Mark Parella
Navy veteran. Eagle Scout. Five of the Seven Summits. And a firm belief that the best adventures leave something behind for the people who make them possible.
A life built on preparation, teamwork and service
Mark Parella learned early that big objectives are reached one careful step at a time. As an Eagle Scout, and later as a U.S. Navy veteran, he built a foundation of discipline, planning and responsibility for the people around him. It is the same foundation every safe expedition depends on.
That mindset carried him into the mountains. Mark has climbed five of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on five continents, along with many other notable mountains around the world. Along the way he developed deep expertise in mountaineering, expedition logistics and the physical conditioning it takes to perform on long, demanding climbs.
In 2023 and 2024 he served as a team leader for the US Nepal Friendship Team's expeditions on Denali, North America's highest peak and one of the most demanding climbs on the Seven Summits circuit.
Climb Against Cancer
Mark founded Climb Against Cancer to turn his passion for the mountains into support for people facing cancer. Over six years and six expeditions, the campaign raised money for the Cancer Support Community Center of Redondo Beach, helping local people and families affected by cancer.
Mark climbs for more than the summit. He climbs for the people and places that make the journey possible.
Leadership on and off the mountain
- 2017
Founds Climb Against Cancer
Mark launches a campaign that turns mountain expeditions into fundraising for people facing cancer.
- 2017 – 2024
Six expeditions for a cause
He leads six Climb Against Cancer expeditions, raising money for the Cancer Support Community Center of Redondo Beach, California.
- 2023
Team leader on Denali
He leads for the US Nepal Friendship Team on Denali (6,190 m / 20,310 ft) in Alaska.
- 2024
Back to Denali
He returns as a team leader for a second US Nepal Friendship Team expedition.
- Today
Freedom Peak Expeditions & Adventures
Mark brings that experience to Kilimanjaro and Tanzania's Northern Circuit, with small groups, high safety standards and personal support for every client.
Expedition experience, working for you
Real mountain judgment
Advice on routes, acclimatization and summit strategy from someone who has led teams on some of the world's hardest climbs.
Training that fits you
A conditioning plan built around your fitness, schedule and experience, with weekly check-ins so you arrive ready.
One point of contact
You speak with Mark directly, before you book and all the way to the trailhead. No call centers, no hand-offs.
Adventure that gives back
For Mark, philanthropy did not end with Climb Against Cancer. He founded Freedom Peak Expeditions and Adventures to support and promote vetted local guide companies in the countries where our expeditions and safaris take place, starting with our partner Kilimanjari Explorer in Moshi, Tanzania.
Working directly with local operators creates more jobs and more income for guides, porters, cooks and drivers, and keeps prices fair. Our trips are priced up front and never inflated for excessive profit. You get a world-class experience, and the communities that make it possible get their fair share.