The June 25th West Buttress team spent a mellow and much-needed rest day at Camp 3, located at 14,200 feet (4,328 meters) on Denali’s West Buttress route. After several demanding days moving gear and gaining altitude, today was an opportunity to recover, regroup, and enjoy life on the glacier.
Breakfast kicked off with pancakes and bacon at the cook tent, followed later by quesadillas — a comfort meal that hit the spot after the team’s recent push past Windy Corner (13,000 ft / 3,962 m). With clear skies and stable conditions, the team took relaxed loops around the camp’s perimeter, surrounded by panoramic views of the Headwall, the fixed lines, and Mount Foraker in the distance.
Camp 3, known as 14 Camp, is a central hub for teams preparing to ascend the upper mountain. Positioned just below the base of the 16,000 ft ridge (4,877 m), it serves as a key acclimatization stop before attempting the move to High Camp at 17,200 feet (5,243 meters). Today, the team used the time to eat well, hydrate, organize gear, and rest their bodies ahead of the technical climbing ahead.
The social atmosphere at 14 Camp was in full swing — with teams from all over the world trading route conditions, sharing stories, and preparing for the days to come. Energy remained high and focused, as climbers mentally prepared for their eventual push up the Headwall via the fixed lines when the forecast allows.
Stay tuned for updates as the team watches the weather and prepares for their next big move up the mountain.
