78-Year-Old Rose Vanderhoof Becomes the Oldest Woman to Summit Mt. Rainier on Her Ninth Climb

Mountaineering enthusiast Rose Vanderhoof made history atop Mt. Rainier at 78, achieving an audacious feat. Her team triumphed at the summit at eight o’clock in the morning of July 10, 2023. What is even more surprising is that this isn’t the first time she has conquered the mountain. 

The remarkable venture marked Rose’s ninth and final conquest of Mt. Rainier, solidifying her place as an icon in mountaineering. Her reason for taking on the challenge, however, has less to do with numbers and records. She recently shared how she was able to accomplish the feat.

An age-defying mountaineering feat

Mt. Rainier stands at a towering height of 14,410 feet, challenging even the most seasoned climbers. Climbing the summit is a truly arduous endeavor at any age. Only 50% of the mountaineers who embark on the Disappointment Cleaver route manage to reach the coveted peak. 

The path covers around nine miles and 9,000 vertical feet from Paradise. However, Rose Vanderhoof still succeeded in achieving what few dare to dream, and that too at the age of 78. “I just wanted it to be a fun time for all of us,” Rose expressed, sharing that her focus was never on breaking records. 

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Rose allocated four days for acclimatization, prioritizing the joy of the experience. Six members, who were the team’s friends, lightened their load by taking ropes, tents, and gear to Camp Muir (10,080 ft). This was a huge help for Rose and her team. 

Rose’s son, Chris also composed a jingle, “Rosie to the Top! And we won’t Stop!”, which the team sang to lift spirits. The journey was definitely a team effort and Rose wouldn’t have made it to the top without all of them by her side. 

Rose Vanderhoof shares how she was able to conquer the mountain

Vanderhoof enjoyed the companionship of her son Chris Haugen, granddaughter Aleah Haugen, and friend Mingrey Hildebrandt, who accompanied her on this extraordinary ascent. Dr. Leyton Jump, the High Hut Manager of Mt. Tahoma Trails Association, led the team and guided their way throughout the route.  

Rose’s ascent to the summit was quite challenging. Her team faced showers, hailstorms, and ferocious winds. Along the way, Chris lost a crampon, requiring assistance from climbers below. With only 1,000 feet left to the summit, exhaustion threatened to halt Vanderhoof’s ascent.

Nonetheless, Rose held onto determination as the faces of her supportive companions spurred her on. Eight hours of relentless climbing brought her team to the crater. Embraces were shared, tears of pride were shed, and the summit’s calm beauty embraced them. 

This climb was a passing of the torch, with Rose’s son and granddaughter embarking on their first ascent of Mt. Rainier. It is pretty evident how Rose has ignited a love for climbing in the hearts of her kin. “I think my granddaughter wants to climb every mountain now,” she shared with a smile.

She also portrayed gratitude, stating, “Thank you to all the people who helped with the climb.” As Rose reflects on her feat, she shares her decision to retire her mountaineering boots. However, her love for the outdoors remains undiminished after the victorious session.  She expressed the idea of backpacking and adventures with friends filling her future. 

Rose Vanderhoof’s epic journey of conquering Mt. Rainier at 78 is a testament to her indomitable spirit. Her message to all, young and old, is to embrace nature’s wonders and wildlife. 

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