One Wrong Move: Dragon Peak Traverse

Dragon Peak is an Eastern Sierra hiking classic! Just outside of Independence, CA, the hike climbs up almost 4,000FT past gorgeous Sierra lakes and meadows, through challenging boulder fields, and finally along a spicy ridgeline where hikers meet the infamous Dragon Peak Traverse. While we definitely do not recommend this hike for anyone without significant class 3 and 4 climbing experience, it was definitely one of our favorite Eastern Sierra hikes we have done in a long time!
#hiking #californiahiking #easternsierra

[@PaulBeiser]

Wow, I think you guys outdid yourselves! That traverse looked really exposed, yikes, way to take your time and trust the feet. Elise, most AWESOME move on that 5th class section - you deserve to be head guide now. 😉😃. Thanks again, glad you had such a great day.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha yes Paul! I totally showed him up on that one 😂😂 --E

[@PaulBeiser]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard absolutely! 👏👍😉🧗🏻‍♀️

[@jasonpacific5661]

You said it Paul ! They always bring the excitement, tenacity and safety reminders ✅

[@jchendrix]

A really scary traverse, I was actually concerned for both of your safety on the slab but you guys pulled it off with style and what amazing views on the Summit :)

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! Ya it was such a unique traverse. It was sloped forward enough that we knew mentally we were safe and wouldn't fall, but still steep enough that it felt really scary. Overall, pretty darn fun and the views at the end made it magic! ❤️

[@lojo8989]

My legs were shaking on the slab traverse - but I was laughing my head off when Elise took her plunge! Thanks for taken me along on this (and other) adventures! Love you two!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much! That makes us really happy to hear, and it is truly a pleasure to take you along with us on these adventures -- and plunges! ❤️

[@markeichman5032]

Another absolutely enjoyable video. You too are simply amazing. And I really enjoy your music selections

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Mark! So glad you saw this one -- it was an instant classic for both of us, and we're going to revisit it at some point with a full traverse from Gould to Dragon! ❤️

[@Cynn955]

Oh my goodness you two!!! I got t nauseous here setting on my bed watching this!!!! Elise when you were on that slab!!! Girl you are a badass!!! Thank you !!! Both of you!❤️

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Cyndie!! Ya that slab wasn't even technically hard, but it just looked so scary that my heart was definitely thumping!! ❤️

[@artfantasies]

You guys make such great videos! ... and you are lucky because where I live in the alps you don't see any animal anymore besides of the vultures and eagles which they did artificially breed, set out and feed ... Here are far to many tourists running around in the alps ... Have to add, sometimes it's hard to watch as it becomes too dangerous, so take care ... you don't have to topp yourself again and again, life is precious.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes we agree with you. We really love the Alps, but it is definitely a lot more crowded that the hikes we do here in the Sierra. Honestly, the best of both worlds is going back and forth between them, which is what we hope to do every year for as long as we can! ❤️

[@christinejameson1664]

Spectacular climb and spectacular scenery. That whole area will probably be snowed under in the coming weeks. I love pulling up Google Maps and following along your general route, all of the lakes in the background make it easier to see where you are and how you got there.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Christine! That is awesome that you do the Google Maps thing -- I'm personally obsessed with it when it comes to finding cool off-trail routes. ❤️ --A

[@Bulldogs117]

That was insane! All your content is top tier ❤

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! This has really turned out to be an incredible hiking year for us, which is so funny after the first three months were basically washed out with rain. Since then, we've had perfect conditions on basically every single adventure. So glad you're enjoying!! ❤️

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Could be on another planet with the scarcity of other people, amazing views. Sky high narrow ledge ? Takes icy water for Elise to enable the "bleeper" ! 😻😺❤

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha you're so right, John 😂 And not just icy water, but icy water with a cold wind blowing!! ❤️ --E

[@AC-ge2tr]

It wasn’t only a fantastic and terrifying hike, but the vibe in your videos is just sooo entertaining. And this one was particularly funny as well.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you, that's really great to hear! I think we've gotten more comfortable just really being our goofy, nerdy selves on camera, which definitely makes filming more fun -- very glad you enjoyed it! ❤️

[@hlrapoza]

I had to nope out when Elise was traversing the slab on feet only. So scary to watch! You guys are truly amazing!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha thank you, and I know what you mean. I knew from all the beta we read that I'd be fine, but even knowing it mentally my heart was still beating super fast when I was on it! ❤️ --E

[@danchapman8218]

