The May 26th team is holding tight at high camp, watching the weather closely and eyeing a possible summit attempt as soon as tomorrow if conditions cooperate. With everything in place, the team is now in the familiar position of waiting for the right window to make their push.

Summit day on Denali is one of the longest and most demanding days of climbing anywhere in the world. From high camp at 17,200 feet, climbers face thousands of feet of elevation gain on their way to the 20,310-foot summit. The day can run anywhere from 12 to 16 hours of climbing in extreme cold and thin air, and every step requires focus, strength, and grit. Going into it on a good weather day is critical, and that’s exactly why the team is being patient and waiting for the right call.

Holding at high camp takes its own kind of mental toughness. The summit is so close, and the team is ready, but the mountain has to cooperate. The team is using the time to stay rested, fed, and hydrated so they’re ready to step off the moment the window opens.

For now, the May 26th team is at high camp, watching the skies and staying sharp. If the forecast holds, tomorrow could be the day. We’ll have more to share as the weather develops.

—

Family and friends are encouraged to leave comments for their loved ones on this expedition. Please keep in mind that climbers will not be able to see posts or comments until they return to Talkeetna at the end of the expedition.

Don’t forget that you can subscribe to this expedition’s Field Reports by entering your email address in the form to the right or below if viewing via mobile. That way, you never miss an update!

Interested in more information about conditions and happenings on Denali? Be sure to also check out the Denali National Park’s Denali Dispatches Blog where they post weekly Field Reports.