North America, Alaska, Chugach Mountains, Mt. Yukla, West Ridge

Publication Year: 2010.

Mt. Yukla, West Ridge. Rod Hancock and Stuart Parks climbed the Complete West Ridge of Yukla in 2004 for the first ascent, after quite a few local attempts (including a near miss by Charlie Sassara and Marty Schmidt during the winter of 1983-84). They completed the route, which gains 2,050m in elevation, in 11½ hours. I completed the second ascent and first solo (without really any beta) this August, in 11 hours. The route is huge but probably goes at IV 5.7.

Samuel Johnson, AAC