Solo in the Sierra S1E2: Middle Palisade (14,108′)
This episode details my solo ascent of Middle Palisade, one of California’s 15 fourteen thousand foot peaks, that is located in the Palisade Group of the Eastern Sierra. After climbing Mt. Williamson earlier in the season, I wanted a more technical challenge and determined that Middle Palisade would be right on the edge of my soloing ability. I had my fair share of challenges during this solo: approaching in the dark, route finding complicated by glacial recession, and sustained technical climbing where a fail would most likely be fatal. The summit was not easily claimed, but when it was, it was the most rewarding alpine solo experience I have had to date. I learned that the alpine climbing of the Palisades was renowned not only for it’s beauty, but also for it’s difficult nature.
Music composed by John Vincent III, Tycho, Brenn!, Matthew Morgan, Lord Huron, Tristan Barton, and Junip.
All regulations regarding Wilderness Areas and National Parks were adhered to. All drone usage occured in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. The drone was taken off and landed outside of any designated National Park, Wilderness Area, or no-fly zone. Do not fly in these areas.
LEAVE NO TRACE.