Cancer survivor and lifelong outdoorsman Beau Carrillo embodies resilience and connection to the natural world. From skiing and mountaineering to quiet moments in the forest, nature has shaped his core values of self-reliance and gratitude. Beau continues to find healing and purpose outdoors.
Photography by David Linkletter
OSC: How has travel or exploring the outdoors shaped who you are today?
BEAU CARRILLO: That’s a great question. The outdoors has undoubtedly shaped who I am in many ways. Spending so much time outside encouraged me to travel the world—each influencing the other in shaping my core values.
I was lucky to grow up a skier, which led me to take an interest in mountaineering at a young age. Climbing mountains in the Pacific Northwest helped me build a skill set in self-reliance, connected me deeply with nature, and gave me a safe community to show up as my true self—part rebel and closet nerd. The outdoor community is full of characters, and I felt accepted for my differences.
Most of all, it showed me that there was more to life than the everyday stressors and tasks. This thing called outdoor recreation provided an escape, which somehow made me feel calm, focused, and full of excitement for life. I think so many would agree that the outdoors has helped them feel better on a down day.
Somehow, fifteen minutes down a trail opens a door for us all. Just sitting in a forest watching the birds play, or a river run, can wash everything away and return me to a more loving place. Getting past harder times in a healthy way allows us all to show up bigger to our own show. I use this tool whenever I can as an adult. To have such a healthy and healing outlet at our fingertips is a blessing. My experiences outside have touched every aspect of my life—from career to personal growth—and I am forever grateful to those who mentored me as a young man.
OSC: Who introduced you to the outdoors, and how did that shape your connection to it?
BEAU CARRILLO: I was first introduced by my parents on the local ski hill. We learned to stay warm and be athletes in the mountains, competing in ski races. Then as a teenager, I was introduced to rock climbing and mountaineering by a family of professional climbers and adventurers. I had already started bouldering outside, so I was eager to learn how to climb bigger walls and mountains.
Climbing didn't scare me—it interested me. I felt fear, but calming that fear and breathing through it has always put me in a focused place. This Roskelley family is renowned in the climbing world, and as a high-school junior with no experience, it wasn't easy to convince them I was serious. After asking a few times and showing my own dedication, they invited me to climb Mt. Bora in Idaho—supplying me with boots, crampons, a helmet, and an ice axe.
I was mystified by how everything changed as we climbed higher. The alpine was a whole new world, and I was hooked. The weather was terrible, but I couldn’t stop taking photos with my wind-up film camera. Because of that connection to the Roskelleys, I started climbing serious routes at a young age.
As a champion pole vaulter, my athleticism was apparent—but I also had a strong head and took to leading early. Being surrounded by professional climbers framed the outdoors as a place to push myself—to be great at something—but it also taught me to value the whole experience: joking with a friend, seeing an amazing sunset, giving it a shot. That sense of balance was crucial; I knew how far I wanted to take it.
Which ended up being a bit extreme for most, I did have a “hardcore” era in my early 20’s after school where I climbed a tower or two in Patagonia. But it all really lead me to be an international mountain guide in Argentina and Alaska. Taking people to the top of Denali and Aconcagua. Instructing and guiding fit my lifestyle and kept me climbing around the globe. I never would have imagined it the way it happened, but that the amazing thing about connecting with the outdoor community, it takes you places!
OSC: What does Open Space mean to you?
BEAU CARRILLO: Open Space is the natural world undisturbed. I surf these days, and when I sit out past the break watching for the next wave to come—looking out at the horizon—that's Open Space. Or standing at a lookout after a trail run—beautiful, free, unbounded Open Space.
OSC: How did your connection to nature change after your experience with cancer?
BEAU CARRILLO: Going deep here, but I love it. Cancer was the biggest mountain I’ve ever had to climb. It fundamentally changed how I view this one life and our time here.
I never thought it would happen to me, but I remain incredibly grateful for surviving it. Oddly enough, I felt somewhat prepared when it came—my risk-mitigation experience and problem-solving skills from mountain guiding gave me an upper hand.
As part of my treatment, I relied heavily on the natural world. I used (and continue to use) herbs, tonics, and daily walks on trails—even the Japanese practice of forest bathing.
So I’d say my connection with nature is more integrated with my health now than before cancer. More balanced. I’m all for an adventure, but my risk tolerance is much lower.