Eddie Taylor
Elite Climber
Intro
Meet Eddie Taylor: elite climber, lifelong skier, track & field coach, and chemistry teacher. He's is the guy who can do it all. But Eddie isn’t your average high school teacher… With a deep love for the outdoors and an exceptional athletic ability, he’s traveled the world climbing some of the most iconic peaks and summits. He’s known as “The Teacher Who Climbed Everest.” When he’s not scaling mountains, he’s back in the classroom inspiring the next generation of students. Humble, driven, and just a straight up legend, Eddie is one of the most remarkable people we’ve had the chance to work with.
Q&A
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
I'm a high school chemistry teacher and track & field coach... who also happens to climb big walls. I definitely didn’t grow up saying, “I want to grade labs and summit Himalayan peaks,” but here we are. Teaching kind of found me through a love of science and wanting to make an impact—and climbing? It’s just one of the most fun pursuits imaginable and grew into something central to my life and identity.
Favorite movie?
Interstellar. Space, time travel, black holes, and a little existential crisis—what more could you want? Plus, that soundtrack
Favorite book?
Boulder Canyon Climbing Guide Book
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
"Take opportunities that are presented to you—you never know where they’re going to lead.” That mindset has led me to some of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
Climbing—especially long, technical routes and big adventures. I also enjoy chasing my kid, training, and being outside as much as possible.
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Madagascar. Unreal climbing, lemurs, and landscapes that make you feel like you’re on another planet.
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
Baffin Island. Arctic big walls, total isolation, and probably more mosquitoes than I’d like—but I still want it.
You’re stranded on a deserted island - who is coming with you and why?
My wife. She’s steady, capable, and someone I trust completely.
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
My grandpa, whom I’m named after and never met.
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
Take opportunities when they come—you never know where they’ll lead. Be consistent, work hard even when no one’s watching, and stay curious about the world and the people in it. I’m a high school coach, so I have tons of these…
Any guilty pleasures?
Superhero movies, preferably Marvel.
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
A plain steak with just salt and pepper.
What’s your favorite element of Turtlebox?
Durability. Whether I’m outside in unpredictable weather or hauling it up a wall it holds up.
How do you use your Turtlebox?
At the crag while climbing, during track meets to keep the energy up, and on road trips with my family. It’s part of the experience now.
Name the most famous contact in your phone?
Tommy Caldwell. If you’re not familiar with climbing, I might say Adam Thielen if football is more your thing.
