Mt. McKinley Expedition: Hahn & Team Begin Descent
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 11,000'
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - 10:43 pm PT
There are amazing views every step of the way from the crest of the ridge, but with heavy packs and steep terrain to negotiate, we didn't take so many pictures. Sure enough, the wind was still blowing and the slope was still loaded when we woke at 17,000' this morning. We packed up and started down the West Buttress at 11AM. The fixed rope section went smoothly and we were digging up our 14,000' cache by 2PM and continuing our descent by 3:30. Much snow had fallen on Windy Corner since we'd last been there and the walking and sled pulling was a little challenging as a result. We persevered on down the Polo Field, Squirrel Hill and finally down the reflecting oven that Motorcycle Hill tends to be in late afternoon. At 11,000' we got right to work building a hasty camp and running the stoves. We'd been in blazing hot sun but as soon as we sat down to an outdoor dinner, a spectacular hailstorm hit. But we were hungry and sat through it.
Folks are getting a few hours rest now. We'll get up in the night and make a push for the airstrip in the early morning hours.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
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Comments (3)
Aww, Jon! Sorry the ever elusive summit just wasn’t in the cards again! But better safe than sorry. Great job to the entire team, I’m sure the views were spectacular all along the way. Get down safely!
Posted by: Sunita Bendale on
Impressed by the speedy descent! I’ve loved following along over the past few weeks, and hope everyone is healthy & safe. Hope the experience was wonderful, regardless of the outcome! We live to climb another day.
Posted by: Katie Gardner on
Wow you guys move fast! Im sure there is disappointment, but with that weather it was the right call. Hoping for an uneventful continued descent.
Talk soon kiddo!!
Posted by: Kari Servais on