What Happened on Mt. Whitney Mountaineer's Route: Terror and Triumph

Mt. Whitney Mountaineer's Route is an immensely challenging climb up to the summit of Mt. Whitney, which, at 14,500FT, is the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. While most hikers take the standard Mt. Whitney trail, the Whitney mountaineer's route requires additional training, experience and preparation. The route starts at the Whitney Portal, where hikers navigate up the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek to the Ebersbacher ledges (E-ledges). From there, the route steeply climbs from Lower Boy Scout Lake to Upper Boy Scout Lake and then Iceberg Lake. But it doesn't stop there! After Iceberg is where the trail really gets challenging, as climbers ascend straight up the couloir and then to the Final 400 which leads up to the Mt. Whitney summit. Let's not forget that the hardest part is then the down climb.
Please again note that the mountaineer's route requires rigorous preparation, safety gear, mountaineering equipment (and experience using it), and should not be attempted lightly.
#mtwhitney #californiahiking #mountains

[@djnickryan4562]

Lost my best childhood friend on the final 400 this week. I found your video and seeing your happiness, knowing he reached summit before his last moments brought me a lot of joy. Knowing how happy he was. Be safe guys, I hope to see more of your adventures soon!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Oh my gosh, we've been reading about that -- we're so sorry for your loss. It's such a tragedy that two vibrant people with many more years of adventure in them were taken away so young. We both agree with and support your perspective on him doing what he loved. As the saying goes: everyone dies, but not everyone really lives. Your friend lived an awesome life right up until the end, and it's great to see that you are celebrating that even in your grief. Much love and condolences to you. ❤️ --A & E

[@John_theodore]

Non climber here- what is the final 400? The final 400 feet / meters of the mountain?

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@John_theodore Yes John, it's the final 400 feet, which is the steepest and most dangerous part of the ascent.

[@M-mc3hk]

Lost a friend on this same route on May 7th.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@M-mc3hk So sorry to hear that. Random rockfall in the dark is our greatest fear, and probably the greatest fear of most mountaineers, because there is so little that can be done to avoid it. Your friend was terribly unlucky to be taken like that. May he rest in peace. ❤

[@rhousto1]

I'm one of those who gets worried but admires your quest to take on these extreme challenges. No one can accuse you of taking on simple ordinary challenges.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much, and don't worry -- we're really careful not to try anything deadly that is outside of our ability or experience level. Even though this one was very scary coming down, we knew exactly what to do and how to do it. If it had been icy or some other problem that we weren't confident about handling, we would have just bailed and tried to summit another time. ❤️

[@JarretXu]

Mountaineering: the art of walking slowly uphill while not feeling very good.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Hahaha yes! Add in, "and very occasionally facing mortal peril" and you've got it in a nutshell 😂

[@PaulBeiser]

WHOA.. Impressive beyond belief - the vertical in one day, the conditions, and the steepness - and all the time you both are chatting, talking, and just enjoying life. You both are so awesome. Adam, congrats on your early retirement. Love you guys!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much, Paul! I think the early retirement is really going to benefit all of us, because we'll be able to do such a wider variety of adventures that we will love and also of course will share with you guys. It's gonna be a definite win-win! --A

[@kcc9775]

UNreal. Impressive. Incredible. I have done Mt. Baldy in the winter but this is a whole different level. Wow. Thank you for bringing us such a quality video. This gives us motivation and a zest to our life hopes.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much -- we had wanted to do this route in winter conditions for years, and it definitely lived up to its reputation. Beautiful, scary, and totally exhilarating! Very glad you enjoyed!! ❤️

[@ShawnWang-ne4ji]

7:30, I'm that guy in blue jacket debating to turn around or keep going. My party ended up bailing on the final 400. Huge kudos to you guys pushing to the summit! Stay safe!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Oh my gosh Shawn thanks for telling us that! We remember seeing you guys, along with a couple of other groups, and were wondering why we didn't pass any of you guys coming up when we were on our way down. We thought maybe you tried to take the traverse around the side or something. Very glad to know you're all ok. Nothing wrong with bailing on that final 400 -- it was scary AF! Hope to see you on more Sierra hikes in the future! ❤️

[@embunchofnumbers]

You made the right choice honestly 👏👏👏

[@clammeny]

Whatever video you guys upload is usually the most high quality and clear one for any particular route/hike...thanks for the valuable information you contribute to the community.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much -- that really means a lot to us. We wouldn't be able to do half the things we do if it wasn't for this community sharing beta and ideas, and we're delighted to pay that forward as much as we can! ❤️

[@miguelbarreto]

There is wisdom in climbing mountains… thanks guys for this video, I really enjoyed.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Miguel! We love sharing these big climbs with you because we know it gets you stoked!! ❤️

[@josedelarosa5424]

Amazing guys,talked to Adam just before he got to upper boy scout the day before and walked back and had a great conversation with him. Congratulations guys,this is awesome

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Jose that was so awesome to see you and have that conversation -- it really made my day, and gave me a lot of confidence for Sunday when we went for it. Thank you! ❤️

[@zetristan4525]

"Many people haven't made it this year... so we'll just have to do it while filming...and even so all within one day." 🦒🐐

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha well to be fair to many of the people who had to turn around, we ended up fortunate with a very nice weather window. Apparently the winds the day before had put visibility to basically zero. But not gonna lie -- we felt pretty proud of getting it done in one day with so much technical snow climbing involved! ❤️

[@angelosguan6782]

Man the ascending seems really steep and tough. Mad respect for you guys to not only have made it to the top safely but also do it in one day!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! Yes it was a very long and hard day, but luckily we were blessed by fantastic conditions which made it possible to summit and get down safely. Such a great feeling! ❤️

