| 2003 Sierra Challenge
August 9-18
Last Updated: 8/18/03
|
The Sierra Challenge is a series of ten consecutive dayhikes to some of the most challenging peaks
in the Sierra Nevada range. The peaks for the 2003 event are no less challenging than those for the
2001 and
2002
events that preceded this. They tend to be 15-20mi of hiking/climbing, with an average of 6,000ft
elevation gain. Not unlike climbing Half Dome, but more off-trail, more technically demanding, and
at higher elevation. Like the previous two years, this year's Challenge includes three of the
California 14ers.
The Challenge is open to anyone who wishes to participate, whether for a single day or all ten.
This is primarily a Wilderness
experience, and as such there are serious risks involved that are the responsibility of each
individual participant to manage for themselves. There are no water, food, or first-aid stations,
no emergency services or shelter of any kind available to those in trouble. If you are
uncomfortable accepting such risks in any way, you should not participate.
The Peaks
The previous challenges drew from the Sierra Club's list of Emblem and Mountaineers Peaks. For
the 2003 event, a new list was needed (except for McAdie which went unclimbed in 2002 and makes
a repeat for this year), ten peaks left unclimbed in previous Challenges, but meeting the basic
criteria: highly challenging, impressive peaks, and a sampling along the whole range of the High
Sierra. The peaks selected range from class 1 (Langley) to class 4 (Norman Clyde) in technical
difficulty and should include something of interest for almost any peak baggers.
| Peak | Elevation | Class | Location | Trailhead | Roundtrip Miles | Elevation Gain (ft) | Date
|
|---|
| Virginia Peak
| 12001
| 3
| Yosemite NP
| Green Creek
| 15.1
| 5220
| Sat. Aug 9, 2003 (6a start)
|
| Banner Peak
| 12936
| 3
| Ansel Adams Wilderness
| Agnew Meadows
| 18.1
| 5520
| Sun. Aug 10, 2003 (5a start)
|
| Red and White Mtn.
| 12816
| 3
| John Muir Wilderness
| McGee Creek
| 18.4
| 5520
| Mon. Aug 11, 2003 (6a start)
|
| Mt. Gabb
| 13741
| 3
| John Muir Wilderness
| Rock Creek
| 17.1
| 6210
| Tue. Aug 12, 2003 (6a start)
|
| Mt. Thompson
| 13494
| 3
| John Muir Wilderness
| Lake Sabrina
| 16.6
| 4320
| Wed. Aug 13, 2003 (6a start)
|
| Mt. Sill
| 14153
| 4
| John Muir Wilderness
| Big Pine
| 21.4
| 6810
| Thu. Aug 14, 2003 (5a start)
|
| Norman Clyde Peak
| 13851
| 4
| John Muir Wilderness
| Big Pine
| 12.9
| 6810
| Fri. Aug 15, 2003 (5a start)
|
| Mt. Tyndall
| 14019
| 2-3
| John Muir Wilderness
| Shepherd Creek
| 23.1
| 9580
| Sat. Aug 16, 2003 (5a start)
|
| Mt. McAdie
| 13799
| 3
| John Muir Wilderness
| Whitney Portal
| 14.0
| 5980
| Sun. Aug 17, 2003 (6a start)
|
| Mt. Langley
| 14026
| 1
| John Muir Wilderness
| Horseshoe Meadow
| 21.6
| 4710
| Mon. Aug 18, 2003 (6a start)
|
Why the Challenge?
Good question. I like the challenge of an endurance event, but I'm not so good with the sleep
deprivation that goes with some of the other challenges out there such as the California
14er record (set by Jack McBroom in four and a half days) and the Colorado 14er record
(set by Ted Keizer in just over 10 days).
I figure there is no chance in hell I'm going to come close to either of these guys. I simply
must bow down to their superior skills and stamina. I don't have the will to climb for days on end
with little sleep, hiking way before sunup and way past sundown. I will leave it to others to chase
those dreams...
The Sierra Challenge opens to a wider audience some of the same experiences of these
marathon climbing events. I conceived it as a personal challenge that was at the edge of my own
abilities, and wanted to share the experience with others who might similarly enjoy a good
workout. Besides, suffering is more fun if you have someone to share it with. :)
Who is organizing this?
