Climbing The Most Dangerous Small Mountain in the World

[@quirkworks4076]

Thank you for posting this. As a winter guide on Mount Washington for many years and a member of the technical rescue team, your accurate depiction of the terrain, weather, and decision-making process is spot on. It's a magical place up there, but underestimating it kills people. This video will save lives. Bravo, sir.

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thank very much. I hope you are right!

[@doodmonkey]

Can't agree more. Like any mountain, you need to pay attention. I think people fail this when they think Mount Washington is so accessible.

[@RyanFowler-k2o]

this "small mountain" humbles everyone. its no joke. it may be one of the most difficult pure hikes in the country. I've done a lot all over the world and Washington is a serious peak

[@speed_of_a_human]

You are so right.

[@UncleTravelingMatt2]

Until you’re up there experiencing the fury of this peak you never really get it. This mountains legitimately scared me on multiple occasions. It deserves every ounce of respect it gets.

[@timothyp3378]

Headlines last night was somebody ran out of time doing that exact hike last night alone, ran out of time and spent the night. Person become hypothermic, and they were so bad a national guard helicopter was called in to fly them out. Near tragedy again... Another lone hiker almost died, and multiple others had to risk their life to save them

[@skiiworld]

I hiked it from the bottom one sunny August day, was day of the bike race had perfect conditions , saw a German Shepard run straight up lions head which blew my mind people were walking dogs up off leash, got a beautiful picture of the waterfall, really felt like some Lord of the Rings (or should I just say Nz) scenery up there.

[@ticklefritz5406]

Curious what qualifies as a "pure" hike?

[@wavy3153]

Mt. Washington is world class for a reason. A true mountaineer knows when to turn around, thanks for being a perfect example!

[@inglewoodwhb]

I've been up there in the spring on a beautiful day, only to find myself in waist deep snow on the hike back down. We left the hut in the sun, made the summit in flurries, descended back to the hut in near blizzard conditions, then had a gorgeous spring day hike once back below treeline. That place is no joke. Thank you for demonstrating responsible decision making. I hope someone learns something from this video.

[@pamelaturner2825]

By not reaching the summit and posting it is so refreshing. You may be saving a life for doing that. It's about the journey and not just the destination. Thank you.❤

[@speed_of_a_human]

@@pamelaturner2825 You are very kind. I’m glad you agree!

[@bfinan11]

Not everyone has a chance to go back when they want. Maybe it worked for him and he can try again next week. But what if you don't have someone to go with or a way to get there again and this is your one chance for a year or more at getting to a mountain?

[@madeleineablett5816]

This mountain isn’t worth it. Even if it’s ur only chance this year, it’s not worth it.

[@timothyp3378]

​@@speed_of_a_human Headlines last night was somebody ran out of time doing that exact hike last night alone, ran out of time and spent the night. Person become hypothermic, and they were so bad a national guard helicopter was called in to fly them out. Near tragedy again... Another lone hiker almost died, and multiple others had to risk their life to save them

[@skiiworld]

Cameraman has a very important job to always live haha.

[@kylegates6043]

A winter ascent of Washington is my goal this winter, it’s really cool to see a video like this that doesn’t downplay the risk and actually shows when to turn around.

[@StephenSkoutas]

Love those closing comments. As a New Englander, a hiker and a skier, I echo your view that Washington deserves respect.

[@speed_of_a_human]

I climb mostly in the Sierra, and have climbed some of the hardest mountains in the lower 48, like Mt. Rainier. I think Mt. Washington totally deserves all the respect!

[@ndan3746]

Thank you for putting out this video... as a NH resident and hiker I have climbed Mt W many times in many variations of weather. As your video showed the weather can turn in an instant. Its amazing how with so many resources some hikers are still ill prepared and do not make good decisions. The last being a hiker who did not heed the advice from staff at Pinkham that it was not a good day to hike. He ended up breaking into the snowcat at the summit to get out of the wind. He and his DOG!!!! You made the right decision to turn when you did. She is a beast of a mountain.