[@arrjee3176]

"This is so scary", "This is really hard", "I'm super nauseous"; all delivered in the most conversational of tones. Y'all are not of this Earth but I'm glad you decided to visit. Great video!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you so much! Really happy you enjoyed it. Yes over the years we've definitely learned to stay calm and focused even in genuinely scary situations, and we want to tell you guys that we're aware of the danger and difficulty but at the same time inside we're just focusing even more intensely. It's truly a pleasure to share that process with you! ❤️

[@networkimprov]

E & A, I love you guys, you have brought me much joy, so I write this with nothing but kindness... I loathe seeing you risking each others lives. One of the reasons mountaineering documentaries are popular is the accidents -- audiences crave tragedy as well as triumph. Don't tempt the first kind into watching you; they don't care that you're not actors on a set; and you don't sense how their quiet desires affect you. All my best -Liam

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Liam that is so sweet and honest of you, and we know exactly what you mean. I hope you could tell from the video that we're very deliberate with our technique, never moving the ice axe until feet are planted, and vice versa, and also that the conditions were literally perfect. If it had been too icy or too soft on the final 400 we would have turned around and been fine with that. Of course even then it is still scary to look down at something so potentially fatal, but remember that we all do potentially fatal things all the time (whenever you drive a car on a mountain road, for example, you're literally just one wrong twitch of the wrist away from death). It's just that we're so used to doing most of those other things that we don't think about it. This wasn't any more dangerous than driving a car with the way we approached it -- it's just that the danger was more obvious, because so much more unique. In a way though that makes it safer, because you're alive to the danger and making sure not to make a mistake -- whereas people die in cars all the time because they forget to be careful of the danger that's still actually there every second. Hope that makes sense, and much love to you! ❤️

[@networkimprov]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard Thank you for the thoughtful reply. But the essence of my point is that doing high-risk things *for an audience* is different, because the *audience has effects*, even tho we're watching after your trip. It's a long story as to exactly how, so I'll just say that I'm a student of this area of science. Pls, pls meditate on this!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@networkimprov We will, Liam, and thank you! ❤

[@ajelder99]

So proud of you two for completing this super tough and scary climb...amazing!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks AJ! Super happy we could share it with you. We take so much positive energy from you guys, and apply it every day in our training and climbing -- so happy to have this community! ❤️

[@jedlink136]

I've found that holding the camera low to the ground/slope is the best way to accurately portray how steep something is. Like, get that lens in the snow, baby. Awesome video. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much, Jed -- we will absolutely try that next time!! ❤️

[@JamesHunter55]

You guys are over the top outta this world! Literally Super Human!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much, James -- that is some awesome positive energy to buoy up our Sunday!! ❤️

[@gwbaker]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you took this on and crushed it! Massive. Proud of you two for your tenacity, positivity and willingness to push through. And that final 400!? Wall walkers rejoice!!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much! It really does give us an incredible amount of energy and motivation to know how stoked you guys are gonna be when we reach these summits. It's like a team where the guys on the field play even harder because they know it matters to their teammates. A win-win for sure! ❤️

[@bittyboohoo1]

Wow just wow 😮 you guys make it look so easy 😅I am addicted to your videos, I am scared of heights and would never be able to do this!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much -- we're really happy you're loving the videos! And don't give up on conquering that fear of heights. I used to have much more fear of heights than I do now, but bit by bit with gradual exposure training I got to the point where now I can even sit next to Adam on some of his crazy snack spots over 3000 foot drops! ❤--E

[@nizzy116]

Wild adventure! I'm glad you guys brought crampons!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

For sure -- in these conditions this route would have been virtually impossible without the crampons, and also way too dangerous -- at least for us! ❤️

[@randyspotts5069]

I have seen videos of summertime ascents of the mountaineering route. One of my favorite videos was that of Alex Honold attempting to ski back down that chute, during an adventure with Cody Townsend. He actually survived, as Cody was the skier of the duo. Poor Cody was in such bad shape because of the preceding bike ride (from Death Valley), that he had to rest at a lower elevation and let Alex make the summit alone! Your climb in the snow was a real eye-opener. Another opportunity for those mountaineering skills, for sure! I really enjoyed watching the journey, as well as the 360 view on top. I'm pretty sure that you captured Mount Russell, as well as its newly named companion, Mount Randy Morgenson. And of course, you were able to capture in the panorama my old buddy Mount Williamson. Congratulations for another great effort!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha Randy that video is a classic and I've seen it too! Hilarious when Hannold is coming down spraying all the upcoming climbers with ice chunks 😂. Ya Cody bailing from exhaustion and altitude sickness tells people all they need to know about how hard this route actually is. You are right about the views from the top, and hopefully we'll bag all of those visible peaks at some point in this summer or fall! ❤️

[@davidparker1746]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I'll look for that video. Honnold is from another planet.

