Climbing all fourteen of California’s 14,000-foot peaks had been my goal for years, and I always knew how I wanted the story to end: a high-alpine grand finale traversing the Palisades. When I reached out to guiding services, most recommended four days. Then Sierra Mountaineering International mentioned that doing the 3-day Palisades Traverse was "a big push, but doable." Hooked on the idea, I signed up with a bold dream—tagging Thunderbolt, Starlight, North Palisade, Polemonium, and Mount Sill in a single epic push. I booked the trip, paid the deposit, and threw myself into training.

Then the reality check came. After returning from a trip, SMI's founder Kurt offered a candid assessment: in all his years of guiding the 3-day itinerary, no client had ever successfully completed all five summits in a single day. The terrain was too technical, the exposure too relentless, and the margin for error far too slim. His advice? Pivot. Break the traverse into two focused days—hike in and hit three peaks on day one, clear the remaining two on day two, and hike out that afternoon.

Although it wasn’t what I really wanted to do - I’ve always dreamed of climbing the peaks from one end to another. I had already paid, and I was open to the proposal. The new plan was to climb North Palisade, Polemonium, and Mt. Sill in a single day, and the other two peaks: Thunderbolt and Starlight the next day. Guided by Ben R. from Sierra Mountaineering International, 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 where 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.

I thought about my experience a lot after returning, and later discussed the miscommunications regarding doing all 5 peaks in a 3-day timeframe, Kurt Wedberg offered a discounted return trip to cover the mandatory fees to climb Thunderbolt and Starlight. But when I inquired to make the booking, my email was ignored.

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.