The idea of a quick ascent on Denali is a funny one.

There is nothing quick about this mountain. Yes, we made it to 14k camp faster, but you are still moving slowly uphill. Carrying heavy loads, taking 12 hours on summit day, and still walking out through the night. In some ways the quick ascent is easier, you are climbing most of the mountain once, but in many ways it is harder. Weather, altitude, and our bodies have to cooperate. All things must fall into place.

For the June 12th team, everything did fall into place. We had a strong team of motivated people that came together, worked as a team and successfully made it home after 11 days on the mountain!

Congratulations to the June 12th team. Thank you for the amazing times in a wild place. Safe travels and best of luck on your next adventures! Thank you everyone at home that followed along, supported, and are a reason we are so happy to return home!

Cheers,

Marcus Bailado

June 12th Team

Breaking trail

June 12th team at the summit!

Sunset on Denali

Making their way to the top of North America

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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.