[@shmoopiesadventures662]

Nicely Done! Very Impressive! All the best from Switzerland

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! Keeping our skills sharp for our next visit to your beautiful Alps later this summer! ❤️

[@charlesbritzman501]

Top O’ California, and, by a mere 65ft, Top O’ The Lower 48 ! The Hard Way ! So happy for you guys. I’ve done it twice, back in my misspent youth, and you brought the exhilaration back for me. I never did it in a day, though; for me and my partner it was always a two-nighter, both spent at East Face/Iceberg lake.. it really helps to spend the night before at high elevation-even if it’s only 8000ft Whitney Portal (or up at the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead pkg lot (10,000ft). But you guys powered thru. CONGRATULATIONS

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Charles! That's so cool you did Mountaineer's twice, and great idea to spend the night at Iceberg. We do enjoy the challenge of single-day sufferfests, but once we're located in the Sierra will definitely try it your way as well to have more time just to revel in the incredible beauty up there! ❤️

[@robertturner1308]

Wow! I’ve hiked the regular trail up and back in a day but not the mountaineer’s route. You two are hardcore. Congrats! Impressed you went down it too.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Robert! It was really fun doing the Mountaineer's Route, though we really love the regular trail too. The truth is that any day you reach the top of Whitney is a great day, right? ❤️

[@michaelechsner]

Just got off the summit yesterday! Went up solo. Conditions were pretty intense...You guys made the right decision by staying off the walk off traverse, definitely scariest thing i've done. Love the video!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Oh my gosh Michael, congratulations! The walk off traverse looked SO bad from the notch when we were there. Was the 400 even worse than the walk off when you went? We were lucky to have great conditions on the 400 both up and down. Anyway, so stoked that you got Mountaineer's route, and that you liked the vid! ❤️

[@michaelechsner]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I had done the walk off with no issue 2 years back, so I decided to do it again yesterday. It had almost zero boot pack, and was hard ice with a thin crusty layer of snow on top, The crampons were the only thing holding you up!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@michaelechsner Spooky! Glad it went well!

[@stevenlebegue3870]

This makes me wanne get out of my couch and climb the highest mountain in... Belgium 😉 😀 thanks for bringing me along on a trip i would never be able to do myself! Stay safe and keep it up!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha love that you are watching this all the way in Belgium, Steven! How high is the biggest mountain there? I'm guessing maybe 3000 or 4000 feet? Still, if it's steep enough it could get pretty scary! ❤️

[@stevenlebegue3870]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard 🙂well... Belgium is half a pancake (like the Netherlands) and half is filled with rolling hills to a maximum of 2300 feet 🙈 but there are some nice hikes in that part of the country, so it will be a good start 🙂 some of the smaller rivers have some steep parts with - what they call - a small via ferata here or there, but nothing comes close to what you 2 are doing ;-) anyhow, you got me out of my couch, so i'm going to do this hike near the river Ourthe next month and if my knees survive, i'm pretty sure it'll only be the start of many more to come 🙂

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@stevenlebegue3870 Love it! Please let us know how it goes!! 💪❤

[@stevenlebegue3870]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard i will post a reply if i survive somewhere second half of Oct ;-)

[@EvanPederson]

What an accomplishment! I attempted this route with two friends in April about 15 years ago, but we turned around at Iceberg Lake because of avalanche concerns. Ended up setting up a nice camp at Upper Boy Scout and heading back down the next morning.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Evan, and good for you for turning. We've done the same on Whitney in winter a couple of times before because we know there's real avalanche danger in several areas. Luckily we had absolutely perfect conditions this time, though even in perfect conditions that final 400 still felt scary! ❤️

[@larryowens2859]

Wow, great hike, I was just there climbed the East face then returned the same way you as you guys, way to hang in there, sorry we missed each other , Whitney is a great / beautiful mountain thanks for sharing, Larry Owens

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Larry that's awesome! You're a badass. How was it going up the East face, and when you went down the 400? It felt very scary to us down climbing it in good conditions -- can only imagine what it would have been like if it was icier or windier, etc! ❤️

[@larryowens2859]

@LiveHardxLoveHard The east face is a beautiful and classic route, I try to do it at least once a year. Coming down was ok, I packed crampons and a ice axe , thanks but I am nobody special, I just love the mountains. When are you guys moving to Bishop?

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@larryowens2859 We will be leaving our apartment and heading out to the Bishop/Mammoth area in July!

[@monteharms8518]

That was incredible! I’m thinking when you are both struggling on the way up that you’re in fantastic shape and still it’s a nightmare. I just thought of another reason I so enjoy all your adventures is that almost all of the time you do them in a day. When I was younger I used to do long daily hikes just so I didn’t have to haul so much gear. The gear slows you down anyway.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Monte! Yes we feel the same way about hauling extra gear. Of course there are going to be some climbs that we simply can't do in a day, but whenever possible we prefer a one-day sufferfest with lighter gear over two or three days with massive packs and no sleep on hard ground. Maybe if we eventually dial in our camping game so we can sleep better that calculus will change, but for now we really love the big single-day efforts. ❤️

[@johnbuffey]

Really well done guys, that was so steep on the final 400.! We attempted this a couple of months ago and turned back on the chute due to the icy conditions. Will be heading back this year for another attempt.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks John, and good for you for turning back due to the ice. We were really lucky with the conditions -- they were basically perfect. If it had been icy there's no way the 400 would have been doable for us, but it was a perfect consistency both going up and going down. And also we somehow had very little wind, so visibility was perfect too. Here's hoping you get those kind of conditions next time you do it! ❤️

[@Mike-ik9qt]

I once day hiked Whitney alone in the 90’s but with a lot less snow. I went up the regular trail and came down the mountaineers route. Coming down I didn’t see anyone and it was a magical experience that I’ll never forget. The snow really smooths out the trail. Thanks for another amazing video!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

That's awesome, Mike! Cool to get the best of both worlds in terms of views and experience. Out of curiosity, did you come down the 400 or do the walk-off traverse when you came down MR? I can imagine conditions where one would be better than the other. ❤️

[@Mike-ik9qt]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I came down the same way you went up. No snow on the first 400 going down but lots of scree. Came down that mostly on my butt for better traction. Definitely mind over matter!