[@FrigginCatsBruh]

Yeah that guy is an ass. I hope he gets charged at least with fines/cost of operations if not actual crime.

[@UncleTravelingMatt2]

Awesome climb man! Lions Head is a great trail. Washington is one of those mountains you can’t obsess over your ambitions to summit. Take what you can get. It took me years to finally summit Washington this year, mostly due to weather. And even then it took multiple attempts up. It’s always amazing to be up there though, whether I’m snowboarding or just hiking.

[@nickjaques760]

Great video. Ive done it and others in the winter. You explain the dangers so well. I love your comment " the best thing you can do is go up and return" .

[@christopheranderson8619]

As someone who has submitted several times and stayed in the MWOBS I applaud you for stating that you had previously turned around and again viewed conditions and time and decided to turn once again. As my hiking mentor told me "The mountains were there before you were born and they will be there after you die" Be smart as you can always return. Kudos!

[@enoch1680]

I’ve done it in winter and submitted and done it and turned back. Each experience I viewed as success. A success to summit, and a success to assess and make smart decisions. Thanks for documenting the joy of the adventure, the risks involved and for modeling wisdom on the mountain.

[@enoch1680]

Summited not “submitted “. 😀

[@ksully6551]

And you did it one handed! Thank you for the wonderful camera work, it is fearsome and a healthy level of fear is what keeps a person coming back down, the ultimate goal--to come back and give it another go. Loved this.

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thanks! It does make things complicated trying to record while combing a mountain.

[@bullskill333]

Great video man; I enjoy the very genuine winter hiking experience!

[@Spenserifically]

I really appreciate this video and your honest depiction of winter conditions and your decision-making process ty! Looking forward to more of your adventures

[@chuckfernald1986]

Success is living to climb/hike/trek another day. Thanks for sharing!

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnShields-xx1yk]

I camped there in 1986 with my gf and at about 2:00AM we heard something rustling outside our tent, I got out and saw something hairy, bent over 20 feet away from me, pitch black, my eyes adjusted just when the hairy thing stood up and turned to face me, a Huge black bear, I'm in my underwear, just staring at each other, I slowly grabbed my axe and thumped it in the ground and flashed the head, hoping he'd be threatened by it, what seemed like minutes, all of a sudden he bolted up the mountain side, I couldn't believe how fast he moved through the thick brush, Fast. I thanked God and we slept in the car.

[@bobwarren7075]

Knowing when to bail is a life-saving skill. Good vid & good on ya!

[@jeffwells8646]

As someone who has climbed Mount Washington since the 1960s, I appreciate this video showing responsible hiking practices in the White Mountains. The mountain's accessibility makes it dangerous, as many underestimate its rapidly changing weather conditions. This often leads to rescue calls that endanger search teams. I summited Washington many times between my teens and age 50, with my final climb in 2012 using this same steep route. While I used to run down Tuckerman Ravine Trail in my younger years, those descents likely damaged my knees, making my final descent from HoJo's, particularly challenging.

[@ryanconnole]

Great video!! Washington is no joke!! This shows the beauty, and the danger of this mountain. I've done it 5 times, each time a different route, never in winter because I'm too old and not in shape enough to risk it. Please be prepared if attempting this. You WILL be humbled by this mountain, but you will love it.

[@kiras.2715]

I like how you started out with the mindset “I may not summit and that’s ok I’m still going to go out” and I think if people are to take anything away from this video it should be that

[@riverbirch7972]

Wow, thank you so much! I really enjoyed this video--especially that you clearly explained location at different times, conditions as they changed, and decisions you made along the way. That was wild when you got above treeline! Keep at it and keep sharing your treks with us. Cheers.

[@NMGagne]

Kudos to you for turning! The summit was always be there for another day. Thanks for sharing

[@edsullivan5417]

Washington was my break in to technical/risky climbing while at UMASS in the late sixties. I tried twice to summit during the winter and had to turn around both times. The weather changes so rapidly on that mountain, that is what makes it so dangerous. Even during a summer climb, three of us were caught by a thunderstorm coming over the top of the mountain that was spitting lightning all around us. Even in combat I was never as frightened as I was for those twenty minutes.

