McKinley Expedition: Hahn & Team Enjoy New Views As They Bump Gear To 13,000ft
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Will Ambler, Jack Ritterson, Miles Watson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 13,000'
Monday, June 22, 2026 - 9:48 pm PT
Our crampons were crunching snow just after 8 this morning as we got going up Motorcycle Hill. An hour of climbing got us to the middle of Squirrel Hill, where we had great (and new) views of the Peters Glacier and the NW Buttress of Denali. We had some steep hills to muscle up before reaching the relatively flat terrain at the start of the Polo Field below the end of the West Buttress. An hour of gradually steepening climbing then got us to the relatively flat terrain at the start of the Polo Field below the end of the West Buttress. An hour of gradually steepening climbing then got us to the pass at Windy Corner. There, at about 13,300 ft we chose to cache our food and fuel. The weather stayed more or less stable -there was no wind at windy corner- but clouds were increasing and we were getting intermittent snow showers. The team had a smooth descent to 11k with lighter packs and sleds. The afternoon and evening were mostly cloudy back at camp, but we enjoyed a few sun breaks too. We hope to move up to 14k tomorrow ahead of a forecasted storm. Fingers crossed.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
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Comments (5)
Love reading about your adventure! Safe climbing and hoping for good weather. Hi Jodi V!!
Posted by: Tracey Smok on
Thank you for the updates and perspectives. Such an amazing journey that only few will ever experience. Keep up the GREAT work.
Posted by: Bob Jordan on
Exciting! Sending positive vibes to the team and a special hello to Jodi V!
Posted by: Dawnelle Sohl on
Sending DW and HD good vibes for a safe summit and return!
Posted by: Blaine Z on
Just saying hiiii! Hi Jodi V!!!
Posted by: Cathy Emerling on