[@joeanderson418]

Love your videos. Thank you so much for sharing. PLEASE DON'T EVER do crazy stuff for a "like" on KZbin that can end your life like some youtubers. Hope you guys are still making videos 50 years from now. I'm typing this comment as I'm in my semi eating Chinese. Stay safe always and see you in the next video. Love you guy's

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much Joe, and we can definitely promise you -- just as we promised each other back when we started -- that we will follow that advice. We love taking you guys along on our crazy adventures, but we'll never try anything for the Tube that we wouldn't also try on a hike we weren't filming. We love to use you guys' inspiration to push us endurance wise, but we'll never do it danger wise because, like you say, we plan to be doing this 30 years from now at least! ❤️

[@immnotaboutthatlife2086]

This video was such an emotional roll coaster! I was laughing and then I was panicked and worried and then I was laughing again. Great job! ❤❤❤

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha you pretty much described our own experience too! We were so giddy at the top, and then we realized we had to down climb that beast and we were no longer giddy at all 😂. Anyway, really glad you saw this one -- it was one of the most memorable climbs we've done, and we both still think about it pretty often. ❤️

[@sagesam1951]

7:08 whoa, another person! Unusual sighting on your crazier adventures, but thanks again for your efforts and sharing your bravery with us!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha ya Sam we actually ran into a fair number of people at the main choke points -- Upper Boyscout, Iceberg, and the Notch. Other than than though, it was so spread out that we definitely felt we had the place to ourselves most of the time, especially on the descent! ❤️

[@benediktgroever135]

That’s me! I remember seeing Elise, I have been following you guys for some time now but I didn’t recognize her on the mountain but I would have loved to say hi 😊

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@benediktgroever135 That's amazing! We've heard from a few other people since we posted this too, and it's blowing our minds how many of the folks on the mountain that day also watch the channel. We would have loved to say hi to you too. Fortunately, I think it's pretty likely we'll run into each other again in the Sierra because we're basically going to be living up there starting in July. And next time, definitely grab us and lets have a great mountain chat! ❤

[@davidparker1746]

Man, that was the scariest video you've ever made, all the more because I climbed that same route solo about 25 years ago, in October when there was no snow, and that was scary enough. I went down the standard route so I did a loop, and came down in the dark by the light of a gibbous moon. I got off trail and had to bivouac next to a lake at about 8,000 feet. Since then I've gone up the mountaineer's route a few more times but never back to the summit. For me the hardest part was dealing with the altitude which really slows you down, and I had some problems with being somewhat delirious and disoriented on the way down, until around 10,000 feet. You guys have nerves of steel! That was epic. Glad you are alright!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

David that's so cool you've done the MR, and perfect to do it by a loop! Totally agree with you about the altitude -- it makes if very, very challenging, especially when coming from low elevation. We would love to do it as a loop next time like you did if we can get permits for a summer ascent -- going up the east face with some trad gear and then down by the beautiful main trail. ❤️

[@davidparker1746]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard The loop is a great adventure, highly recommended. Needless to say, an early start is a must (I started too late). Also I forgot to mention how beautiful your photography is in the video!

[@brucerehberger9080]

Mercy! That was a one tough hike. Your fitness, affability, and perseverence are remarkable to put it mildly. If the steep snow field was a ski run, it would be rated a double diamond....in other words, for experts only. The views were spectacular and the viseo was as crisp as ever. No one does it better than you two. You are quite a team.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much, Bruce! We felt great about this one, largely because of exactly what you said -- out teamwork was solid the whole way. Very glad you enjoyed it!! ❤️

[@Bulldogs117]

How more people haven’t discovered your videos will continue to blow my mind. Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much -- that is super nice to hear, and we will keep on journeying and sharing!! ❤️

[@TrekkingTheRockies]

You picked a beautiful day to conquer such a challenging climb. So impressed with both of you and your incredible endurance. I didn't expect you to go down the same route. Going down is often more dangerous. I hope you rewarded yourselves and celebrated with your favorite cuisine after. You both earned it. So many calories burned.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you so much, and yes! We got a delicious dinner afterwards. And also, completely destroyed a giant caramel pullaway cake to carb up the day before, as a kind of pre-reward! ❤️

[@MrMohayder]

Wow, well done! That looks amazing! Contrary to many I actually love climbing in crampons, but I could not believe you were doing it basically in trailrunners, thats a whole other level. Am can't wait for the summer to arrive in full force!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you! Wow that's interesting you don't mind crampons on the rock. I'm so used to climbing or approach shoes that the crampons freak me out a little on the rock, but it always works out fine. Ya we were wearing our Salomon X-Ultras which are great for giant single-day hikes. They hold crampons fine, but are very comfortable on the feet for those 17 hour days! ❤️

[@MrMohayder]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard Amazing, and also so cool that you can now pursue your passion in the mountains and am looking forward for more videos soon! Any plans on visiting Switzerland again?

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@MrMohayder Yes! Hopefully late this summer or early fall!

[@noshot5793]

Would give anything to be able to see half the beautiful sights u both get to see. Thank you for letting us tag along!!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

It's truly our pleasure and privilege to bring you guys along to these places. It gives us a lot of strength to know that we're doing it for something more than just ourselves, and we love sharing these epic spots! ❤️

[@noshot5793]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard ❤

[@raymondprendergast1084]

Thanks for the adventure! I love your videos! As far as hiking videos go, your channel has excellent production value. Thanks!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Raymond, that really means a lot to us. Filming in already really difficult conditions adds another layer of challenge to the adventure, but we’re glad to hear we were still able to get and share some good shots!!

