James Dziezynski

Colorado-based author, writer, and adventurer.

➡️ View James’ work on Outside here.
➡️Or check out his most recent articles on Backpacker here.
➡️How about articles from Colorado’s own Elevation Outdoors?

James is the best-selling author of Best Summit Hikes in Colorado, Best Summit Hikes: Denver to Vail, and The Best Indian Peaks Wilderness Hikes. His writing has appeared in National Geographic Adventure, Discover Magazine, Outside Magazine, The Denver Post, Backpacker, Elevation Outdoors, RootsRated, Boulder Weekly, and many other publications. He studied Literature and Philosophy at Marist College and mountaineering and outdoor skills at the National Outdoors Leadership School (NOLS).

In his 20-plus years as a professional writer, James’ words have captured his curiosity, enthusiasm, humor, and thoughtfulness on a wide range of subjects. Outdoors adventure, travel, science, philosophy, dogs, video games—anything with a great story waiting to be told.

He has climbed all 58 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks and over 800 named peaks in the Rocky Mountains, as well as climbing, hiking, and backpacking throughout the US. His international adventures have taken him to exotic destinations, including kayaking across the fjords of east Greenland, climbing in west Greenland, hiking in Antarctica and South Georgia Island, peak-bagging in Japan, and cave-exploring in Trinidad & Tobago. James is also a US State Highpointer, currently at 38/50.

James, his wife Sheila, and their dog Quartz on his gotcha day.

James lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife Sheila and their rescue border collie Quartz. Besides hiking and climbing, he enjoys mountain biking, playing and recording music, collecting and restoring classic video games, and world history. He is currently the SEO Director at Outside, Inc.

You can learn more about James through his words on his blog, in his books, or in his many publications.