The California 14ers: Mt. Tyndall & Mt. Williamson Solo | Backpacking | Shepherd Pass

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

I hope you enjoy! 0:24 Intro 1:04 Shepherd Pass trailhead 2:09 The journey begins 2:37 First stream crossing 3:12 8,000ft deeper into the smoke 3:36 Over the first high point into another valley (Shepherd Creek) 5:21 Anvil Camp 8:20 Off to Shepherd Pass (Smoke is gone!) 10:06 Shepherd Pass 10:58 Top of Shepherd Pass (First view of Mt. Tyndall) 11:48 Williamson Bowl 13:03 Base of Mt. Tyndall North Rib route (Class 2-3) 16:42 Summit Ridge 20:33 Mt. Tyndall Summit (14,026ft) 22:14 Heading back down 23:15 Back at camp 24:16 Some novice night shots (Timer, tripod - Why are they blurry?) 24:45 Crossing the Williamson Bowl 26:37 Base of Mt. Williamson West Face route (Class 3) 30:06 Closer view of the chute 30:44 Entering the chute 33:48 View of the U-notch / Class 3 section 34:23 Searching for the "class 3 section" 39:27 Summit Plateau 42:03 Mt. Williamson Summit (14,380ft - second highest in CA) 43:12 Hurrying back toward backpack (all my valuables) 43:28 The downclimb 48:23 Back at the base 48:45 Back at camp 49:20 A little extra

[@tienpham-pc3lb]

Appreciate your timestamps

[@terencedoherty7386]

I climbed Tyndall and others in that area many years ago, so this brought back fond memories. I was by myself at the time, and didn't see anybody. But, I didn't try Williamson. I guess at the time I didn't think it was possible for me, but then again, I didn't know the route. Had I seen this video, I definitely would have tried it. I've watched a few of these videos covering Tyndall/Williamson, and I think this one is the best. I notice you climbed around (not through) the "crux" pitch on the 3rd class rock just below the summit plateau, but it looked like it was about the same difficulty. Looked a little dicey on the down climb near the summit plateau, but also looks like if you take your time, you'll be fine. Thanks!

[@dakchurah]

enjoyed watching your video, and I was very impressed!

[@hikesteepfishhigh]

wow! that little mixup at the top was nutz. this is a gold mine just to see that!

[@TonyCorsaro]

Whitney is the only 14er I made back in the day. 2003 I think. Never thought I’d say it but at 70, I’m just not up to it anymore. I’ve really enjoyed your KZbin adventures.. filling in the blanks on places I never got to. Thanks!

[@smileyhappyradio]

Just found this, and its the first video I have seen on Shepherd pass. Heard that one's sketchy. Thanks for posting!

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Thanks for watching & wishing you safe travels if you plan on heading out!

[@brinanguyen9995]

Doing this solo? Relying on your own guts on a no-joke technical mountain summit? Seriously, you're badass. This was humbling to watch. Huge congrats on your summit. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Love this guy. Methodical smart humble to the point.

[@gregskolozdra]

Great video! Very exciting! Thanks for sharing!

[@stevehops2825]

Mighty impressive. and solo!

[@njosborne5540]

Beautiful video. Really enjoyed it.

[@eagley8708]

Very helpful video! Thank you for this.

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Happy to hear; thanks for watching!

[@jamesbadham9665]

Great video. Watched every minute. Been wanting to do those two peaks for a while. This is by far the best coverage. Shows the hike to Shepherd's Pass (including showing the switchbacks), Anvil Camp, Williamson Bowl, slab walking up to the left side of the gendarme approaching Tyndall, the black spots heading up Williamson, the big gap and the chimney. I think I've watched every vid of that hike and looked at a lot of photos, and when you got to the chimney and went left, I was saying, "No, no, it's that chute to the right." But you were tired. Anyway, last thing, I watch a lot of backpacking videos in between my trips out, and you are the only person who does not pan too fast with your camera. When you move across the landscape, you do it nice and slowly, so everything stays in focus and the viewer doesn't get that dizzying effect. Great job. I'll be back. You give a great "sense" of the experience.