[@steveross1260]

Once it became a white out condition. We had to try to make out the trail and use compass. It did get scary. I had visions of getting found at the spring thaw. Stay safe you two and happy trials.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Oh my gosh Steve, that must have been terrifying before GPS! Very glad you made it, and had the skills to use the compass well! ❤️

[@catherinewatson5519]

Pure high-stakes, nail-biting adventure documentary! 👍

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Catherine -- so happy you liked it! All we could think of on the drive home was how psyched we were to share this one with you guys!! ❤️

[@JstJacko]

Done this in several different seasons never a one day ascent descent (I like my sleep). Those stupid ledges in the dark are the worse part of that approach hike. The couloir and notch never bothered us... it's easiest in winter (with its unique pleasures). Glad you guys had fun doing it. The more you practice and gain experience in self rescue and managing exposure, the less this route will feel, gnarly or sketch, as you put it ;-)

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

That's well said, and has definitely proved true for us in non-winter scrambles. At this point we can climb something class 4 with a 3000 foot exposure and feel great, but as you say we just need more experience with managing final-400-level steep and especially icy sections in winter. Really loving winter hiking and climbing though, so the experience level with it is growing rapidly! ❤

[@keltonmeinecke4879]

I did the mountaineers route about 15 years ago in similar conditions and it was one of the scariest routes I’ve climbed. Interesting to hear you both say the same when I think of some other routes you’ve done that I thought looked even scarier.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes Kelton! It was the descending the 400 that got to us. It was just so steep, and even though it wasn't nearly as technical as many other things we've done we just knew that if we started sliding that would be the end. Super scary feeling, and it's nice to hear that you felt the same way! ❤️

[@williamlarkin6760]

As usual, well done! I felt the fear in my sweatty palms, and shared your authentic jubilation at reaching the top! I immediately thought of the down climb, and figured you would go the "way around" to get back. Uggh that down climb looked so steep and if any of the snow had moved.....

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks William! Yes we did think about doing the "around" traverse route, but in person it honestly looked really sketchy too and we'd read that more people die on that than on the 400 descent. It's believable, because at least on the 400 you know exactly what you have to do and what the stakes are, but on the traverse it sort of seems like a walkable path but the consequences are total if it gets icy or the snow slips out. We decided the boot pack on the 400 was actually more trustworthy! ❤️

[@MountainHighSnow96]

Love to see it :) props to you guys for being so bold and brave, doing the mountaineer’s route in tough conditions! I’ve only the regular way, first time with my dad at 14 years old. But that mountain sure is truly beautiful…

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Trevor! What an amazing thing to do with your dad -- a love for exploring the outdoors has to be about the best possible legacy a person could give to their kids. ❤️

[@susankelly5516]

you guys are crazy awesome. I’m an experienced hiker and you guys blow my mind. I had to fast-forward through some of it because I could feel my fear heights kicking in. Wow you guys wow wow wow.❤

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much, Susan! Totally understand the heights thing. Neither of us even has a fear of heights and even we felt a little queasy when we started that down climb of the final 400. It's interesting because it wasn't difficult technically but having to look down at the sheer drop below made it feel much more challenging going down than going up. Anyway, really glad you enjoyed this and looking forward to showing you lots more fantastic places this year! ❤️

[@Bodikdereka]

You guys are absolute legends! It was uncomfortable to watch you scaling those vertical icy walls (that your camera has already flattened out) even from the comfort of my bed... Can't imagine being there at this time of the year. Absolutely spectacular... But we also want to keep watching you, so, please, stay safe!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you, and we do promise to stay safe. On this one, if conditions hadn't been great we for sure would have turned around at the final 400. We're definitely learning that discretion is the better part of valor in mountaineering, especially when it comes to ice! ❤️

[@MadCatMaddie]

U guys are insane! Incredible episode by two people with balls of steel. 😮

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much! Very glad you enjoyed it -- we really loved making this one for you guys!! ❤️

[@VictorVectorMusic]

You guys are pretty awesome....but Im sure you knew that already. 😊 Thanks for taking me to a place I would NEVER even attempt to go.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Victor, and it's totally our pleasure to take you. Filming can be hard sometimes, but knowing that we get to share these places with you guys and feel your spirit supporting us on these climbs makes it all worthwhile. ❤️

[@markpriest589]

You guys are so brave! So glad you made it back safe. My heart was in my throat on the final 400. Thanks for the adventure!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Mark! Ya it was the same for us. We hadn't quite counted on how scary the final 400 would be, especially down climbing it. But we def learned a lot, and it was great sharing it with you guys! ❤️

[@jeffcottingham3691]

Whitney is my all time favorite mountain, though I've never summited it from the east - always from the west/JMT, and not at this time of year. So much so, in fact, that our daughter's name is Whitney! Pretty dicey, for sure, so thanks for taking us all along again!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha what a fantastic name choice! If we have a daughter one day we'll likely do something similar and go with Sierra! Very glad to show you the MR in the snow -- was a very cool way to experience Whitney. Next time, hopefully a trad climb up the east face! ❤️

[@ariellemccracken9565]

You guys are amazing!!!! 😮 What a trek! Gorgeous views 😍 always impressed and inspired!! Love you guys!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Arielle! Funny story -- the first time we ever reached the top of Whitney was when we came with Coco and Megan almost 10 years ago now! ❤️

[@ariellemccracken9565]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I can’t believe that was nearly 10 years ago! Crazy!