That picture from behind Elize while she is balancing and walking on the spine was the most terrifying sequence to me. Spectacular!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked that shot -- we love spines like that, because they're super exhilarating and you just feel like you've come to a magical place. This was really a unique and special climb from beginning to end, and we will def come back and do more in this area! ❤️

[@levicpatterson]

OMG!!! You're going on super sketch stuff!!! Love the confidence, but be careful : ) Love crawling through the crack for the win : D

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha thanks Levi! Ya I for sure owned Adam on that one 😂 And given that this is supposed to be a class 3 route, I'm pretty sure my small beta was the correct beta! ❤️ --E

[@Dianawashere]

My heart rate went up at that 12 min mark. Reminded me of a climb I had to solo and it looked like this. Spectacular!!!❤️🙌🏼

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Diana! Ya this was one of those where even though we had all the beta and knew we'd be fine, it still felt scary. What was the climb you soloed? ❤️

[@Dianawashere]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I was doing Sahale mountain and Boston Peak in the North Cascades, and I feel like the exposure is what makes everything feel more extreme.

[@marymiller2121]

Your adventures keep getting better if that’s possible! So great, and how I love the Sierra’s!! Thank you so much for this great video, your climbing skills are amazing! Good job you guys🏜🌈🦋

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much, Mary! This was def one of our favorite adventures too, because it just had a bit of everything we like and so many unique features like that final boss slab! Really happy you enjoyed it, and yeah the Sierra is crazy. We love it more every time we go. ❤️

[@networkimprov]

The adorable, intrepid, bush-whacking, free-soloing, glacier-skating, Sierra nuts are on walkabout again! I was so relieved when Elise discovered the secret safety chute under the route that Adam almost slipped off... Whew! And the cold plunge sequence was hilarious :)

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha Liam I definitely owned Adam on that class 5 move! It was so funny, because we really thought we must be going the wrong way since it was supposed to be class 3 and 4 the whole way. But then it turned out we'd been on exactly the right route -- Adam was just too tall to see the small beta! ❤️

[@alpinecenter]

I remember crossing Dragon pass and camping at Dragon Lake. Then a brief hike down to the beautiful Rae Lakes. That was 50 years ago.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

That sounds like an awesome adventure! So cool that you remember it 50 years later, but that just shows the incredible beauty of this whole area. Rae Lakes is amazing!! ❤️

[@jhcycling3098]

😵‍💫"Forced" my wife to watch that sketchy part.. she could do ONE SECOND.. I managed whole thing, both ways. Luckily You two didn't have sweaty palms like I did; even just by watching. Crazy insane! 😱 Naturally 🥶swim after that was awarded. 😄 You two are just bonkers! 🤪

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha thank you -- and hope she saw enough of it to catch that incredible view from the top. What a place! This is definitely an area that we will return to in the future for more peaking and lake plunging! ❤️

[@robstegman44]

Love you guys! You guys are amazing!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Rob! What a nice message to wake up to this morning! ❤️

[@dominez702]

Oh wow, I am surprised I am just finding this video. A group of us from Vegas actually did this back in August 2021 and successfully summited this and Gould in the same day. Loved the traverse and hike, was actually our second attempt, got turned back by snow the first time in 2020. I recall coming back down that short traverse at the top of Dragon being a bit more spicy than going up, but granted the moves were the same your vision just changes to looking towards the abyss when you are on your way down. BTW, thanks for beta, I recall the trail prior to the hurricane being already bad and washed out, we stuck close to the stream but granted in 2021 the going was still slow, seems like it's going to just be the name of the game going forward on that route.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Good for you guys! That traverse sounds fun -- will def look into it for this summer. That's interesting and good to know about it already being washed out when you did it in 2021 -- like you say, maybe that's just how it's going to be from here on. ❤️

[@randyspotts5069]

Many of your features are helping me to overcome acrophobia. This one is no exception. Regarding the 360 Summit view... To the southwest loomed what is possibly my favorite of all mountains, anywhere. Mount Brewer. I first laid eyes on it while crossing Kearsarge Pass over Memorial weekend in 1970. I was so taken with Brewer's symmetrical summit after that hike, that I drew a caricature of a superhero that I made up. His regalia included a cape and a space helmet. His giant figure stood "straddling" the summit, with his right foot on the south wall, and the left foot on the north wall. I have long since lost the drawing.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Mt Brewer is awesome, Randy! We'll try to climb that one for you -- it will be a beast, with over 8,000 feet of vertical from trailhead to summit. Just our kind of jam. But if we do it, we'll want a picture from you with us as superheroes on it! 💪❤️

[@randyspotts5069]

Wow, the Brewer drawing challenge! I had art classes all the way through college... Even my senior year at University of Redlands, when I had a lithography class. You would think that might help. But I quit drawing sometime around 1980, and replaced the activity with slumming the taverns. However, your challenge has inspired me to recreate the original cartoon. If I can do that, I might be able to pull off the duo challenge…which would fully utilize the Brewer Summit block. That is, taking advantage of the summit, North Guard, South Guard and the garden wall which links them together.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@randyspotts5069 Excellent! We will let you know when start planning for Brewer so you can make sure your skills are on point!!