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Along with climbing trying to bag these peaks, learning how to make decent videos is a journey itself :) Something I came across is - when panning the camera, we have to do so slowly to not get that skippy effect as you mentioned. (We can pan faster when recording with faster frame rates, such as 60fps vs 30fps). Thank you for watching! & I appreciate you taking time to leave feedback.

[@johnbednarski5114]

probably one of the best videos i've seen of these two climbs. awesome dude.

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Thanks again, John. I still kick myself for not getting footage of going up the chimney-ish section on Williamson, but I'm glad you like it!

[@johnbednarski5114]

@@outerskirtshiking8141 you know, I climbed that chute back in the mid-80s. I remember how exhilarating it was to finally pop my head out at the top on that plateau. I hope to do that trip one more time.

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

@@johnbednarski5114 Have you considered any of the other routes? I just ask because the book I look at - Climbing California's Fourteeners - has quite a few listed. Though, this west face is the most popular route.

[@wsharp23]

Binge watching all of your videos. Really enjoyable

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

I really appreciate it. Please, if you have any tips on what would make watching more enjoyable for you, I'd love to hear =)

[@preflightfantasyadventure4427]

This is awesome. Subscribed.

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Hi there Preflight, thank you for coming along!

[@KV_Aventuras]

Amazing job. Thanks for sharing. This is on my list to do thanks to you. 👍

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

That's awesome KV. Wishing you the best of trips when you go!

[@nedanother9382]

Man that was bad ass. Too bad you were worried about your gear....I'm guess that was altitude brain. You could've left that stuff for a week and nobody would have done anything but wonder for your safety if they came along it. My favorite part of the eastern sierras. A great hiking community......Edit - upon further review seeing your pack where you left it. You're damn lucky a marmot didn't drag it away. I've been to whitney 3 times and have enjoyed the show of people leaving their packs each time. Very happy marmots.

[@tortoisewhisperer1580]

that is a Great climb you made ! I did that climb years ago, but we did first night camp at Anvil camp, then a night at the base of the mountain around 12,000 just beyond SHepard Pass. next morning we headed for the peak but we followed a route much closer to the spine of the mountain than you did. That was not nearly as steep as the route you went but had more loose rock. I think around the18:40 mark ,it looks like you hit a spot where you made climb straight up and over to continue on to the peak. I think that is the spot I chose to go around that little peak to the left and we ended up crab crawling on an incline back up to the top -that was a big mistake in hindsight we should have stayed on top and went up and over just as you did. But we made it to the peak nonetheless. I did Tyndall, but failed on Whitney due to altitude sickness. SInce you have done both Tyndall and Whitney I was wondering which one you considered harder/more difficult ?

[@jayvirdi7248]

Great video man. I had the same altitude sickness symptoms my first time on Whitney.

[@mistuhfan]

Dang I'm surprised you're willing to head out even with smoke like that. Great vid.

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

I really hoped that it would clear out, and thankfully it did. Thanks for watching!

[@karlplaysdrums]

Dude! Epic!

[@deaconmma3048]

Congrats bro - much respect

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Thanks for watching brotha

[@schism8286]

Fantastic video man!

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Thanks bro! Glad you like it, and appreciate the feedback

[@miketomilowitz2043]

good stuff all of your vids. the best capturing of the california 14ers i've seen thus far. i've only climbed three of them myself and the easiest three at that but this kind of stuff stokes the fire to keep getting out there. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@blazed1945]

Beautiful video great content id bring a collapsible pole and catch some fresh trout for breakfast lunch or dinner thanks for the great video

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

A trip like that sounds amazing, just hanging out and especially if catching some trout. Any idea how the fishing is around there?

[@johnbednarski5114]

great video, was up there a couple of years ago.

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

This is a bit late but, thanks for the feedback, John! Any plans of revisiting in the future?

[@danchapman8218]

Dude, awesome video... I can really relate to the huffing and puffing at high altitude challenges, although I'm not that badass... When I leave my backpack, or mountain bike, I hide it a bit off the trail and mark it with a gps, then I find it later using my gps.

[@ggutierrez18]

Thank you!!! I appreciate you taking the time taking all the videos! Watched the whole thing. Hoping to bag this peak one day 🙏🏼

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

My pleasure, Gracelle! Thank you for watching, I hope you can find it useful for your trip. Wishing you safe travels when you do go!