[@michaelpompa2468]

Holy Poptarts Batman! Way to go guys. Reminds me of the movie- 'The Right Stuff' - you two sure have it! VERY IMPRESSIVE.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Michael!! Super glad to share this one with you -- and that is a freaking classic movie! ❤️

[@rmensink]

Beautifully done, Elise! And way to drag Adam up there, haha. Did not want to see you tomahawk down that final 400 for sure!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha thanks Roger! Ya I can sometimes be a little lax with technique, but I was doing that 400 descent by the book because I felt the same way -- no tomahawk descending for me!! ❤️ --E

[@Taskerofpuppets]

That was incredible. What impressive & competent climbers you both are, you make an awesome team. Those vertical climbs up and down were both impressive and scary as all get out. WOW! Bravo. Cheers and stay safe.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much -- what a great message to wake up to this morning! We really appreciate your kindness and support. Cheers! ❤️

[@petersonlafollette3521]

I had a near miss at low grade hike, puts you thankful to GOD

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Very glad you're okay, and totally agree about giving thanks for our lives and all the beauty and wonder we're surrounded with. ❤

[@Heysaywhatnow]

You guys continue to impressive more and more every video! 👏🏻 Amazing video!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much -- psyched that you liked it!! ❤️

[@CarlStacey]

Cheers again to you both for documenting such insane, beautiful adventures and always super happy that you are out there living the life and having the best time also!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Carl! This one has been on our bucket list for years, and it felt SO amazing to do it in a day. Your kindness and support over the years really means a lot to us, and knowing that our adventures bring you positive energy definitely helps keep us motivated even when the going gets tough! ❤

[@larrywheeler9797]

Elise now I know what you meant the other day about acclimating during the day for a night time climb. Yikes! It seemed to help Adam somewhat this time around compared to last week! Wow you guys nailed it. So scary though. I loved Adams snack spot pick and Jellybean its been forever seeing you eating a jelly bean on camera! Yay! I was beginning to wonder about giving you the nickname Jellybean, but feeling much better now. For Adam once a Pop Tart always a Pop Tart! You guys are MAD, but in a good way! Thanks for sharing another winner! Love you guys!!! ❤️❤️

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Larry! Yeah those Jellybeans really got me through on this one. I was struggling for sure. Adam held up very well at the high altitude -- I think it was mostly his lingering illness last week that had him suffering so much on San G. And I love my jellybean nickname, and am not giving it up! ❤️ --JB

[@larrywheeler9797]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard 🫶🏻🥰

[@ConquerYou]

You guys are Rock Stars! Never stop being you!!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you, and we def promise to keep on doing what we do. We feel so blessed to have discovered a lifestyle that makes us genuinely excited to get up every day, and we love sharing that adventure excitement with you! ❤️

[@ConquerYou]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I love it! Look forward to more great content. Stay cool.

[@saltydog6241]

Congrats on the summit! I would have been tempted to descend via the main trail. Not sure how much distance that would add, and would have had some scary moments as well.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Ya from what we heard the main trail was buried in snow too so it might have been even more dicey! But totally understand that impulse, because going down the ultra steep 400 was WAY worse than going up it!! ❤️

[@eduard05ilva]

You guys are amazing... Thank you for the beautiful views 😊

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Edu! We love taking you guys on these kinds' of intense adventures!! ❤️

[@paco_antuna]

Wow! That’s so scary😮 and brutal 😬Congrats! Just amazing🤩 We’ll try that (different route-not so hard😬) next year if we got lucky with the permit 👍🏻

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

So happy you're planning to do it! We love the regular route up too -- it's actually even a bit prettier than Mountaineer's Route, though both are beautiful. Wishing you good luck with the permit!! ❤️

[@kmac265]

Beautiful video. So wish they were longer!! I could watch you two for hours!! Until next time, stay safe out there!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Karin that is so sweet -- thank you! We promise to stay safe, and will be bringing lots more excitement your way this year, especially after we leave LA and go full time nomadic! ❤️

[@kmac265]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I can't wait! I will definitely be watching.

[@kimcozean9066]

Thanks for sharing. There were definitely some sketchy parts, glad you are safe. More than I will ever expect to do.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Kim! Super happy to share this with you. It's been a long time goal to do the MR in winter conditions, and it was a perfect cap-off to winter and jumping off point into some spring hiking! ❤️

[@theresiafarag399]

Thank you guys for your videos, you both are awesome 😊!! Take care! Greetings from Austria 🤗👋

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you so much -- very glad you're enjoying them! I'm sure you know from our past videos how much we love Austria -- we'll be back doing some more climbing there later this summer! ❤️

[@theresiafarag399]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard yes I saw them all ❤️! Awesome to hear that you enjoyed the Austrian mountains 😁! I wish you guys an amazing time for your upcoming adventures 🍀🤗!! You guys really motivated me to work on my fitness because I really enjoy (easy) hikes and being outdoors very much as well 🥰! Thank you guys ❤️

[@Zoomdak]

Really amazing adventure!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you! We were really psyched on this one -- glad you enjoyed it! ❤️

[@billhierl3188]

epic stuff, great job. You can tell how hard and sketchy it was just from the excitement you had finally getting there. I think I would have went the normal route down, that down climb looked crazy

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Bill! Yes you are totally right -- you can almost always tell how hard something is by how stoked we are to reach the summit! I'm pretty sure the normal route down was still closed out due to snow when we went, so coming back down MR was the only option. But yeah, if we climb East Face or something later in the summer we will for sure come back down the normal way! ❤️

[@wellseasonedhiker]

Congrats guys, That's a serious climb - especially to do it in a single day.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! Yes we were pretty exhausted by the end of it, but are still feeling the "high" of knocking off a long-time goal. Just love being on that mountain! ❤️

[@kblaine123]

Awe Inspiring.....thanks for the incredible footage (its always crazy good) and sharing the sheer determination to accomplish these treks.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thank you so much for that kind compliment -- it made both of us feel great to read. It's our pleasure to share these places and adventures with you, and hopefully we'll be able to keep doing it for many years to come! ❤️

[@erickampmann1924]