[@doodmonkey]

Awesome! I've snowboarded Tuckerman's ravine many times. I love Mount Washington, it's a great mountain, with a ton of challenges. I hope you enjoyed your climb!

[@acon2834]

You are obviously well-trained and well-equipped. Anyone even considering climbing the Rock needs to watch this to really see how treacherous it is, or face coming down in a body bag.

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thanks. I agree. This is not a casual hike for the inexperienced.

[@JasonDenison77]

Awesome video. I’ve hiked in good weather 4x…but in winter that’s crazy! No shame in turning around! This is the type of video that makes me glad I started a KZbin channel this past weekend! 💪🏻

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thanks!

[@averydavis5741]

Finally a proper video to display the strength of this mountain. People see the height and shrug it off not knowing that the summit has the worst weather on the entire planet. Over 300 deaths, avalanche risks, rock falls, etc...

[@souslesbombes]

Nice video ! You should ask Santa for the bigger baskets for your poles :)

[@speed_of_a_human]

😂 you are correct

[@scottmac2032]

Thank you! This brought back some wonderful memories. My last ascent was very much like this one of yours. Just spending time on the Mtn. is exhilarating. Thanks for exhibiting what sound judgment looks like.

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

Good call. We live nearby and hear of rescuers in action all the time.

[@stevenmccallan9202]

I love your attitude of not being determined to make the top no matter what. Many have died with that attitude. Live to fight another day, for sure. Many times I've hiked in the Whites and turned around when my inner voice said to do so. Probably saved my life. Enjoy the hike, the adventure and use lots of common sense . That way , you will return to hike the next year.

[@phdtobe]

A successful climb of Mount Washington is defined by getting back done safely regardless of whether you’ve reached the summit! 🤗

[@br6145]

Climbed it 5x i think. Twice in the winter. The worst time was in September, 6am start, was quite prepared with a 35lb pack of gear. Made it to the alpine zone and a blizzard came out of nowhere. Still managed to summit via tuckermans but descended on the auto road and then a connector trail to pinkham because conditions got so bad. Got dark on the descent. On the final stretch, heard sticks cracking to my left, turned, and my headlamp lit up 2 moose within 10ft from me. Memorable trip for sure.

[@duaneboxwell9137]

Great adventure! Thank you for sharing. I do especially appreciate you taking the time to explain your risk calculus.

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thanks! I thought it might be helpful/interesting to include my risk thinking, glad to hear it was.

[@mastheadmike]

Was three years ago yesterday I went up and got my first winter summit! I appreciate your video as a tool in the belt of anyone after its release because of the 8 people going up on with me on my attempt, 6 had to turn around! Fatigue and time!

[@charlessheldon3145]

I have made the summit twice, once March 21, up from Pinkham and Lions Head trail, we started at 3am and made the summit by sunrise, fantastic, but on the way down my partner damn near died when he started crossing a slab avalanch slope coming off Lions Head. Second time was late January, a four day trip crossing the northern Presidential Traverse, two nights at Crag Camp then the final day crossing toi Washington and then down to Pinkham. Got above treeline and the wind was 80 mph and we had to go south because that way the wind was to our backs, three of us, well equipped, when we got to the summit shack it was blowing over 80 and 24 below, a chill factor somewhere around 100 below. Hairy trip, now 55 years ago....

[@speed_of_a_human]

Wow!

[@christianblanche1569]

It took me 3 times to make it to the summit , very harsh conditions. God bless you man ❤❤❤ your biggest success that you didn't stay at home watching TV , day like this made you better, mentally stronger and braver THIS IS SUCCESS which highlights yourself among the others 99%

[@pinetree5489]

A good video for people to come across to see some reality of Mt. Washington in winter. I've been up there in very difficult conditions and sometimes beautiful conditions even in winter. Once summited in January, it was so clear and relatively calm I couldn't resist bagging Monroe before hoofing it back to Pinkham. It's remarkable exercise, who would spend 8-10 hours in the gym, not me.

