Denali 2005: Alpine Ascents Denali 2005: Mystic Elvises at 9,000 feet

Denali (20,320ft/6,195m) Alaska

Mystic Elvises at 9,000 feet May 11, 2005: Hello this is Trevor with the Mystic Elvises, and we would like to report that Elvis is on the mountain, ah ha ha ha ha! We’re currently at 9,000 feet, having successfully carried and cached at 10,000 yesterday and are moving to 11. The weather has been beautiful, if anything a little hot, but the mountain has been out, we’re having a great time, super bunch of folks here.

We’re learning a bunch of life lessons, we’re learning that Denali can be a stout mountain, it can be very difficult and we’re relying on each other a lot. We’re learning a lot of lessons, we’re listening to our guides and teachers, we’re being nice to each other and in general we’re doing everything like we would do in third grade. Everyone have a wonderful day and we’ll call you in a few days form 14. Mystic Elvises out.

Updates

Overview: There are certain mountains that need no explanation as to why climb. Denali is such a mountain. Its tremendous size and beauty generate a magnetism that continually draws climbers from around the world. An ascent of Denali, touches the psyche of all alpinists and for those who have undertaken its challenges, it rewards them with an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Denali is often considered America's most classic climb. From top to bottom, it rises nearly 18,000', an elevation gain unsurpassed anywhere in the world. At a northern latitude of 63°, it is the most northerly of any big mountain over 20,000'. No other region offers such breathtaking and diverse views each day of the ascent. The panorama from Denali's summit includes Mt. Foraker, Mt. Hunter and Mt. Huntington in all their majestic glory.

When Dr. Bradford Washburn pioneered the West Buttress route, he heralded in a new era of Denali ascents and offered climbers a unique approach to the summit. The flight onto the glacier is a trip in itself, presenting overwhelming vistas of the Alaska Range. The West Buttress route remains, by far, the most successfully climbed route on the mountain.

Climb Overview: A Denali climb begins deep in the heart of the Alaska Mountain Range on the Kahiltna Glacier. From the S.E. Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier we begin the climb of Denali's West Buttress. Base Camp plus five higher camps are established on the mountain. When necessary, the team makes double carries between all camps, except high camp, to ensure proper acclimatization and reduce loads. In each camp we build snow walls for protection from possible high winds. The climb takes approximately 17-18 days round trip from Base camp.

Built to handle a myriad of different climbing pursuits, the Ultralight Universal is our best selling crampon. This crampon lives for trekking, glacier travel, or steep couloirs and snowfields. Totally adjustable Zytel straps make this crampon durable and easy to use. Fits everything from moon boots to flip-flops, our lightest crampon available. Weight: 590g Points: 10. See more here.

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