[@K6ARK]

Dragon peak is one of my favorites. Its a wondefully exposed Class 3 adventure past the chockstone, up the ridge, and then across rhe final foot traverse. Sierra Class 3 can be quite a humbling experience. Congrats on the summit!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much -- we've wanted to do this one for a while, and now that we have we totally agree with you. It's one of our new favorites, and deservedly a Sierra classic. ❤️

[@Gadgetmawombo]

Awesomest hike I've ever seen wow!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you! This one is a true Sierra classic. Beautiful and fun climbing all the way up, epic views from the top, and absolutely no one around. We will definitely be doing it again, maybe next time with a night of camping by that beautiful lake unnamed lake. ❤️

[@user-ec7oe1bl8y]

easily best scrambling channel I have come across and I have been on LOADS. Gorgeous chick, a guy who knows what he is doing, high quality filming. This will surely eventually get to 1m. Even those without an interest in scrambling would surely be into these videos.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much -- that is really great to hear. Glad you are enjoying the vids, and much more to come! ❤

[@robertvescio5581]

OK. That was scary along that traverse. Glad to see you made it. Glad you got to show me the panoramic view since there is no chance I would have done that rock face even if I had the stamina to make it that far. So, your view will have to do. Keep it up, keep it safe....

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Robert! Ya we know that last part is def not for everybody, but super happy to show you the 360. It was really, really beautiful up there. And we will def keep it up and safe! ❤️

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Epic video. Shot of Kearsarge awesome. You can see Gould and Rix. Golden Trout Basin is gorgeous. You definitely nailed that timing of year.

[@wanderingwashington]

Whenever I'm scrambling I always hear Adam reminding me to face the mountain on the downclimb XD it has been helpful on more than one occasion

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Oh my gosh Adam is sleeping right now but I am definitely going to tell him that tomorrow -- it will make him so happy!!! ❤️ --E

[@ropecutter]

Great video. Welcome back.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! So lucky to be able to come back home to this!! ❤️

[@jimwalsh7904]

OK, next free climb El Capitan...Nothing like standing in mid air. I can't do "hikes" like that and I know I wouldn't enjoy being there...but I love watching you guys climb. You guys have such a zest for life.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha thanks Jim! Well we'd definitely love to trad climb some stuff next year, but not El Cap -- way too high level for us 😂. But maybe the Russell to Whitney traverse. That would be awesome! ❤️

[@theadventuretravelchannel]

Wow, that traverse angle on the way back showed even more exposure. I hope y'all pack a small rope or webbing just in case you ever get stuck somewhere. Great video!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you, and yes we sure do. We always have a small 6mm static rope with us on these kinds of adventures, just in case! ❤️

[@jbiziou]

HAH !!! ADAM ! your video just came up , haha so good to see you man ! miss seeing ya climbing:)

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Jourdan! Dude I miss you too -- it's not the same at Cliffs without you!! Mark said he's been over to Pasadena a couple times and it's great, so I'm def gonna come over there at least a few times once traffic and work ease up during the holidays. Meanwhile, you guys would love this area of the Sierra. It's freaking amazing, no one around, and lots of cool climbing opportunities! --A

[@Violafish]

Wow, you’re amazing! Thank you so much for showing the adventures of these spectacular places I’ll never be!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much! It's our pleasure to take you along with us to these places -- and lots more big ones coming up because hiking and climbing season is here! ❤️

[@echoewest2685]

I’ve been looking at this trip for a while, thanks for the video, it’s helpful in the planning. Good job!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes! Super happy you're going to do this one, and that you're finding the video helpful. This is without doubt one of our all-time favorite Sierra hikes. The beauty, the seclusion, the challenge -- it's basically a perfect adventure, right up there with Cloudripper in our opinion. Please let us know how it goes when you do it! ❤️

[@markpriest589]

Geez, I was scared for you guys most of the vid. Thanks for sharing this adventure w/ us! More music, please! Your voice harmonizes w/ grand vistas. Love you, both.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Mark! So glad you're enjoying the way the music works in -- we have a couple more songs we're going to perfect once the rains come, so those will be making it into the videos soon! ❤️

