Because this is a custom climb, parts of the itinerary can be suited to your preferences. Here is a sample based on our previous successes:
Day 1 - Arrive at your designated meeting location by 8am to go over equipment, distribute group gear, and finish loading your packs before driving to the North Sauk River trailhead. 5 miles along the river is a great warmup for the 2,000' of switchbacks to come. You will be relieved to reach a rising traverse that leads you to White Pass, your camp for the night.
(~9 miles, 3,800' gain)
Day 2 - After breakfast you'll set off for higher sights. Today you'll wind up and down over passes and across meadows and snowfields until reaching high camp at Glacier Gap. If there's time, you can spend part of the afternoon practicing crampon and ice axe techniques, self-arrest, glacier rigging, rope team travel, and more. After a long day, you will be glad to have a hot meal and go to bed early to get some rest for the summit attempt!
(~5 miles, 1,500' gain)
Day 3 - Wake up early for an alpine start. Follow the Gerdine and Cool Glaciers as they wrap around Disappointment Peak and lead you to the summit. Depending on the route/conditions/weather and a myriad of other factors, it can take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours to reach the summit. Enjoy the views and sense of accomplishment - you earned it! After a short celebration, you will reverse course and return to camp for a well-deserved meal and rest.
(~3.5 miles, 3,000' to summit)
Day 4 - Break down camp and say goodbye to the close up view of Glacier Peak. Retrace your steps back to White Pass. Some groups will choose to continue down to the riverside for the final camp.
Day 5 - Last day! Enjoy every last view and appreciate the experience you just had. You can expect to be back to the trailhead by 4pm (earlier if camping at Mackinaw Shelter).