[@ggutierrez18]

Broooo!! We met you at the bishop pass trail. I’m already a subscriber even before we met. Hope you had a great trip ☺️

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

​@@ggutierrez18 Wow that's so crazy, yeah I remember your comment up there ^ ; first time ever meeting a follower then :D Sorry I had the mask on. By the way, I know you said it got a little sketchy route finding up Agassiz, I have a few clips from when I joined a friend's trip and will make the video soon in case you want to see how we got up. And the trip went great, only did North Pal, will go back for Sill and Polemonium. Hello to Joe as well!

[@allanfifield8256]

20:33 Tyndall summit register. As to the summit rock, I contented myself with stretching to touch the top with my hand. It was good enough for me. It counts!

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Yes it does!

[@phillyjr]

great video! very impressive solo mission! takes strong will power to pull this off

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

I agree Philly, mental as much as it is physical. Thank you for watching and dropping a comment!

[@ralphonearth3101]

Sounds like you were huffing and puffing quite a bit there. I use a breathing rythem to regulate my pace and dictate breaks. During the video I felt like taking a break for you. 😆 I had the same nausea at that first lake in the bowl. I attributed it to my lack of calorie intake that day combined with the altitude. Williamson was my first 14. We made base camp there and spent the night before summiting the next morning. I felt so bad I didn't think I'd be able to summit the next day. Morning felt just as bad but I went through the motions just to see how far I could make it. Luckily by the time we started the chute I felt 100%. If you haven't already, try using a small/summit pack or fanny pack for summiting to keep high value items, snack, water, first aid... Thanks for the video (not too long). I used several videos like yours to prep for my trip and they were invaluable. Keep safe.

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

I just watched your video, it's nice to see another perspective on these peaks. Glad you were able to push through and bag both! Good luck on future adventures =)

[@allanfifield8256]

Everybody ("Most everybody") feels a bit sick on their first 14'er.

[@mikehayden7330]

Dude, seriously, that summit? You had me in an anxiety attack wathging you. Well done but I feel like that was an unnecessary risk!

[@tienpham-pc3lb]

great and high quality content! It's like a movie ^^

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Glad you enjoyed :D

[@appadave]

Thanks for the video. Very informational. If you ever need a partna to climb, holla

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Thanks for watching! Comments are turned off but, I liked your 2020 adventures video. It would be nice to do a group trip to bag the palisade peaks.. - thunderbolt, starlight, north palisade, polemonium. I went to thunderbolt solo, dumb idea (video almost done). Let me know if you have any interest in those peaks bro

[@appadave]

@@outerskirtshiking8141 very interested. You on FB or IG so we can connect to discuss logistics?

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Awesome! @theouterskirts on ig works

[@insertname2510]

Super duper rad. I dream to do this and you're an inspiration

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

I wish you the safest of trips when you make it happen =)

[@professionalgamer4858]

@@outerskirtshiking8141 I was wondering when you did this did you have experience wiht rock climbing? I'm not sure if I could do that chute section with ZERO experience in anything tehcnical

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

@@professionalgamer4858 In terms of experience, it had been just wandering around in these mountains. I had climbed a couple more difficult things before this. I'd like to continue my answer though, with something that may be of some value to you. But please understand that it's not climbing advice, just my opinion. Can someone with zero technical experience can climb this? - I think it would depend on the person. The route is considered class 3, and has pretty good holds. A good question is - should someone come all this way without having experience in class 3 climbing? I'd say no. It's a long hike/climb to find out that something is too far out of one's comfort zone to climb. I'd recommend someone get very comfortable on class 3 terrain first, beforehand. Now, are there people who are decently athletic and very comfortable with body movement who can climb this with little climbing experience? Probably. But best not to have to find out that way =)

[@professionalgamer4858]

@@outerskirtshiking8141 Thanks! I think I might climb mt tyndall for now, and some day come back and do mt williamson. This would actually be my first fourteener which is making me a bit more hesitant to also do my first rock climbing at the same time. Thanks!

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

@@professionalgamer4858 Nice! I think that's a good plan. Or, if you go with someone that has a little more experience, it might not be so bad attempting Williamson while you're out there :) Either way, I'd love to hear how it goes. Safe travels~

[@ashleyspencer1048]

Great video :)

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Thanks for watching, Ashley!

