On the summit!!!

Heidi just called to say that the whole team made it to the summit of Denali!!

Everyone did great and they are spending some time on top taking in the amazing view and snapping quite a few photos. It is an absolutely beautiful day with virtually no wind and warm temperatures.

The route up from High Camp ascends a long, rising traverse known as the Autobahn (named for some Germans who took the "express route" down years ago...). The team traveled roped and clipped their climbing ropes into a series of snow pickets that are driven deeply into the snow to act as anchors. The Autobahn leads to a saddle between the North and South Summits, known as Denali Pass.

Above Denali Pass the trail climbs up some rolling terrain and finally drops a bit onto the broad plateau i mentioned in the previous post, The Football Field. Moderately steep snow climbs slowly up to a spectacular, knife-edged ridge which runs out to the summit. The summit ridge is spectacular, airy, climbing with BIG drop offs to either side. As you climb up toward the top, the entire South Face drops off almost 9,500' to your left!

There is a nice relatively flat spot to regroup and drop ropes before making the final few steps up to the highest point in North America.

Congratulations to everyone!!!

Tomorrow they will pack up and head back to at least Camp 3.