I sat down once again with Will Burkhart, founder of Badass Adventures, to dive into a new topic: non-technical high-altitude mountaineering. Will was my very first guest on this podcast, and his episode on Rim to Rim hiking is a must-listen for anyone tackling the Grand Canyon in a single day. But today, we’re going even higher!

We define non-technical high-altitude mountaineering as climbing between 14,000 and 19,400 feet without the use of ropes or belaying. Will has created a tiered approach to getting into this type of adventure, starting with Colorado’s Fourteeners (14,000+ feet), then progressing to Everest Base Camp (17,598 feet) and finally Kilimanjaro (19,431 feet). He walks us through the differences and similarities between these experiences, covering topics like:

Trail conditions – From well-groomed paths to rocky ascents

Daily mileage & number of hiking days – How long you’ll be on the trail

Landscape & foliage changes – From lush rainforests to barren alpine environments

Summit day intensity – What makes Kili’s summit push challenging

Cultural immersion – The contrast between the Everest Base Camp trail and Kilimanjaro

Sleeping & eating logistics – Tea houses vs. tents, and what’s on the menu

Acclimatization strategies – How to prepare your body for high altitude

Gear & fitness requirements – The essentials for success and why training matters

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to step into the world of high-altitude trekking, this episode is the perfect introduction. Whether your goal is to climb your first 14er, stand at Everest Base Camp, or summit Kilimanjaro, Will lays out the path for you.

Get in shape, pick your adventure, and go!

Badass Adventures owner, Will Burkhart:
https://www.badass-adventures.com
Text: 928-274-2424

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