[@rjlavallee3575]

What an awesome video!

[@brianlamos7971]

Great video, thank you for sharing. I just discovered your channel, so you may have already explained this before in other videos. I am curious to hear what you carry and use for cameras and camera gear you bring along on your trips. I counted at least 3 cameras in this video. Insta 360, DJI...not sure the third. And lots of accessories! Would you consider doing a video to break it down & review?

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thanks for watching! I'm happy to answer that question. Currently using the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, Insta360 X4, and sometimes my iphone 15 pro and Insta360 RSOne (the action camera part). When legal and safe, I also get footage from my DJI Mini 4 Pro drone. That's a good suggestion for a video :)

[@brianlamos7971]

@@speed_of_a_human Thank you!

[@SkippyTarbuckle]

Props for grinding it out dude. Been there. It can be humbling.

[@cribbsprojects]

Nice job and good filming!

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thank you!

[@bxmario]

Great video, excellent decision making. Thanks!

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianosborne6857]

Smart guy! Appreciate you showing how to make the right decision.

[@PBosco]

I climbed MW in the winter at age 64. If you watch the weather and take precautions it can be done. Remember, Wildcat ski area is "across the street" and is just 2,000 feet lower Thousands of people ski it every winter. Safest way to ascend MW in winter is to walk along the Cog RR tracks. If the fog rolls in (likely) you won't get lost. #1 is to check the weather. If the weather is good, it is very doable. A lot of Media hype regarding this mountain.

[@Rjh123]

The way the surrounding mountains funnel into Washington, along with its very prominent peak for the area, creates explosive winds and unpredictable weather. Every year shes the scene of countless rescues and multiple deaths. The fact that it’s a tourist destination at the top has people underestimating her difficulty. Go back sometime in better weather and check out the Huntington Ravine trail, dubbed the “hardest trail in the Whites”

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

Nice attempt, that wind looked insane!! I didn't even make it to treeline last week 😂😂 snow was almost up to my waist on 30 inch snowshoes!... ended up just going deeper into denali park. Was still an epic 2 days camping out there

[@BenBarron-jw6oy]

awesome video! looks like a blast

[@BigBrodie710]

Great message

[@mw6696]

love the video man! I was watching dolomites hiking and saw a local video and clicked it. Maybe next time man!

[@speed_of_a_human]

For sure. To be honest, the mountain doesn't have much appeal to me in the summer when people drive their mini vans to the top. But at this point, I may just need to tag it during the warmer months to get the monkey off my back.

[@nei3274]

@@speed_of_a_human can try huntington's ravine or great gulf for a more interesting route, only the very top is packed with people journey still great

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Epic conditions ❄️🙂 very steep 😮

[@jamesroddy8238]

Awesome video. The only time I ‘tried’ mt Washington we took the ammonusic trail. It was so treacherous above tree line we turned around at Lakes in the clouds hut. Unfortunate but I’m sure the decision saved our lives. And that was September! Thank you.

[@thegreatexaggerator9077]

Wow! Impressive. Good call to turn around, the mountain isn’t going anywhere. Kudos!

[@johnpombrio]

I led a winter climb with 6 others from the north via skirting Mt. Adams and out by Tuckermans. Crystal clear skies, little wind, nice firm snowpack, but damn cold. Started in the dark and carried a complete winter overnight gear kit for an essentially a LONG day hike. Climbed it in the summer three times and had only socked in summit once. Sometimes, you just get lucky with your planning.

[@ericphillips887]

Awesome video and absolutely the right decision to turn back. My uncle and I summited in December '22 and it was brutal. What day did you hike?

[@taylor-vl1re]

I climbed Mt. Washington years ago with my parents and brother and sister. I was about 11 years old. Nice sunny day. Winter is hard core.