The Sierra Challenge is being primarily organized by
Bob Burd. There is no legal entity responsible
for this event and no grants available for advertising, promotion, or funding.
It is being done on a volunteer basis (in terms of time, money, and energy), so please be kind to
the organizer. He has a job and family, and so has limited time and resources. If you would
like to help contribute to the organization of this event, please feel free to contact me.
How do I participate?
Send mail to snwbord@hotmail.com. Let me know which peaks
you are interested in climbing. I will include you on a mail list for future info about carpooling,
meeting times, changes, etc. I would like to collect the following information about you as well
so that we can post it on this website. That will allow others to contact you for coordinating
hiking, climbing, and driving partners. If you would like information to be kept confidential,
please indicate this, and it will not be posted. If you're really worried about privacy, give
me as much info as you see fit, your email address being the minimum required amount. You are also
free to simply show up at the trailhead and join us, but it is helpful for planning purposes if you
can let me know in advance that you intend to join us. Send a photo of yourself (or point me to one
on the web) if you'd like your picture shown on your information page. It can prove useful to allow others to identify you at the trailhead or out on the trail.
Full Name
Email Address
Phone No.
Mailing Address
Which Peak Challenges do you plan to participate in?
You may also choose to climb these peaks following The Rules on days other
than those listed here. I will be happy to add your name to the finishers list provided that as
a minimum you post a trip report about your adventure. You can post it here (via email), or any
other place and simply pass along the URL for me to post on this website.
What does this cost?
Nominally, nothing. There are no entrance fees to participate in any of these hikes. You are
responsible for your own food, lodging, and gear. There is a nominal charge for T-shirts,
but there is no obligation to buy anything from the organizer. The climb of McAdie goes through
the Whitney Zone, requiring a $15 per person fee for the advance reservation. Contact me if you'd
like to use one of the spots on my permit.
What are the prizes?
There are no prizes. It is hoped that the enjoyment of participation is reward enough. There will
be recognition on this website for all participants and finishers. If
you were hoping for something more in the way of renumeration, please look elsewhere.
What am I in for?
Most of these peaks are usually climbed as multi-day trips into the Wilderness. As dayhikes these
climbs are all very strenuous. You should not attempt any of them without proper training and
experience. Only you can judge your level of preparedness, so no training formula can be given that
works for everyone. There are those that train for months and still fail to summit Mt. Whitney even
though a regular trail exists all the way to the top. There are others who because of outstanding
physiology or possibly sheer will might not train at all and still go out and climb the toughest of
these. I would expect that those with the best chances to succeed will have experience with long
hikes combined with much elevation gain ( 20+ miles, 4000+ ft), extensive cross-country travel, and
are comfortable climbing class 3 rock, snow, and ice.
You should not expect others to lead you to the summit or wait for you along the way. No one has yet
started out running on any of the previous Challenges, but the pace in the front is brisk, 2.5-3mph
on the uphills. A fast pace allows participants to reach the summit before afternoon thunderstorms
may appear, as well as to get off the trail to start resting for the next day as early as possible.
You should carry a map and whatever other gear you deem appropriate to be self-sufficient, and be
familiar with the route (study it beforehand, and know how to read your map) in case you find yourself
alone because others didn't wait for you. That said, it is a primarily social experience. We would
rather hike as a group, climb to the summit together, returning to town to eat and drink together
while reliving the day's adventure. If you aren't going to keep up, it's usually clear in the first
hour or so. If the technical difficulty is more than you're comfortable with, don't be afraid to
speak up for some additional guidance, or to turn back and call it a day. A number of past
participants have turned back before reaching the summit but still enjoyed a great adventure in the
mountains. And if you hike 4 hours with the group to reach the start of the technical section, don't
worry about getting stranded - no one's going to abandon you.
Who do I sue if I get hurt?
No one. There is no official organization to ensure any level of safety any greater than you
have on your own when you venture into the Wilderness. If you are hiking or climbing with others
during this event, you do so the same as if you were out with friends. Don't expect anyone to
ensure the qualifications of another you are hiking or climbing with. If you have doubts,
you should find someone you trust, go alone, or choose not to participate.
For corrections or comments, please send feedback to:
snwbord@hotmail.com