[@codeclimbrepeat2874]

I had a lot of fun on this one and didn’t know you guys had a video of this too. Curious to see what next sierra peaks you get on 😀.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Ya this one really is a fantastic hike, top to bottom. Glad you got to do it! Now that we're going to be fully mobile, we'll hopefully be able to get on all the Sierra peaks eventually. ❤️

[@ck9973]

Much respect. Stay safe out there!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you, and don't worry -- we're studying beta and planning and staying safe for sure! ❤️

[@erictriplett33]

#sketchy ! Live hard, sketch harder! Love this one -- despite the more intense pucker factor than usual!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha glad you enjoyed it, Eric! We were the same -- one of our favorite Sierra hikes ever. Incredible views, and just scary enough to be exhilarating without actually being too dangerous! ❤️

[@12YearOldHiker]

I always love the seirra stuff. The scramble on the knife edge was terrorifing. Keep at it!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you! And if you like a good Sierra knife edge, just wait -- our ascent of Mt. Russell coming up Thursday after next! It was a thriller. ❤️

[@12YearOldHiker]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard Yeah you told me about that. It sounds spicy!

[@ivandas100]

You guys are Amazing Always positive and most of the time with smile. Be safe out there.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! We definitely do try to stay positive, though I have to admit Adam's not always smiling when he loses the trail and he's trying to figure out the route 😂. But it always works out in the end, and we really do have fun (and keep it safe!) out there. ❤️

[@Twobarpsi]

How you did that summit climb without ropes was insane! Basically climbing/scrambling a sheer vertical face, free climbing! Incredible scenery and adventure!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! One of our favorite adventures all year -- just the right sketchiness to beauty ratio! ❤️

[@thomaskodras4093]

Awesome video! I did Dragon back in 2021. This was a nice way to relive an awesome day in the Eastern Sierra

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Thomas! So glad you got a chance to do this classic -- so much beauty the whole way. And if you love Sierra adventures, stay tuned for the one coming up on Thursday -- Yosemite's El Capitan snow traverse! ❤️

[@markmcla]

Well done!! The scenery was so beautiful... Indeed, we do take our Sierra Nevada Mountains for granted. Be safe!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Mark! Yes we're really making it a point this year to have gratitude for the great things in our lives, and outside of our relationship, health, and families the Sierra might be number one! ❤️

[@markmcla]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard Amen!

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

Those nervous laughs when you stare at the peak and realize it was more challenging than you first thought

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes! Part fear, part excitement. One of the best feelings in the world! ❤️

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Every one of your videos is breaktaking. I wish you many more years of safe adventures.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much, Kevin! When we make wishes that's definitely what we wish for as well -- let's hope they all come true!! ❤️

[@michaelpompa2468]

Bravo, I applaud you, I just need a second for my heart to stop beating! Awesometastic, loved it, no one does the hard/ fun stuff like you guys!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Michael! Ya this climb was an instant favorite for us -- it just had everything we like. A true Sierra classic! ❤️

[@VictorVectorMusic]

You guys need to be endorsed by Sketchers if you aint already, lol. Another good one from the smiling sketchers! Thanks once again for the ride a long.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha that would be so perfect -- we do love the sketch!! 😂 Very glad you enjoyed, and it is a pleasure to bring you along. ❤️

[@cheryl_the_horsechick]

Wow. I held my breath . You guys have such good balance. And muscles!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Cheryl! It's really been helpful to us to be able to train every week in the climbing gym. After some of the hard climbs we do in there, the outdoor stuff, though still scary, doesn't seem quite as technically difficult as it used to! ❤️

[@kimcozean9066]

Great video and snack spot for Adam. I can't believe that you had to do that slab traverse twice. Stay safe and keep sharing these videos. Loved it even if I had sweaty palms watching.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Kim! Ya could you believe that summit view? What a classic! And ya doing the traverse twice was a little scary, but you should have seen the other option -- class 5 and even scarier! ❤️

[@josedelarosa5424]

Oh my God you 2 finally got to Dragon Peak 🙌🙌 i remember telling you about that Dragon Peak Gould traverse. Hope you get to Russell soon🙏

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Jose! Dragon was amazing, and we're hoping the same about Russell -- really want to do it!! ❤️

[@TrekkingTheRockies]

