The June 17th West Buttress team has officially reached High Camp at 17,200 ft / 5,243 meters, right on schedule and in high spirits. This is a major milestone on their Denali expedition — and today’s push was nothing short of impressive.
The team made a successful ascent from Camp 3 (14,200 ft / 4,328 m), climbing up the technical fixed lines and traversing the spectacular 16,000 ft ridge (4,877 m). The weather held steady throughout the day, giving them incredible views of the upper mountain and a solid window to move confidently and safely.
With heavy packs and full focus, the group climbed strong and supported one another every step of the way. The energy on the ridge was powerful — a mix of determination, awe, and the real-time realization that they were stepping into the final stage of their climb.
Now settled in at High Camp, the team is working to build out their tents, reinforce their site, and hydrate and refuel after the effort of the day. Everyone is healthy, acclimatized, and staying focused as they prepare for what’s ahead.
This dispatch was a collaborative message from the entire team — every climber contributed a few words to mark this milestone, so be sure to tap the recording link and hear their voices directly.
If the weather continues to hold, a summit window may be just around the corner. We’ll be watching the forecast and resting up while enjoying the stunning views from High Camp. Stay tuned — the summit is within reach.
