Getting to the California 14ers has always been a dream. The long approaches through alpine wilderness, the scramble over granite ridges, the endurance it demands, the technical challenge it presents—every part of it has called to me. Not just as a physical pursuit, but as a personal rite of passage. There's something sacred about standing atop those high peaks, where the air thins and the world stretches out beneath you. It’s not just about elevation—it’s about elevation of spirit.
In July 2025, I set out on a partial Palisades Traverse. Originally, I’d signed up with the dream of tagging all five peaks in a single day—Thunderbolt, Starlight, North Palisade, Polemonium, and Mt. Sill. That’s what the guiding company pitched, and I was all in. Paid, booked, mentally committed.
But plans shifted. The owner returned from a trip and told me, candidly, that no client had ever completed all five in one day. The terrain was too complex, the exposure too real, and the margin for error too thin. He recommended breaking it up: hike in, summit three peaks on day one, two on day two, and hike out the same afternoon.
The plan was ambitious: climb North Palisade, Polemonium, and Mt. Sill in a single day. Guided by Ben R. from SMI, we started from Palisade Basin at 4am.
North Palisade (9am): Boulder hopping led us to a short snow chute, then into scrambling terrain. We took the LeConte route across the catwalk—airy but manageable—and topped out on North Pal by 9am. The final moves were satisfying, exposed but secure, with protection placed.
Polemonium (12pm): One rappel down, then low 5th-class feature and crack climbing. I especially loved a straight-on slab section with small finger cracks—climbed it all in my Altra Lone Peaks, even though I brought climbing shoes. Summited at noon.
Mt. Sill (3pm): Rapped to the U-Notch, scrambled across exposed terrain next to sun cups, then endless boulder hopping to the summit of Sill at 3pm. That approach felt like it took forever.
Ben placed protection wher it was needed. Together, we climbed efficiently and I felt comfortable with the moves. From there, we returned to the top of Polemonium, did three rappels down the chute, descended loose rock and talus, and boulder-hopped our way back to camp by 9pm. I was slow on the descent and the talus was wearing on me.
When a later than expected time of returning to camp. I didn’t think it would be wise to wake up 5 hours later for another long day and let Ben know I will be coming back. In some ways, I finished the California 14ers on this trip, and the two 14ers Starlight and Thunderbolt are remaining are on the extended list (without the prominence, but with the height).
However, for some reason I haven’t felt accomplished from this climb the way I imagined it to be. For some people, climbing Mount Whitney is the emblem of hiking pursuit. For some, perhaps the PCT. And for some climbers, perhaps Bear Creek Spire. For me, it has always been climbing the Palisades via the Palisades Traverse route
The Palisades Traverse isn’t just a climb—it’s a full-on alpine odyssey. Tagging five of California’s 14ers in one sweeping push—Thunderbolt, Starlight, North Palisade, Polemonium, and Mount Sill—is a feat that demands grit, grace, and a deep love for the Sierra’s rugged spine.
I will be returning, this time from Thunderbolt to Sill, the way I’ve always dreamed of. Sleeping high in a bivy. Living of the alpine odyssey and my fullest potential.