I am just a hiker and backpacker and only do short class 3 scrambling. You two are made of something extra, part Mountain Goat maybe? 😉 Your filming and videography is always outstanding! Loved all of your epic adventures while you were in Europe.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much, Vickie! Really happy to know you liked the Europe adventures -- lots more of those coming in the future as we get even more time to travel. And yes, we definitely do have something in us that actually enjoys those all-alone high altitude scrambles up there with the goats! ❤️

[@keithbarnden2498]

You guys are nuts but wow! What an exhilarating climb and down climb, thanks for showing some of that! Well done!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Our pleasure, Keith, and thank you! Yes it really was an exhilarating climb, and now that I discovered the "small" beta to avoid that class 5 move not even overly technical. Will definitely do this one again at some point. It's a classic. ❤️

[@angelwalker979]

4 mcmuffins!? 4 Adam!? 😂🤣Elise is going to have to roll you off the mountains! 😂🤣 Much love, stay safe! ❤️

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Ok, I have to admit that I actually did eat one of those McMuffins. They were priced 2 for 1 so it worked out perfectly -- 3 for Adam and one for me! And even after 3 McMuffs he was still snacking by 2 hours in. One of these days his metabolism will slow down. Of course, I've been saying that for 12 years and it still hasn't happened 😂 --E

[@angelwalker979]

🤣💕

[@Eyemotionpictures]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting these awesome videos. Stay safe always!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you, so glad you are enjoying the videos! We will definitely stay safe, and that's a promise! ❤️

[@tomaszwozniak4343]

Your adventures always bring a smile to my face.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

That is a really great thing to hear, Tomasz -- thank you! ❤️

[@michaelhogarth3473]

So appreciate you two for the amazing views. We know the effort and thank you!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Michael, that means a lot to us! Really happy you're enjoying!! ❤️

[@rickevans831]

That is the scariest thing I have ever seen but I am so happy you made it there and back

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Rick! Ya it's really an amazing little traverse -- not technically difficult or even too dangerous, but because of the blank-looking face and long drop-offs it really plays with your mind! ❤️

[@bellajungian8389]

Wow amazing! I was so scared for you guys. Can we see your next hike at a normal pace. Maybe just having a nice normal hike and nice day spent together

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha check out the Kearsarge Lakes video -- that one was totally mellow, but so, so fun! ❤️

[@Exe.6000]

The energy you guys give off is amazing. And the chemistry as well. Great video 🏔️

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you very much, that is so nice to hear! Really happy that you enjoy the chemistry as well as the adventure aspect, because in our minds good chemistry between adventure partners is essential, especially as the adventures get more challenging! ❤️

[@taylorbrown8329]

More like really creepy

[@Exe.6000]

@@taylorbrown8329 how?

[@Andyjamesontheweb]

you guys are absolutely batty, and I'm here for it!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha yes Andy! That's what we like to hear!!! ❤️

[@mitchellmysliwiecphotography]

My palms were sweating from just watching you on that slab! Beautiful up there.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

It really was gorgeous, Mitch -- one of the best 360 views we've seen in a very long time. And don't worry, the sweaty palms wouldn't have hurt you on the slab because there were no handholds anyway -- it was all feet! 😂

[@cavemandancer]

Live it! Wow, Great job, Amazing. Really pushed that comfort zone.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you! Yes that's a good way to put it. We knew the slab was safe for us having read all the beta, but still when we were on it there was most definitely a comfort factor that had to be overcome. It felt great to do it! ❤️

[@brucealbright4405]

Gor gods sake I have no idea how you guys did that. No way would I even think about trying that!! The views were beautiful for sure. Thanks for sharing!! Kudos and then some.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Bruce! Yes this is definitely one of those climbs where you want to have a good amount of previous class 4 experience. You could for sure do that final slab just fine physically, but if your brain was freaking out because of the exposure then it could be bad. Glad you liked the views -- some of our favorite summit views we've ever had in the Sierra. ❤️

[@Andrew_travels_New_Zealand]

Beautiful Scenery. You guys are Great.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Andrew! This one is a true Sierra classic -- just unforgettable at the top. ❤️

[@goldensolstice6390]

Wait a minute... Elise traversing some really sketchy area, Adam says; you got this Elise! Then Elise jumps in really cold lake, Adam says; you are making me scared!! Hahaha thanks for the comic relief at the end of a GREAT video!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha and then he tries to show me up by pretending it's not even cold! Trust me, he was freezing in there 😂 --E

[@sanjapkoki]

I almost fell off my seat watching that scary traverse.. you two deserve an award.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha thank you -- ya that traverse is so unique, because none of it is really technical but it feels super scary because of how blank the slab is and how long the drop-offs are! It's an amazing place. Very glad you enjoyed! ❤️

