Entries By joe hoch
Leaving Mexico City, team Mexican Koala - our girl Bec flew all the way from Australia - was excited to tackle our first volcano, Malinche at 14,501.
Our van ride went smoothly and before we knew it we were enjoying the crowd-favorite bbq meat towers at the Malinche cabins restaurant. Our weather was cold but clear, and folks went to bed ready for an early-ish morning.
Alarms went off at 4:30am, and unfortunately Bec’s long trip from Australia had her under the weather. But the rest of them team rallied for her and left the cabins in the dark. At around 13,500’ we walked into a moody mist cloud, and with our army of mountain-dogs, around 11am, we climbed onto the summit just in time for a sun break! 100% for those who left the cabins!
More meat towers yesterday evening and a good night’s sleep and we’re off to Ixta!
RMI Guide Joe Hoch
New Post Alerts:
Mexico's Volcanoes January 17, 2026
Our excited team of climbers met face to face for the first time last night in the lobby of our lovely Hotel Geneve in Mexico City. They have been messaging excitedly on WhatsApp for months, so even the Bills' heartbreaking loss to the Broncos couldn't stifle the excitement (our thoughts go out to Micheal).
After a logistics chat we headed of to the local taco spot. We have a great crew and everyone is excited for our week to come.
Off to Malinche and our first climb!
RMI Guide Joe Hoch
New Post Alerts:
Mexico's Volcanoes January 17, 2026
May the ground and trek be kind to your feet and knees- happy trekking- Bec’s Dad
Posted by: Richard on 1/18/2026 at 4:43 pm
Good Luck Everyone….looks like a great group!
Rhonda (Zane’s mom)
Posted by: Rhonda Andrews on 1/18/2026 at 4:12 pm
Posted by: Seth Burns, Joe Hoch, Sam Hoffman, Kayanna Hopkins, Oliver Shapiro, Daniel May, Margo Kerr, Brooks Ordway Smith
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
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The Four Day Climbs led by RMI Guides Seth Burns and Joe Hoch walked into the summit crater of Mt. Rainier this morning around 6:45 am. The teams enjoyed calm and warm weather on the summit. They are currently on their descent and will return to Ashford later this afternoon.
Congratulations climbers!
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Joe Hoch, Layne Peters, Avery Stolte, Hannah Billings, Stella Johnson, Annie Chapman, Kat Porter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Climbers on the Four Day Climb August 9 - 11 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. They enjoyed a bit of time on the summit and began their descent from the crater rim just after 7 am. Once back at Camp Muir, they will repack and continue the remaining 4,500' descent to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Gosh, what a bunch of studs. I wish I could climb with that A-Team.
Posted by: J.Ranger on 8/14/2025 at 3:01 pm
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Ben Luedtke, Ben Thorneycroft, Mac Nolde, Simon Kearns, Jack Ritterson, Ben Porter, Oliver Shapiro
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
We had high hopes as we left Camp Muir for our summit attempt. But as we crossed the Cowlitz Glacier, a misty rain started, which turned into a stout blizzard at Ingraham Flats.
The team climbed well through the weather, but we started losing the fight to stay dry. We returned to Camp Muir safely.
We will be leaving Camp Muir around 9:30 am for our final walk down to Paradise.
RMI Guide Joe Hoch
PC: Joe Hoch
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Joe Crawford, Bailey Servais, Hannah Blum, Ben Porter, Ben Luedtke, Hannah Billings, Simon Kearns
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
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Today, the Four-Day Climb, led by RMI Guides Joe Hoch and Joe Crawford, successfully reached the summit of Mt. Rainier!
In a fun twist of trail magic, both groups were guided by not one, but two Joes, two Hannahs, and two Bens — in addition to Bailey and Simon, who helped keep things from getting too confusing! With this strong and experienced team at the helm, the climbers were in great hands every step of the way.
The teams pushed through some smokey conditions on their ascent and were rewarded with beautiful clear skies upon reaching the crater. After soaking in the views from the top, the climbers began their descent to Camp Muir, where they’ll pack up before continuing the remaining 4,500’ down to Paradise this afternoon.
Congratulations to today’s climbers on an incredible accomplishment!
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Reading this update with tears of joy in my eyes!! I am just SO so happy for you all but especially my awesome husband, Christoph!! I am so very proud of you, you made this dream, 13 years in the making, come true! Ich liebe dich überalles! Du bist meine Liebe meines Lebens
Posted by: Anna Graf on 8/1/2025 at 11:24 am
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Layne Peters, Fitz Elder
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,786'
With a forecast of thunderstorms and heavy rain by afternoon, we set alarms for a 12am start. Under a starry sky and with perfect climbing conditions we made great time!
The weather started to come in just as we summited around 7am, but we snapped a few photos just as the clouds closed in.
Heavy rain on the tents last night was the perfect white noise for some solid rest.
RMI Guide Joe Hoch & Team!
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Mitch Valaitis, Jack Ritterson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
On July 18th the Mt. Baker Easton Climb summited all climbers and guides on a sunny, windy morning around 9:30 am. We had been climbing with a forecast of possible rain in the afternoon, but the building clouds cleared for us at the top of the mountain for some great views.
Just as we returned to the tents around 2 pm, the sky opened up. Nowhere better than a dry tent after a summit to watch the rain pour down.
- RMI Guide Joe Hoch
Congratulations Climbers!
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Tatum Whatford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb teams led by Joe Hoch and Tatum Whatford stood on the summit of Mt. Rainier at 6:15 AM this morning!
The team left under a beautiful full moon and summited with perfect sunny skies. We also had a proposal on the summit. Rumor has it, she said YES!
Congratulations to all climbers for reaching the top of the Pacific Northwest!
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Jack Ritterson, Imogen Von Mertens, Brendan Oates
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,000'
The Four Day Climb June 23 - 26 led by RMI Guide Joe Hoch, reached the summit of Mt. Rainier a little before 7 am today. Joe reported a light cloud cap on the summit, light to moderate winds from the west and cloud deck below near 9,000'. Despite a bad weather forecast they were greeted with a perfect morning! The team enjoyed a bit of time in the crater before starting their descent from the crater rim around 7:45 am. The team is now en route to Camp Muir where they will make a quick stop to rehydrate, refuel and repack before continuing down to Paradise later today.
Nice work team!
PC: Joe Hoch
Way to go warrior women—especially Kelley! So proud of all of you!!!
Posted by: Sally Bowlby on 6/26/2025 at 11:27 am
Good work team.
Bec stayed off the heavy food stuff and hope the acclimatization kicked in.
Thomas Tank- catch cry- i know i can, i know i can
Best wishes to all
Posted by: Richard on 1/20/2026 at 5:54 pm
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