James Murphy

Mojave Guides
Joshua Tree, California

About me

Murph is originally from Washington but he has spent the last decade climbing in New England and guiding Maine. Like many others today his first climbing experience was in the gym, however, he was lucky enough to have a traditional climbing veteran take him under his wing and outside right away. After several years as a bartender with a climbing habit, he let his passion take over and dove head first into guiding. He’s had the opportunity to climb all over the country, some favorites include Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Maine, and California. Climbing has even taken him internationally to locations like Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. Murphy is a Wilderness First Responder, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, and AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor

Certifications

James Murphy

Single Pitch Instructor/Apprentice Rock Guide


Reviews

5.0 (149 reviews)

Trip: Joshua Tree Choose Your Own Adventure Day - Full Day

With James M. on April 21, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

We had an awesome day! Our guide Murph tailored our trip to our family’s wishes and abilities. We did some rock climbing and rock scrambling. We never would have been able to do those activities on our own! Highly recommend!

By Courtney S. on April 26, 2025

Trip: Joshua Tree Rock Climbing - Full Day

With James M. on April 18, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

Had such a good time! Got to climb different routes with different styles and it felt good to get on some rock, very happy we did this!

By Jade H. on April 19, 2025

Trip: Joshua Tree Hiking - Half Day (AM)

With James M. on April 09, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

Amazing scramble over the rocks. It was the highlight of our trip (even for our 11 year old who had a whole day of water slides before this!)

By Monica H. on April 16, 2025

Trip: Joshua Tree Rock Climbing - Half Day (PM)

With James M. on April 08, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

Murphy was great! Super nice, very helpful, awesome guide!

By Brady P. on April 10, 2025

Trip: Group Half-Day Program

With James M., Taylor O., Emery H. on April 07, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

It was amazing!!! James, Taylor and Emery were incredibly knowledgeable and fun!

By Melody H. on April 08, 2025

Trip: Group Half-Day Program

With James M., Taylor O., Emery H. on April 07, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

Taylor, Murphy and Emery were wonderful guides. They made us feel safe and were very encouraging. We survived a challenging physical experience and all felt a sense of accomplishment. Thanks gentlemen!

By Sara M. on April 08, 2025

Trip: Group Half-Day Program

With James M., Ryan M., Taylor O. on March 22, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

The guides are all very friendly and knowledgeable!

By Jeremy J. on March 30, 2025

Trip: Joshua Tree Hiking - Half Day (AM)

With James M. on March 26, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

Murphy was an EXCELLENT guide! We have been to multiple state and national parks and this has by far been one of our favorite experiences. If we come back, we will definitely use Mojave Guides again.

By Gillian S. on March 27, 2025

Trip: Joshua Tree Rock Climbing - Half Day (PM)

With James M. on March 24, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

We had a blast climbing for our first time outside of the gym! Murphy was an awesome guide! He was patient, knowledgeable and encouraging! We would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to climb in Joshua Tree!

By Addie S. on March 25, 2025

Trip: Joshua Tree Rappelling - Half Day (PM)

With James M. on March 22, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

Murphy is awesome! He really made our day experi3nce the best ever!

By Maurice H. on March 24, 2025

Trip: Viator - Beginner Group Rock Climbing in JTNP

With James M. on March 18, 2025

Company: Mojave Guides

Murphy was a great guide. I would recommend climbing with him even if scared of heights.

By Andrew W. on March 19, 2025