Mt. McKinley Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Recap Summit Day
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Nick Sinapius, Ben Thorneycroft
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 20,310'
Monnday, May 26, 2025 - 8:09 am PT
Mt. McKinley Summit!
It was a splitter morning, so we prepped for a big day and left at 10:15 with sun on camp and the Autobahn in the shade. For that reason we were wearing pretty much everything we had. There had been maybe one other guided team above 17,000' this year, and not much traffic overall, so the infamous Autobahn needed quite a bit of foot scuffing and picket hammering as we passed. It made for tough work, but we were across to Denali Pass. Light wind and clouds that were in and out were the rest of the day, and at 6:15 AK time, we walked onto the summit. It’s always emotional reaching a big goal, and we took it in before turning our attention downhill. Moving down under the late Alaskan light we made good time and were back at camp at 10:15. A late dinner, recovery, and sleep are in store.
Tomorrow we’ll start the descent to the airstrip, which is always incredible in its speed.
RMI Guide Pete, Nick, Ben, and a very happy and tired team.
Comments (5)
Let’s go!!! Congrats everyone. That’s an awesome accomplishment. Now get home safe.
Posted by: JP Love on
Congratulations to you all on making it to the summit.
Posted by: Peggy McMahon on
Congratulations to Nicholas and all of you. What an incredible feeling it must have been to make it to the top this time. It’s been great following your progress.
Posted by: Alice Hostetter on
Congratulations to all of you, but particularly to Anna. So happy that the weather cooperated for his second attempt - we knew you could do it! Now just get home quickly to share all your stories.
Posted by: Kathy Hern on
CONGRATULATIONS guys!!!!! Take some rest and good luck getting safely down the mountain!
Posted by: Jarmila on