[@AndyOnTheMountain]

Well, that looked like a lot of fun - even if you didn't summit. I was wondering what you were going to do with your rope, I bet you were glad you had it. Cheers

[@speed_of_a_human]

I saw some guides use a rope like that on this mountain last winter. I didn't have a rope on my last attempt and had to down-climb a very sketchy ice fall. I learned from that and decided it was worth the weight to bring one this time :)

[@AmandaDouin]

Nice work! Glad you turned around. I went up Ammo and down Jewell 2 years ago on New Years.. Much better weather on that day.. 40 mph sustained wind is easier than 60. 😮 I would have been knocked over. Glad you made it back.

[@jonmurphy4889]

NH represent!!! 🤙👍👍

[@flaviuskern225]

We drove up the auto road last year. It was 62 at the base, a beautiful, sunny North East Fall 🍂 day. We got up to the summit, it was 25 mph wind 🌬️ with higher gusts and only 27 degrees with a layer of ice ❄️ covering the metal railings. The disparity has to be experienced to appreciate.

[@ne_outdoors93]

Awesome video, really glad to see it gaining traction! It’s important for people to see the reality of winter hiking in the white mountains. Proper preparation and risk assessment will keep you alive to hike another day! For those interested check out the book “Not Without Peril” that is about people who have lost their lives hiking the presidential range.

[@speed_of_a_human]

I have that book! It should be required reading for anyone attempting a winter/shoulder season summit of Mt. Washington

[@stevestackpole6817]

I’m a little older now but can happily say I’ve winter summited twice. Once by Lions Head and once up Tucks head wall. 🇨🇦

[@user-tk1jj1cp9x4]

Once, on a sunny day in the middle of August, my wife and I drove up the Mount Washington Auto Road, and we saw white-out conditions at the top.

[@BraydonBlanchette]

Love the 360 cam action!

[@speed_of_a_human]

Such a great way to get film! Especially when solo.

[@DennisBouthillier]

A successful hike is one where you get back to your car. Smart decision making, the group i went with did exactly the same.

[@wxyzmarkus6834]

I attempted to climb the mount during winter many years ago. Like you, our group had to make the decision to turn around not so long after reaching the « alpine zone ». The blizzard was so strong we barely had any visibility and on top of that, the cold was freezing our fingers, even tho we had low temperature gloves. This experience really humbled me and made me realize how serious people are when they say this mountain is no joke.

[@RobertSmith-km6gi]

I’ve climbed this rock pile 7 times, 3 via Huntington Ravine. No problems there, but I did get into a dangerous position about halfway up the Great Gulf headwall once. The clouds suddenly just poured over the ridge line and filled the gulf. Visibility dropped to about 25 feet. I immediately lost the trail and with no safe way to go down I bushwhacked to the top over some very treacherous terrain. I was well prepared but it was still very terrifying. I had an equally terrifying experience on the Mt. Katahdin knife edge during a pop up squall, but that’s a tale for another day.

[@RyanFowler-k2o]

that gulf headwall rout is crazy on a good day. glad you made it up

[@UncleTravelingMatt2]

My wife and I had a scary experience on Washington, descended Lions Head in the dark last July. We hiked Tuckerman’s ravine to the summit, we didn’t reach the summit until 4-5pm but I figured it’d take a lot less time to descend and that was wrong. Sundown was at 8:30 and we were just reaching the steep part off Lions Head then. Luckily we brought flashlights, gps, and a map, and were able to navigate our way back to Pinkham Notch, it was just way slower in the dark. Every turn I’d help her calculate her way down, until we finally got to the TRT and we just booked it to the end. The bridges have reflectors on them too which was a life saver.

[@sbellosa]

good job. good video.

[@stevetrockman204]

4:15 why didn’t you use powder baskets?

[@speed_of_a_human]

Cause I'm a dummy and forgot them!

[@fl0ff]

Really awesome work here man! Do you have any tips on how you stay warm during these hikes, or in bad situations where your body temp would drop significantly how would you bring it back up? I love winter hiking (mild winters here in PA anymore lol) but I always struggle with staying warm. Of course you'll stay warm ascending something this steep but otherwise is it mostly clothing choice?