[@grantbent]

One of my favorite peak bags for you two because the entire Rae Lakes Basin was in your view (one of my all-time favorite JMT adventures). I thought Elise was singing “…profanity…” as she was coming back over the Dragon Pk slab traverse and I was laughing “okay, that makes sense right now”. Great camera work all the way through.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha yes that was one of the lyrics, and then we actually did have to bleep me when I got in that freezing lake 😂 I'm happy you enjoyed this one -- def one of my favorite summits too thanks to the great views and exhilarating traverse! ❤--E

[@ithinkthereforeitalk935]

Yeah, you are very lucky, guys, to live in California, not only can you hike in the stunningly beautiful mountains but have immediate access to all kinds of natural landscapes ranging from arid deserts and tropical rainforests to snowy peaks and glaciers. I envy you in a good way. I looove mountains and do a lot of uphill running but they are not as gorgeous (here in Siberia) as what you got in Cali.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Wow, it's so exciting to us that you are seeing us all the way over in Siberia! You are right, we really are lucky to have such a diversity of places to explore so close to us. One day in the future we would love to explore the Caucasus, and maybe even make it far enough north to see the white nights in Siberia! ❤️

[@occasm]

eesh....that slab Omg......I don't think I could handle that. Great one guys!!!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha you could definitely do it! It's got a nice little forward tilt, so you just lean against the slab and trust your feet. But you really do have to trust the feet, that's the whole key, because the hand holds are horrible! ❤️

[@ldosucowboy3279]

Awesome, beautiful America once again. I'm always amazed that you can be all alone in these places. I just love it. You are so blessed. I have done some minor exposed climbing- the needles in So. Dakota- but to see you on video makes my legs turn to jelly.😊

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha thanks, yes we really are blessed here. And we might actually do those So Dakota needles ourselves next year as we embark on an all 50 state hiking trip! ❤️

[@rhousto1]

It's fun to watch you guys but it has to be as scary as heck for the two of you at times. You do take a lot of hikes that really challenge your skills but this one had that one terrifying section that really tested your skill and nerve. My hope is that you will turn back whenever it's needed. Be safe!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much, and we promise you that we will definitely turn back any time we feel unsafe. As we've gotten more into mountaineering, we've honestly started to take pride in turning around because we know it just means we're making a good decision, and will come back another time with better equipment and get it done. On this one, we knew we could do it because we'd read so much beta on how to do it safely, but even so that slab across was pretty heart-pounding! ❤️

[@adventureswithrussellandan7550]

Always look forward to your videos! Beautiful! Can't wait to get out west again!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha yes! We're luring you guys out where you belong!! ❤️

[@andygolborne5747]

Another excellent film. The scramble looked great. Maybe pack some micro spikes on these trips - would get you up the packed snow no issues.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you, and yes microspikes would have been ideal on that snow! But we really had no idea there was going to be snow -- huge surprise, because it's probably the first time in decades there was still snow this late in summer/fall. But def a good idea for any time there's an expectation of that kind of icy snow -- would def have made the gulley much easier. ❤️

[@erictriplett33]

Wow that slab crossing is INTENSE!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Ya it really was. The funny thing is it's not technically difficult at all -- you just lean against the slope of the wall and keep your feet in the good crack. But the problem is in trusting your feet -- we're not naturally made to do that, especially over long drops, so it feels super scary even though it's theoretically easy. Fun though! ❤️

[@andreajohnson1796]

Lucky they had snow all summer long , the summer heat nearly dried us out ....nice and beautiful Thanks for sharing Elise and Adam as always be careful

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes Andrea! It was definitely a return to the pre-drought years this summer, with all the lakes still full of new snowmelt all summer long. From what we hear, it might be the same again this year with el Nino. Spring waterfall hikes, here we come! ❤️

[@jeffcottingham3691]

nice little adventure there! I need to go back and review my history as it seems I climbed a peak not too far from this - but can't even remember the name. That slab traverse looked really intense! Thanks again for taking us along!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Our pleasure, Jeff! There were def a lot of peaks around -- was it possibly Gould that you climbed? There's a traverse from Gould to Dragon that looks fun. But there are other ones too, and hopefully at some point we'll have climbed them all! ❤️

[@jeffcottingham3691]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I went back to look at the maps and that was it - I was hiking out over Kearsarge pass and decided to bag the peak when I reached the pass and had a gorgeous day for it too - mid June (in 1988!). I had always wanted to come back and do Painted Lady, but the only vantage point I had was from the south and west at Glen Pass, and it looked quite challenging. Never did any more research on it to see what routes were possible. Might be one for you to look into!

