing network, and living near Denver International Airport, it was due for me to return to the mountains, where I am happiest and most at balance. At the moment, I’m developing writing retreats for 2021. Away from the keyboard, I’m stoked to go splitboarding, mountain running, rock climbing, mountain biking, or do yoga in the Elk Mountains, where I explore and rejuvenate.
To reach me, please email me at morgan.tilton@gmail.com.