[@noah5889]

What camera(s) do you use?

[@amandasainburg8542]

How was the down climb?

[@chrisfamisaran]

Love the videos. My CA 14er’s journey starts next summer! What tent and trail shoes are you using?

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Thank you, Chris! The shoes are the Adidas Terrex ax2r and the tent is a Naturehike vik 1 (amazon). It's no top of the line kind of tent but for weight, usability and price it has very good value. If you pick one up, I'd suggest waterproofing the seams (looked like a weakness according to some videos - I sprayed the whole thing).. Thank you for the subscription man. I wish you the very very best on the 14ers. Will you be documenting the journey?

[@chrisfamisaran]

@@outerskirtshiking8141 Thanks for the info! As far documenting, I will probably do so on my instagram stories.

[@davedavis5809]

@36 mn i love how that potassium feldspar granite twists like a rope its made up of even smaller ropes about a foot in diameter .. great climb thanks for sharing but be careful, have you seen how hideous a person looks flipping down a mountain like a tire missing half it spokes

[@MidsierramusingBlogspot]

What model Garmin Fenix are you using here? Shepherd Pass is one of the four nasty passes.

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Hey dematson, this is the 5x - still working great. I see you have the 7; awesome =) What are the other three nasty passes?

[@MidsierramusingBlogspot]

@@outerskirtshiking8141 Baxter, Taboose, and Sawmill.

[@TVinmyEye]

Did a solo hike up Mount Tyndall this past weekend. Not too difficult, Shepherds Pass does suck tho haha. The summit block on Mount Tyndall is consider a class 4, that doesn’t sound right lol. What did you think? Love your videos!

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Nice! Was it hot when you were out there? As for the Tyndall summit block, hmm. You're talking about the big rock sitting on top as the summit right? I agree that doesn't sound right being a class IV. Just wondering, what source describes it as that? // Btw thanks for watching!

[@LinusWilson]

The weather, the smoke, altitude sickness, bonking: you had summit fever bad. Should not have left parking lot and turned around so many times.

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

-Though the weather seemed to be coming in, I believed going to anvil camp was fine because the forecast was clear. -If it had gotten worse with the smoke, I would have definitely turned back before going higher than anvil camp. It was so uplifting to see it clear in the morning. -As for the bonk, I've pushed past it quite a few times, even exercising, and have an understanding how my body works with it. Not a turnaround reason for me personally, usually. -I do admit to having gotten summit fever quite a few times, though I don't believe so on this trip. I also do have my fair share of turnarounds - Shasta eastern approach (2), Southern approach (1), Langley (2), and once on Whitney's main trail. I WAS at a turnaround point when I couldn't find the chimney leading to the Williamson summit plateau though.. but, glad I did :)

[@Diesel0807]

No judgement here but its interesting how your level of impairment is soo obvious in the video, you can see the progression once you were headed for big willy, this is educational its about impossible to know whether your judgement is impaired once it is

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

Hi Chris, thank you for watching and dropping some feedback! I agree that things were much different heading towards Williamson, and see how you came to your conclusion; and I agree that one likely wouldn't know that his or her judgment is impaired once it already is, but I respectfully disagree that this was the case here. Though it was very uncomfortable, as mentioned in the video, I've experienced and pushed through that many times before, so it wasn't anything new. Could the ascent have been done more comfortably (well nourished)? Definitely - but I'd compare it to a long distance runner "pushing past the wall". The transition into the body burning ketones (fat) for energy is known to be uncomfortable with varying symptoms including headaches, nausea, and heavy fatigue - and according to google, Jelly legs! I'd like to include that I've done 4 days, one week, as well as 11 days with no food (water fast), with light exercise, feeling great - so I've had a little experience functioning in a fasted state. (The toughest parts were the transitions away from sugar). With all that said - I had water, and the day was young and had more than enough time to make an easy-going ascent. The weather was beautiful as well ..Would I encourage others to go about it like this? Not at all. It was a personal choice based on the situation and how much discomfort I was comfortable with =)

[@garfield8900]

Nice video, you would do better scrambling without those hiking poles though…

[@outerskirtshiking8141]

You're right, especially when hands are needed. But it sometimes makes traveling easier when it's not so steep.. the tradeoff =) Thanks for watching