The Highest Point in the Contiguous United States.

Conquering Mt. Whitney 🏔️

21.2 miles, 6,663 ft. Elevation gain.

We endured and overcame many of the elements one would expect when climbing the highest peak in the lower 48 states.

We endured the crippling winds sweeping in from the valley floor beneath us. With every breath, the freezing cold wind robs you from a full breath of air.

The air temperature slightly below freezing continued to try and pierce through the layers of clothing I was wearing.

In addition, the below freezing temperatures continued to try and freeze any and all water we had which was something we were desperately relying on as our source of hydration for the 17 hour journey.

If you think that’s not enough, the added complexity of knee pounding, back breaking, and ankle twisting trail ahead of us was something that would make any average outdoor enthusiast rethink the path ahead of them.

Of course, I have to mention the fact that around 13,000 ft of elevation the altitude sickness begins to set in. What’s that like? A mix between an aggressive onset headache, nausea and body aches. Yes, all while you’re on the side of a mountain.

It was surely the toughest mountain expedition I have done yet.

We had a 3 AM wake up call. At 4 AM we were at the trailhead, headlamps on and began our hike. We summited shortly after 1 PM where we nestled in the shelter at 14,505 ft and ate some snacks that we could stomach. (9 hr ascent)

We began our descent shortly after 2 PM and reached the parking lot for 9:30 PM. (7.5 hrs descent)

We clocked a total of 61,000 steps.

My knees are worn. My back is stiff. My ego is crushed. But man, my smile is BIG! 😁

Watching sunrise crest over the desert floor in the morning and light up the Eastern Sierras was certainly a highlight I will not forget.

Hanging on to the side of a mountain while the wind is trying to have you turn around and not complete the mission…overcoming that will always sit as a pleasant reminder that we are capable of achieving some extraordinary levels of greatness.

And of course, standing atop of Mt. Whitney will be a highlight that will be near and dear to my heart forever.