Wide river and Alaska range at sunset. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena25724.html Alaska range and boreal forest in winter. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52559.html The three tracks starting from the 14300 camp are very visible: to Windy Corner, the West Buttress, and the West Rib (although these were only my tracks). The 14300 camp would soon be in the shade. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3369.html Evening falls on the 14300 camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3392.html At the 16000 narrow camp on the Rib, there is just another party. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3352.html Upper section of West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11630.html Tundra landscape with Mount McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena25754.html The deserted 11000 camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3394.html Northern lights above Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52565.html Camp 11000 with a forest of wands. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3332.html The West Rib has 45 degrees inclination, with some steeper mixed parts. This means that unlike the West Buttress, it is a somewhat technical route, where you have to do some sort of climbing, and be careful not to fall. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3373.html Tundra and Mt McKinley range, late afternoon light. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena21042.html To the 11000 camp, where I retrieved my gear. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3393.html First light on Denali in winter. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52568.html Camp 11000 with a many skis. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3329.html Tundra and Mt Mc Kinley from Eielson. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena21037.html Camping high on the West Rib route. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3374.html The camp 17000, the last camp on West Buttress. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3383.html Mt McKinley, winter sunrise. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52569.html Alaska range peaks rising above forest at sunrise. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52560.html Camping on the Balcony camp of the West Rib. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3367.html The ranger tent. They perform rescues and operate a medical camp, but also give tickets for littering. The two lattrines help keep the snow good for drinking. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3346.html Mt McKinley in the fog from Reflection pond, dawn. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena5960.html Model of Mt McKinley in the museum of Artic Adventure with West Face routes. Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3309.html The mighty West face of Mc Kinley. The West Buttress is the ridge on the left on the skyline, the Cassin the ridge on the right. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3325.html My last vision of the mountain (through the East Fork of the Kahilna Glacier). Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3399.html Mt McKinley seen from the south. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52561.html The North Summit was reached by the Sourdough at the turn of the century in a one-day push, an incredible feat. Unfortunately for them, i t is slightly lower than the true (South) Summit. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3381.html Northern lights above Alaska range. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52598.html Mt Mc Kinley above Wonder Lake, evening. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1562.html Mt McKinley rises above Alaska range in winter. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52578.html Hauling heavy loads on the Kahilna Glacier, including mostly food and fuel for three weeks and polar-grade gear. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3320.html Mt Mc Kinley in the clouds from Wonder Lake area. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1563.html Summit of Mt Foraker and Mt Mc Kinley emerging from clouds. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1567.html The Balcony camp on the West Rib really deserves its name. Panoramic view over 180 degrees. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3365.html Waiting out in bad weather. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3343.html Mt Mc Kinley above Wonder Lake, evening. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena21043.html Alaska range in winter, early morning. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52577.html Mt McKinley under clear winter sky at sunrise. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52572.html The ridge visible on the skyline is the West Rib, which was my planned itinerary. My companions had settled for the West Buttress, so I would do the second part of the climb solo. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3348.html Alaska range panorama in winter. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena80058.html Being acclimatized thanks to my extended waiting at 14300ft, I skip the 16000 camp, which is occupied by a guided team comming from the bottom of the ridge. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3363.html The route so far (outlined in red): the Kahilna glacier in front of Mt Foraker, Windy Corner, and the camp 14300 which is nested in a snow bowl. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3340.html The day when we arrived, the weather was great, and there is a large numbers of climbers going for it. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3342.html Denali and Mt Hunter at dawn in winter. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52567.html Pastel landscape with Mount McKinley reflected in lake. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena25752.html Mt McKinley in winter. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52562.html Lower section of West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11627.html Mountaineers climb West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11635.html Mt Mc Kinley in the clouds from Wonder Lake area. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1564.html Tranquil autumn evening with Mount McKinley reflections. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena25755.html Mt McKinley South and North peaks in winter. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52579.html Our first carry day, back to 11000 camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3336.html Mt Mc Kinley at sunrise from Denali State Park. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1572.html Fresh snow and sea of clouds on 14300ft camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3345.html Mt Foraker and Denali emerge from sea of clouds. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1566.html The West Buttress is easy but very airy. You cannot travel it if there are high winds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3390.html Fresh snow on the 14300ft camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3344.html Alaska range, winter sunrise. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena80057.html A view from the summit of Mt McKinley. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3380.html Joan Phelps, a blind woman from Anchorage summited a few hours after me, guided by her twin sons Marty and Mike. The most remarkable ascent ofthis year. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3388.html Mt Mc Kinley and Chulitna River at sunset. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena21064.html Denali, winter sunrise. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52571.html Mount McKinley rises above autumn tundra. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena25751.html Mt Mc Kinley from Denali State Park. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena21065.html Mt Foraker and Mt McKinley emerging from a sea of clouds. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1568.html This time, I had to painfully break the trail, which was swept by the recent storm. It is hard work when you are by yourself. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3362.html From the cockpit. The three main summits of the range are, from left to right, Mt Foraker, Mt Hunter, and Mt McKinley, which is cloud-capped, as often. Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3317.html The first important camp, where people gather at a same spot, is found at 11000. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3330.html The next day, I would cross the gully and climb the ridge. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3375.html Alaska range and sunset sky. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena25723.html Midnight alpenglow on Mt Hunter, seen from the 14300ft on Mc Kinley. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3350.html The treacherous Denali Pass, scene of numerous accidents. The descending traverse is somewhat delicate for tired climbers. Moreover some take only ski poles and therefore cannot self-arrest. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3382.html Across the gully, the last camp spot is visible. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3376.html Summit Ridge of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11629.html Mountaineers descend West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11634.html On the West Rib. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3364.html The low-profile tents have to be protected against the wind (which can reach 100mph). Climbers dig a hole and built thick snow-walls by sawing off large chunks of frozen snow. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3347.html I leave by myself the camp for a summit attempt, taking a cut-off to the West Rib. The West Buttress route goes to the pass, through the steep wall, and is quite crowded. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3351.html The temperatures during the day were pleasant, but within fifteen minutes after the sun has disappeared, they would drop down to subzero (F). This was a warm year, with minimum temperatures of -20F.. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3349.html Aurora above Mt McKinley, winter. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena52566.html Above the 11000 camp, the route becomes steeper, making sleding or sking unpractical. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3331.html Last technical steps on the West Rib route. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3377.html Wonder Lake and Mt McKinley at dusk. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena21040.html North Face of Mt McKinley above Thorofare Pass. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena2286.html Summit ridge of Mt McKinley. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3379.html Back to the 14300 camp, McKinley City. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3391.html The West Buttress route goes behind the ridge above the Kahilna pass. Totally invisible from the land, it has been discovered in the 50s by Bradford Washburn thanks to his large format aerial photographic surveys. This discovery would revolutionize Mt Mc Kinley climbing. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3324.html Junction with the West Buttress route (see the numerous crampon marks) on the summit plateau. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3378.html The camp 17000 is quite exposed to the winds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3384.html Being late on my schedule, due to the unexpected effect of altitude, I am lucky to find a ledge large enough for my Stephenson tent. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3372.html