[@hermannschmidt9788]

Geez Elise! You guys are so refreshingly reckless :-D That traverse section is just above the level I'd go without a rope. The rock looked quite solid, though. love the Sierra landscape!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha thanks Hermann! Yes the rock on the traverse is perfect, and there's so much beta on it that we knew just to lean forward and trust the feet. But no shame in using extra safety precautions just in case! Really happy to show you the Sierra from that perspective -- it's truly a miraculous place! ❤️

[@larryowens2859]

Well this looks like your best hike ever, no via, good rock some route finding, no people, congratulations, oh, and great video, thanks for sharing! Larry Owens

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Larry! Was one of our favorite hikes in ages, and a nice prep for some of the ones we're planning in the spring when we'll actually need to use some climbing gear! ❤️

[@larryowens2859]

Just got back from Mt Russell, climbed the Fish hook. Then did the east ridge , you guys may enjoy the ridge east to west,

[@tylerhartman_]

Ya'll are crazy!!!!!! Wow epic climb

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

So glad you saw this one, Tyler! It really is epic up there -- one of our all-time favorite Sierra climbs! ❤️

[@tylerhartman_]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I sent this video to my girlfriend and she said NO WAY 😂🙏🏻

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@tylerhartman_ Haha you can always bring harnesses and a rope! ❤

[@yolioms]

Omgs, you guys, I got nervous with this adventure 😮 You two I look forward to all of your content😊 Thanks & cheers🎃🎃🎃🥳🥳

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you very much -- it makes us super happy to know you look forward to the videos every week, and is a great motivation for us to keep making them! ❤️

[@miguelbarreto]

Another amazing video. Thanks guys! You continue conquering that mountains!!!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Miguel! Very glad you enjoyed this one -- for sure this is now one of our favorite climbs in the Sierra. It's got everything you need in a classic climb! ❤️

[@robertcalonico8008]

Love the dad joke, Elise! The amount of snow in October (!!) is surprising. Parts of the hike look like Baldy. New song on the descent? A great butt-slide, and the laugh in the lake was priceless! Love to both of you.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha I knew I would make you proud! We should have you make a guest appearance and randomly toss in some good dad jokes here and there. You are the pro, after all. Love you right back!!

[@CarlStacey]

trying to play catch up on videos I missed as you can probably tell, another amazing one and intense for sure! stay safe please guys :)

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Glad you saw this one! One of our favorite Sierra hikes ever -- just a miraculous view from that summit!! ❤️

[@thaddeevaldelievre895]

I love how over the years you all have progressed in your "hikes" to more and more scrambles and climbing! I'm always worried something terrible will happen... be careful! (I know you are!)

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much Thaddee, and don't worry -- we had all the beta on this hike and definitely knew how to get across that slab safely. And speaking of challenges, can't wait to show you next week's sufferfest! Not as hard as your R2R2R, but pretty close!! ❤️

[@thaddeevaldelievre895]

Oh I can't wait! I'm planning cactus to clouds to cactus next october, but need some other ideas for spring!@@LiveHardxLoveHard

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@thaddeevaldelievre895 haha it is c2c2c, but we do have some other thoughts for future long stuff as well. ❤

[@thaddeevaldelievre895]

LOL!!!!🤣🤣@@LiveHardxLoveHard

[@Dontworryaboutanything]

That slab was gnar gnar

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Ya it's not technical, but the exposure on it is scary AF! So worth it though to get those incredible views of both sides -- this really is one of the all-time great Sierra hikes. ❤️

[@annaet3767]

Brillant. And so empty. I got tired watching you cross that slab and then I got cold watching you swim in the lake. I need to go and rest a little. 😁👍🏻

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha glad to give you a virtual workout, Anna 😂. Yes it was completely empty. We didn't see another person the entire day on this one! ❤️

[@josephregallis3394]

I'm going to say it. You two have "Balls!". Wow, climbing that rock with just your feet in the crack was just crazy! Nice views and great weather. I just started hiking again now that the rainy season has ended here in Florida but it was a little wet and muddy. We have received a lot of rain this year. It should be better by next month.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Joseph, and so happy to hear you're out hiking now that you're not getting pounded by tropical storms! Hopefully you'll get lots of good miles in during the winter months!! ❤️

[@manonera8414]

Love u guys! 😊

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you -- that is so nice to hear! ❤️

[@runninghighOG]

Excellent job you two! Dragon Peak is no joke. You should check out the Sierra Club SPS list. Plenty of Sierra peaks to choose from with ample trip reports. Forget about All Trails. Look up Bob Burd's trip reports. He's done every Sierra peak you could think of.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Oh heck yes, we LOVE Bob Burd. We've done a few climbs where it was just Bob Burd, us, and a few other people who were signed into the register (and the register obviously was put there by Bob to begin with!). ❤️

[@runninghighOG]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard You should check out Temple Crag. It's right up your alley.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@runninghighOG yes!