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thanks! Great questions. It's all about layers. For your bottom (base) layer, you want something that can move moisture away from your skin. Sweat is the enemy. Most people choose a merino wool base layer or, surprisingly a mesh (air mesh) base layer. Then you want a mid layer like a fleece, then an insulating layer like a puffy jacket. And finally, you want some wind protection with a shell. A soft shell jacket is breathable but not waterproof, but a hardshell is waterproof but not breathable. In all cases, take layers off if you start to sweat, and put them back on as you start to get cold. That's the basics of it. There isn't one thing that will keep you warm, it's all about layering up and down, and adjusting for the wind and your own body heat generation depending on your activity. One more thing, if your feet and hands get cold, the first thing to check, assuming you have decent gloves/boots, is that your core is warm. If you keep your torso warm, you are more likely to have warm hands and feet.

[@fl0ff]

Really great insights, thank you so much!!

[@luke34349]

Oddly I did this exact same hike in the winter and turned around at almost the exact same spot back in 2019 for similar reasons lol

[@ratter531]

One of the most brutal places on earth The Mount Washington Observatory on an icy winter day. It was here that a wind gust of 231 mph was measured on April 12, 1934. It remained the highest-ever anemometer-measured wind gust on Earth

[@Alec67]

May I ask what balaclava you have on?

[@speed_of_a_human]

Sure! It's the Outdoor Research Tundra Aerogel Balaclava.

[@Alec67]

@ ty

[@Heartsinhandshorsemanshipllc]

Dude awesome yes, I've climbed Mt Washington including Pinnacles it's gnarly. And that's with perfect weather which we had.

[@RDJim]

Just fun enough to be there. Summit is just a bonus.

[@speed_of_a_human]

Totally.

[@dotnetcronin]

What time did you start. When I’ve done it in winter it’s been a start in the dark.

[@speed_of_a_human]

I got a late start on purpose. It was snowing hard in the early hours and a viable weather window for a summit attempt wasn't there until later in the day.

[@thatoneguy611]

It’s only “small” it terms of elevation above sea level. It’s just as prominent as mountains you’ll find in the rockies, where the base of the mountain is as high as the peak of Mount Washington.

[@mossthatrules77]

This, most of the rockies in colorado are only as tall as they are due to a free lift they get on a big plateau, they aren't much more prominent.

[@truthseeker2222]

good point

[@ndan3746]

also... if you have not already.. you may want to attempt Mt Katahdin in Baxter Park Maine. You would love it

[@johnpombrio]

An ADK 46er and did a lot of the Whites as well. I never did Mt. Katadin as it was too far for my budget when I was younger. Lost my ability to bicycle and backpack with a back injury in my early 30s so one of my regrets.

[@timthomas5623]

Gutsy climb and safe decision to come down, but ace the music. It takes away from the climb. Best

[@keithmoorechannel]

I climbed this as a camper in the 70’s. We did it in the summer, but even then we had a snowball fight at the top!

[@golfdoc1950]

Climbed Mt Adams in winter on a high school trip in 1967. We were lucky there had been a thaw and re-freeze a week before, meaning we didn’t need our snow shoes, just crampons. Original plan was to climb to a hut and summit the next day but we went so fast that we made it all the way and used the hut on descent. Very clear but cold conditions with great visibility.

[@speed_of_a_human]

Sounds like a great climb and obviously and very inedible memory!

[@pinetree5489]

@@speed_of_a_human Definitely inedible. Possibly indelible.

[@jaycreature3893]

Super fun video. I really enjoyed that. Please don’t skip out on the DEVILS PATH aid love to see your film version of that :) Question: I’m always tucking my cameras in somewhere to try to save battery. Did the exposed camera battery stay charged ????? Whatever that little 360 looking thing was

[@speed_of_a_human]

It was an insta360 X4 camera. The battery kept its charge, but less so on my main camera, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. I had enough to finish, but was pretty low at the end.

[@jaycreature3893]

@ I’ve been playing with the Osmo 3. It does not like the cold. Even with the battery handle. I’m hoping for some double digits negatives this weekend

[@speed_of_a_human]

@@jaycreature3893 Yes I agree. I have mine in a 3rd party case, which might insulate it some from the cold.