Guys. I forgot it is called the Mountaineer's Route. I did a 3 day with a group. Thank you for sharing this. You brought back memories. This was the way up I did in April 1998. Your photography is perfect. Again, thank you. This episode is a keeper.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Erick! That's awesome you guys did it as a 3 day, taking time to really appreciate all that beauty. Did you camp at Lower Boy Scout Lake the first night and then Iceberg the second? We'd like to do it as a camping trip if we can ever get a summer permit, and would probably break it up that way for maximum views. ❤️

[@patrickleborio]

Amazing as always. The footage is incredible. Your adventures really fire up my girlfriend and I for bigger hikes. That a great accomplishment for you guys!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Patrick! So stoked that you guys are getting fired up. Can't wait to hear what you get up to this summer -- with the way you've already transformed your body we predict you can do pretty much anything you put your mind to! ❤️

[@andreajohnson1796]

YIKES, climbing in the dark and a steep mountain with ice , Thanks for taking us on this adventure....heart stopping episode 😮

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Andrea! Yes it was a funny one, because the ledges in the dark were way less scary than we expected, but descending the 400 was way, way scarier than we expected. Overall though, a super memorable adventure and we were stoked the whole time knowing we were gonna get to share it with you guys! ❤️

[@mrwasatch]

Great video as always! I've only done the 99 switchback trail to the top in a day, but my favorite mountain, by far. Can't wait to see what other videos you have coming this summer, thanks for sharing...

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

We totally agree with you -- it's just a magnificent mountain, and the switchback trail is a glorious route. The views from that saddle at the top of the switchbacks might actually be better than the views from the summit! Super excited to show you all the rest of the stuff we have coming up this year! ❤️

[@RidiPwn]

8:08 this is a perfect shot to show the steepness of the wall, good job guys

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha, yeah when we saw that we said FINALLY - one shot that actually represents how steep that final 400 was. We don't use those crazy fisheye insta 360 cameras so everything always looks so flat... but that shot was actually fairly accurate.

[@RidiPwn]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard nice. Those side shots will probably get you good steepness angles. So Adam is going early retirement, I wish I could do that. Good for you guys.

[@lewisvanatta639]

What astonishes me about the Mountaineer's route...is that John Muir has the first ascent in cowboy boots. The man must have had no fear of high places. A dumb question: with the route being frightneningly steep, and major consequences with a slip/fall, is there a reason you didn't use a rope & belay?

[@garyp.7501]

Rope/belay adds time. Also for 400ft, you would have to belay at least 3 to 4 times. Without a good anchor, if the lead falls, they will just pull the belayer off the mountain. Since they are climbing on "packed snow ice" the only good belay is a trench, and those take a shovel and time.

[@lewisvanatta639]

@@garyp.7501 OK, now I think I understand. It's basically a risk tradeoff: belaying & rope might catch a climber in a fall, but the tradeoff is extra time and effort to set up the belay--which is not a small amount of time or effort in packed snow. If I understand your point correctly, it can actually be safer to simply move quickly, but carefully and get out of the danger zone faster. Which seems like what Adam and Elise were doing.

[@sergelainesse7893]

Good afternoon Elise... Getting up 2 am and running few hours i' the dark seem very risky for me.. And that climbing in ice pack snow must be physically hard on your body. I understand now that you don't meet a anyone trying this challenging hike... But have to say it's a great rewarding experience.. The scenery and view on top is freeking out of this World... So happy for you and Adam... 🤗😘🥂

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks so much, Serge! I knew you'd be proud of us on this one. Yes the climb was very exhausting on the body, and I've been doing almost nothing but lying around and sleeping the last few days to recover from it. Still, was worth it to reach that epic summit!! ❤️ --E

[@funkylosik]

keep yourselves safe, that last 400 is something. was glued to the screen...

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

So glad you enjoyed it, and we promise to keep ourselves safe. That last 400 really was eye opening, and convinced us we need to buy even more gear -- those double-ice axe kits so we can always have 3 points of contact when it gets that steep in the ice and snow! ❤️

[@hankmishima4798]

Thanks for sharing this awesome adventure! An epic bluebird day with what appears to be great ascending snow conditions in the shade. As known, climbing up is optional, climbing down is mandatory in the soft conditions. Appreciate the details on the descent.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Hank -- happy to share this with you! Yes we were really fortunate with the conditions the whole day. It was perfect going up, and honestly pretty perfect coming down too except for that one traverse just below Iceberg Lake where it got slushy and thus pretty scary. But overall, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day to do it! ❤️

[@harlanwhitley5911]

WOW, crazy, that was steep! Glad you made it up/down safely!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Harlan! Ya the last part was way steeper than we expected -- almost freaking vertical! But we took our time and had no problems other than fast-racing hearts! ❤️

[@markhoffmann5941]

Great job you guys! And you had perfect weather... That is such a fun route!! It's been years since and the memory is still vivid :) if i did get up there again. my knees might not get me back down .. hahahaha

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Mark! The weather was indeed absolutely perfect -- what a gift. And your memory is right too: the down is brutal on the legs and knees, much harder than the up! ❤️

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Man is that clear. You guys and the clear days is crazy. Makes sense though going on good days.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Ya we waited this one out. We had our choice of three days and this looked like the best weather so we seized it. The people who went two days before all turned around because of high wind, so we were def lucky. ❤️

[@ehess8845]

So cool to see you guys tackle this!...that's an impressive feat in winter mountaineering conditions. I summitted Whitney via the Mountaineers Route a few years back and hit the East Ridge of Mt. Russell as well. Highly recommend the East Ridge of Russell you should definitely look into as a Summer trip.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Eric you are 100% reading our minds! We're thinking of Mt. Russell for our next big climb assuming we can get permits, and then ultimately the Russell to Whitney traverse with some trad climbing gear!! ❤️

[@dorotheaivanovna9457]

