Few mountaineers push limits like Kilian Jornet. In his recent “States of Elevation” project, Jornet climbed 72 of America’s tallest peaks in just 31 days—traveling only by foot and bike. His journey ended with a fitting finale on Mount Rainier, Washington’s glaciated giant. Read the full story on The Guardian.
For hikers like Stacey Slamka, who has summited Rainier herself, this story hits close to home. The climb is both physically demanding and mentally taxing—thin air, unpredictable weather, and shifting glacier routes make every ascent unique. Rainier may not be the highest peak in the country, but it’s among the most challenging.
Jornet’s feat wasn’t just about endurance. His 72-peak route stretched across multiple states, combining marathon-level mileage with alpine-grade climbs. By the time he reached Washington, he’d logged over 5,000 kilometers and 123,000 meters of vertical gain. He slept just a few hours each night, sometimes going 50–60 hours without rest. His Rainier summit marked both the end of an expedition and the triumph of relentless drive.
For Stacey Slamka, who’s hiked and climbed across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and beyond, Rainier represents something more personal—a test of patience, focus, and respect for nature’s extremes. Comparing her own climb to Jornet’s historic finish shows how the same mountain can inspire both personal growth and world-class performance.
Mount Rainier stands as a reminder of why so many hikers and climbers return to the Pacific Northwest. Whether your goal is a weekend summit or a 72-peak odyssey, every step teaches resilience. Jornet’s journey may be legendary, but the mountain’s lessons are universal—persistence, humility, and awe for the wild.
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