Climber Dave from the May 13 Team got on the radio tonight with an update from the tail end of this team’s expedition. After acclimatizing at Camp 4 (aka High Camp) 17,200 ft (5242 m) all that’s left for these guides and climbers is to choose their moment to push for the summit 20,300 ft (6187 m).

When the weather is favorable, they’ll push for the summit. Until then it is important to be patient on a big peak like Denali and guides will only get the team ready to try for the summit when the weather is good; meaning mostly clear and calm. The round-trip climb will take eight to twelve hours or more. Usually, the team will depart camp early (7-10 a.m.), climb up to Denali Pass 18,000 ft (5486 m), and follow the route past Arch Deacon’s Tower and the Football Field to the slopes leading to the Summit Ridge 20,300 ft (6187 m). On this spectacular ridge, you can often see down into the Ruth Glacier with views of beautiful peaks such as the Moose’s Tooth, Mount Huntington and Mount Hunter.

Everyone here is in high spirits and is going to bed early tonight in hopes that tomorrow might be the day they go for the summit! Tap the link below to hear the full dispatch and the special shoutout to climber Dave’s family back home!

recording