[@jon1234.]

This is pretty cool I live 10 min down the road from there

[@smelltheglove2038]

Closest ive ever come is on a gondola on Loon Mt. I could see the peak from the summit there.

[@MKxpl]

The wilcox step is a b* with low snow... going up is doable but down climbing is sketchy. Good thing you brought a rope

[@speed_of_a_human]

Totally! I honestly wasn't sure I was going to be able to go up it with the snow. There was just enough snow to make it work, but it wasn't compacted at all. It was all powder, so there wasn't a lot of grip. Last February I down climbed it when it was a total ice fall. That when I learned to bring a rope!

[@jtpalooki7757]

Winter, you are prepared… spring and fall and summer, it bites hard! Getting wet 1/2 way can be fatal!

[@Twobarpsi]

Incredible adventure!!

[@offerout]

What scenario did you envision for the rope?

[@speed_of_a_human]

I actually used it on the way down, which was the plan. The section that some call the "wilcox step" can be very icy. I did it last February and it was basically a 30 ft ice fall. On the way down, I put the rope around a tree trunk, doubled it up, and did a simple arm rappel. Last February I down climbed it, and it was sketchy. Apparently that section is notorious for people slipping, falling, and breaking legs or blowing out a knee.

[@offerout]

@@speed_of_a_human Very specific to that trail...got it, thank you.

[@jimhoge3252]

I recognize you have experience but feel you made some real amateur decisions here. Trekking alone… going beyond what was reasonable in those conditions. Best of luck

[@jeffhays1968]

This mountain takes lives nearly every year.

[@davefield8100]

Maybe do what they do on the big dangerous mountains. Get an earlier start. Be at the treeline by sun up.

[@speed_of_a_human]

Yeah, I thought about that afterward. But I started later on purpose. It was snowing hard in the early morning and the best chance of "summitable" weather that day was later in the day. Turns out I should have started earlier because of how slow the going was. I've done an alpine start many times, but its mostly due to avoiding the mountain melting on you (like Rainier) or avoiding afternoon thunderstorms above tree line (like in the Rockies or Sierra).

[@RiffZifnab]

Thank you for normalizing turning back. We lose too many people every year.

[@kevinhung-liang]

Well done, and beautiful footage. If you don't mind, what camera are you using for the 360 footage? Thanks.

[@speed_of_a_human]

Thank you! I used an insta360 x4 for the 360 footage, and a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for most everything else. Both are amazing cameras.

[@kevinhung-liang]

@@speed_of_a_human Thank you very much. Happy hiking!

[@chrisjodoin]

climbed that trail twice back in the day both times made it to the lake of the clouds shelter, hot and humid at the bottom, wind Snow White out up top, saw big rocks on trail with with markers built in to those who were not prepared for the challenge, tree line was coolest part of climb, plus seeing the train, think one trail was tinkhams notch, let me know if I got that right, know tuckermans never forget it, one of the best times of my life but didn’t know it at the time, lost my brother in law a few years back but he was more like a close brother, sis a lot of backpacking, Saco River canoe trips, just a great time! thanks for the warm thoughts on that cold ass mountain man!✌️

[@phdtobe]

I’ve read that serious climbers use 6,288-foot-high Mount Washington in the winter to train for climbing Denali, which peaks at over 20,300 feet.

[@roninsailor1]

Good Call

[@user1756]

Good call! You'll get to the summit next time

[@lynnsaults]

GOOD ON YOU for knowing when to turn around and being willing to demonstrate the courage in that for other potential climbers!!!

[@theeoarsman921]

What brand of shoe are you wearing?

[@speed_of_a_human]

They are Mammut Nordwand 2.1 High GTX Boot

[@theeoarsman921]

@@speed_of_a_human Thank you for the quick reply!

[@michaelfinn1317]

I’m kinda more impressed by the camera, how it held up.

[@speed_of_a_human]

The camera is most definitely more impressive than me! And it still works.