Rich Gross has been leading Sierra Club Outings in Alaska, Canadian Arctic, Rocky Mountains and California since 1989. He has also climbed a number of long alpine routes in the United States and Canada. His first backpacking trip was a Sierra Club outing in Yosemite, during which he made many mistakes resulting in his being cold, wet, tired and incredibly thrilled. He has a particular love for the wilderness because it makes him feel small and insignificant. His other passions include music (he sings in a large symphony chorus). His 24-year-old son, Zack, started backpacking at 3 years old and now is a Sierra Club leader. In his real life, Rich works for a non-profit organization that finances and develops low-income, multi-family housing.