[@craigblundell2031]

Love you guys !! Great ending to this video !!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Craig! So glad you enjoyed it. We're truly blessed to have these gorgeous mountain lakes, and always look forward to an epic plunge at some point on every Sierra hike! ❤️

[@DavidHaney1]

❤ GR8 VID ~ LOVED IT ❤ MickyD's 2 for 5 deal ROCKS, those deer at the very beginning were so cute and close. I'm heading up the eastern side of the sierras for a few weeks and wanted to watch this one. That climbing section was way too scary but the views were absolutely breathtaking. When they install an escalator .. maybe I'd go. That water plunge .. no way .. too cold but great for the video !!!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha we were gonna plunge this past weekend too, but the lakes we went to were already frozen over! ❤

[@connoreberhart]

This is one of my favorite summits! I really wanna go back and do the traverse from Mt Gould to Dragon Peak. Glad yall had a blast!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes Connor! So glad you've had a chance to summit this beast! We totally agree -- it's one of our favorites now too. Just such a unique approach and ridge traverse, and then that crazy slab at the end before some of the world's greatest summit views. What a Sierra treasure. Please let us know how the Gould traverse goes, and if you think we'd like it! ❤️

[@nomada6789]

Guys we were able to do #andersonpeak but the last two miles from #sanbernardinopeak to #anderson were very fun and killer 😝😝😝 thanks for the inspiration to keep moving forwards ⛰

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Fantastic -- congrats!!! We're def gonna snowshoe Anderson this year -- we miss it! ❤️

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Lol. Seriously. Did you guys just do it? Literally, when I was talking about it. Except traverse over from Gould. Badass. I was laughing at the guy doing the traverse on Dragon. Now you did it. 🤣 Check check and check. Bam. Keith. Next mountain up.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yeah Dan -- we knew you'd be pumped on it!! Next time we'll try the traverse from Gould-- it didn't look too bad from up there! ❤️

[@uptone12111]

Omg that was intense to watch!Congrats❤

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! It was one of our favorite peaks in a long time -- just so much beauty and variety the whole way. Very memorable! ❤️

[@petr-podrouzek]

Amazing !!! 🙂

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Petr! So happy to show you another classic Sierra climb!! ❤️

[@markabraham2765]

Well done once again! So amazing that snow is still up there. Stay safe!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes Mark! And we're thinking that with El Nino there could be a similar snowfall again this year. It would def be good for Cali, and for our spring waterfall hikes! ❤️

[@RaydenSun]

It's so crazy to me as a European that there are all these beautiful mountains and mountain lakes with no maintained trail to it. If these same lakes were in Germany/Austria/Switzerland there would be like 3 trails from all directions towards them haha.

[@DougSatre]

we are so fortunate to have the Sierras close by and so immense.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes you are so right about that -- and there would be a refugio at the top for soup and Cappuccino! The European way is very lovely and civilized, but there is definitely something to be said for the unspoiled wildness of the Sierra. We truly are blessed to live here! ❤️

[@994pt4]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I'll take 'uncivilized' and no crowds every time. It's the whole point of going into the mountains....to get away from people!

[@christhornley1664]

That was a very tricky traverse on the slab, I had vertigo watching you both, but you both always stay calm and get through it. The Sierra are so beautiful, I'd love to get over to the States sometime and do some hiking in those stunning mountains.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Chris -- we really hope you will be able to do it. In our opinion, the Sierra is much like the Zermatt area and the Chamonix area. A true natural wonder that all mountain lovers should experience at least once. We promise you will not regret that trip! ❤️

[@wernerevans4068]

Wow. A dicey traverse followed by a dip in ice cold lake.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes! Exactly the way we like it. One of the most perfect days we've ever had in the Sierra!! ❤️

[@dip00007]

this channel is a rare find. great content quality.. What camera gear do you use ? please make a video about how you shoot and edit the content.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much, that is really nice to hear -- and we actually did make a video about that! Not too many people saw it, but if you look through our past videos you'll find one from about two years ago where we talk all about our cameras (iPhone and GoPro) and how we use each of them! ❤️