Thruhike: John Muir Trail

Maya Yamaguchi Sullivan

2021

Redmond, Washington

Cairn Project Ambassador Maya Yamaguchi Sullivan smiles wearing a backpack and her hiking boots tied around her neck

About Maya Yamaguchi Sullivan

“It wasn’t until I was 22 that I discovered my passion for backpacking, but I felt that learning new skills was difficult because of my age, my income, and my identity as a queer WOC. Two friends lent me their gear for my first backpacking trip, and although they couldn’t come with me, they enabled me to take my first overnight trip. I fell in love with backpacking, although I didn’t have the best gear and it didn’t fit me right. If it weren’t for these friends who gave me access to the outdoors, I may never have realized backpacking is my absolute favorite way to experience the outdoors.”

See More Ambassadors

Carlie Graham

Pico de Orizaba Infinity Loop

April Martinez

Summiting Mt. Rainier

Sophia Henze

Kayaking the Green River

Melissa Luna

Superior Hiking Trail