You two just .... I don't know ... blow my mind!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Dorothea! It's been a long-time dream of ours to climb this in winter conditions, and we're so happy to share it with you! ❤️

[@kimmontenegro2258]

I actually had to close my eyes for part of this. You must have nerves of steel. Be safe ❤

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Kim! We definitely promise that we will always stay safe and within our abilities! ❤️

[@mickeytadadam]

Just did el cap this weekend after I saw you do it! My calves are still recovering, going for mt whitney the week after is nuts. Well done! Looking forward to the weekly content :)

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Heck yes, Mickey -- so stoked that you did it!!! Were our tracks still there or did you have to re-break the trail over from Eagle Peak? Ya our bodies can only handle these really big ones about once every two weeks, but fortunately there are lots of spicy shorter climbs and traverses we can entertain you guys with during the other weeks. It's gonna be an amazing year! ❤️

[@mickeytadadam]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard Im excited! The tracks were still there and more people used it, so thanks for paving the way! :D

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@mickeytadadamYes! That's awesome to know, and huge congrats on doing that fantastic hike!

[@milestogochannel]

Awesome expedition guys. Terror but triumphed eventually!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! It really was a memorable adventure, and a great reminder of why we love this lifestyle so much. ❤️

[@josephregallis3394]

I can't believe you two do this for fun! I wouldn't mind doing Mt. Whitney but from on the trail!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Yes Joseph! The trail is for sure the best way to do it your first time. But just wait and see -- once you do it it's super addictive and then you'll want to start doing it by other routes as well! The regular trail is like the Whitney gateway drug! ❤️

[@TrustyNate]

Definitely interested in a beta video. This is something on my (ever growing) to do list so that would be super helpful. Congrats on the summit and great video as always!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much, and we will do the beta video for sure -- it sounds like at least a few of you guys are into it, and we love spreading that good climbing Karma. ❤️

[@TrustyNate]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard Thank you! Y’all are the best!

[@markgerrard383]

You 2 are monsters ❤ Wow !!!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Mark! Ya this one was definitely a beast, so we had to be even more beastly for the day to handle it! ❤️

[@MrCbrehaut]

That chute goes on forever. I did the route last weekend and it was amazing. Nice work doing it in one day.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Good for you -- that is awesome! Perfect weather up there this past week. Did you take the 400 down or the traverse around the side? We thought the traverse would probably be more dangerous than the 400! ❤

[@MrCbrehaut]

We repelled off the rock then climbed down with two ice axes. We then repelled off the rock at the bottom to get back to the notch.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

​@@MrCbrehaut Nicely done! I don't think we'll rappel, but we'll def bring 2 ice axes rather than one next time. ❤

[@Ek0]

Holy crap.... you two are bad ass. Congrats on the summit!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks very much! We actually were feeling pretty bad ass up there, as you could probably tell from our delirious shouting 😂❤️

[@evans_swiftie_shirt1730]

A little too scary for me. You both are amazing. I hope someday to do Mt Whitney, but more in the warm season.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

You will do it for sure, Dan, and hopefully when we are living in the Sierra so you can visit us on the trip!! ❤️

[@evans_swiftie_shirt1730]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard That would be so cool

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the video! Great work…second time up..did it in one day…full moon! Guess I need go back..the mtn then was 14,496!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Oooh that full moon would be nice! I bet you hardly even needed a headlamp with all the glow off of cliffs and snow. You def need to go back -- the elevation assessment might have changed but the incredible beauty is just the same! ❤️

[@artsilva]

Incredible !!! number 1 on my bucketlist

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Heck yes! This is a good one to have number one -- also, if you like this type of thing, we, highly recommend Cloudripper and Dragon Peak as other classic and beautiful Eastern Sierra routes! ❤️

[@artsilva]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard I'll look those up, thanks.

[@johnmcnulty1129]

"We're struggling !" You two finding it tough going, l wouldn't get past that narrow ledge with a 300ft drop, in the darkness ! 🙈 Another insane "Snack Spot":) Well done Elise & Adam ☀️ 🗻 😺😾 ❤

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks John! Ya we don't blame you -- the ledges in the dark were one of the scariest parts other than down climbing the 400. But we just really took our time, and it went great. Love that snack rock right there at the summit!! ❤️

[@blandinemartinoli2974]

So amazing ! Thanks for sharing, you guys are something !!!!!!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Thanks Blandine! We knew you would enjoy this one, and so delighted to share it with you!! ❤️

[@montezinsurance6393]

Just missed you guys I summited MR on 5/4. You rock it was a show that 400.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Congrats on the summit! Ya that 400 was crazy scary coming down -- did you descend it as well? Someone told us they rappelled the first part of it, I guess anchoring off of that rope on the rocks to the left. We were lucky with perfect conditions, but could def see the rationale for rappelling if conditions were either icy or slushy. ❤️

[@montezinsurance6393]

Yeah there was that rap station. I opted for the traverse and it was no better. I had to face the mountain and front point with ax. We earned that summit. Your awesome!

[@BobWadeGuitar]

Yikes! When we did it we set pickets and a belay on the Notch and it was still sketch! We spent 2 nights on the mountain - I couldn't imagine doing it in a day. But I was much older than y'all. Plus, we ran out of water because "somebody" left the extra fuel can in the jeep and we couldn't melt any snow for the final push lol. Epic.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Haha that is a classic climbing story, Bob! For one reason or another, we probably run out of water more than any other problem. Ya that final 400 really is sketchy -- cool that you still remember doing it so well. I have a feeling we won't soon forget it either! ❤️

[@BobWadeGuitar]

@@LiveHardxLoveHard nope never forget that one with both of my sons.