Yesterday the team pack up at Camp 2 (11,200′ 3413m) and began their journey to Camp 3. Retracing their steps to the cache site, they rounded Windy Corner, dropped down a small incline, and climbed a short, gentle hill back up and into Camp 3 (14,200′ 4328m). Camp 3 lies in Genet Basin. The backdrop of the basin is dramatic and inspiring. Behind camp, the Headwall rises up to meet the ridge at 16,200′ (4937m). The ridge climbs and climbs until it reaches the summit, passing out of view. From about 17,000′ (5181m) and a little higher, the ridge touches the iconic Denali ski lines as they drop over 3,000′ (914m) back into camp, snaking their way down steep, frozen slopes in-between granite gullies known as couloirs.
Here, many teams will congregate as they rest up and wait for their weather window to move into High Camp. It provides a social and exciting atmosphere as teams from all over the world and various walks of life mingle with each other. From their tents, they can look out and watch the clouds roll over Mount Foraker (Sultana), the second highest peak in The Range.
Today the team will be retrieving their cache from 13,200′ (4023m).
A 2021 team leaving Camp 3
Here’s our lead guide Aaron:
