Introducing Sam McCulloch: A New Adventure in Mental Health and Guided Backpacking
At Desert Hiking Company, we’re always striving to create meaningful, transformative outdoor experiences. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new collaboration with Sam McCulloch, owner of Radiant Sun Therapy in Flagstaff, Arizona. Together, we’re blending our expertise in guided multi-day adventures and mental health counseling to offer a unique style of backpacking trips designed to inspire growth, resilience, and well-being.
Who Is Sam McCulloch?
Sam McCulloch is more than just a licensed mental health counselor—he’s a passionate advocate for using nature as a tool for healing and personal growth. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, Sam has dedicated his career to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. Through his private practice, Radiant Sun Therapy, Sam has supported countless clients in achieving balance, purpose, and well-being.
Sam’s commitment to mental health extends beyond his private practice. He has worked with the Whale Foundation, offering confidential counseling to the Grand Canyon river guiding community. His experience addressing the unique struggles of outdoor professionals has made him a trusted figure in the guiding community and a natural fit for our new partnership.
Bringing Radiant Sun Therapy to the Trail
Our collaboration with Sam isn’t just about offering wilderness adventures—it’s about creating intentional journeys that blend the healing power of nature with professional mental health support. Here’s what makes these trips so unique:
- Pre-Trip Consultation: Before hitting the trail, Sam will meet with clients to discuss their goals, expectations, and mental health preparation. This ensures each participant feels emotionally prepared and sets the stage for a transformative experience.
- On the Trail: As a co-guide on the trip, Sam will not only help lead the group through the stunning landscapes of the Southwest but will also provide emotional support and opportunities for mindfulness, self-reflection, and connection.
- Post-Trip Integration: After the adventure, Sam will offer follow-up consultations to help clients process their experiences and integrate lessons learned on the trail into their everyday lives. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of the trip continue long after the last mile is hiked.
Q&A with Sam McCulloch
To give you a deeper understanding of Sam and what drives him, we sat down with him to ask a few personal questions about his journey and what matters most to him:
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in mental health counseling?
My interest in psychology began in high school when I took a course on dreams. Reading Carl Jung and Hermann Hesse introduced me to a new language for understanding the human experience, and I was immediately intrigued. As I pursued my undergraduate studies, I also began working in the helping professions, gaining hands-on experience alongside my formal education. Over the years, I worked with the Flagstaff Unified School District, Behavioral Consultation Services of Northern Arizona, and Child and Family Support Services.
After a decade of working and learning, I completed graduate school and my internship at a community mental health clinic, where I continued for another three years. However, the pace of the work left me feeling burned out and disillusioned, prompting me to seek a new path. That led me to create Radiant Sun Therapy, my private practice, where I have been working directly with clients for the past three years.
Q: Was there a particular time in nature or a memorable trip into the backcountry where the idea for bringing your practice to the outdoors came about?
I first began integrating nature into my work while supporting a teenager with autism as a personal support worker in Portland, Oregon. The family was interested in a creative approach to building life skills and providing meaningful learning opportunities for their son. I planned weekly outings that often included adventures to nature parks and outdoor spaces, where we spent time hiking and exploring. Through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of nature—how its multi-sensory environment fosters healing, growth, and stronger connections.
Years later, when I discovered hiking and backpacking as both a personal passion and a way to access transformative adventures, I began envisioning ways to create a healthy work-life balance while sharing these lessons with my clients and the broader community. Over time, this dream evolved into a collaboration with Louie and the Desert Hiking Company, and I’m incredibly excited that we are bringing it to life this year!
Q: What is your favorite hike in the Grand Canyon and why?
The Hermit Trail in the Grand Canyon is my favorite hiking route because it offers a perfect blend of solitude, challenge, and breathtaking scenery. Unlike the more crowded corridor trails, Hermit feels rugged and untamed, allowing for a deeper connection with the canyon’s raw beauty. It also holds deep personal meaning for me. I’ve hiked it multiple times, including a special trip with my wife
Q: What excites you most about partnering with Desert Hiking Company?
I’m thrilled to be collaborating with The Desert Hiking Company to create adventure tours that blend exploration, personal growth, and connection with nature. My passion lies in using the wilderness as a space for transformation—where challenge meets self-discovery, and the vast landscapes invite reflection and resilience. The Desert Hiking Company shares this vision, with a mission rooted in fostering me aningful outdoor experiences that go beyond just recreation. Their deep knowledge of the Grand Canyon, combined with their technical expertise and focus on safety, ensures that every journey is both transformative and well-supported. With their high-quality gear, logistical planning, and skilled guides, participants can fully immerse themselves in the experience, knowing they are equipped for both adventure and personal growth. This partnership allows me to integrate my background in experiential healing and wilderness guiding with their expertise, creating journeys that are safe, enriching, and truly unforgettable.
A New Chapter in Adventure and Healing
This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for both Desert Hiking Company and Radiant Sun Therapy. Together, we’re offering a one-of-a-kind experience where backpacking and mental health intersect, creating adventures that are as emotionally enriching as they are physically rewarding.
We’re excited to see where this journey takes us and can’t wait to share these incredible experiences with you. Whether you’re seeking a mental reset, personal growth, or simply a meaningful escape into nature, these trips offer something truly special. Stay tuned for more updates, trip announcements, and behind-the-scenes stories as we bring this vision to life!
