My Adventure: by Lucy Westlake
At just 20 years old, Lucy is not only chasing mountaineering dreams but also tackling the challenges of being a full-time student at the University of Southern California, where she is pursuing a degree in environmental policy to protect the mountains she loves. Her journey in the mountains began at the age of 7 when she discovered her passion for climbing to new heights. In December 2021, she graduated a semester early from Naperville North High School in Naperville, Illinois, propelled by an ambition to climb another continental highpoint—Mount Everest—on her quest to become the youngest American woman to complete the Explorers Grand Slam. To achieve the Explorers Grand Slam, one must summit the highest peaks on each of the seven continents and brave the icy extremes of skiing the last degree to both the North and South Poles. Fewer than 100 adventurers worldwide have accomplished this daunting feat, and fewer than 20 have been women.
By age 17, Lucy had already reached a significant milestone: she climbed the highest points in all 50 U.S. states, culminating in a world record ascent of Denali on June 20, 2021. With an unwavering spirit of adventure, she has traveled to every continent except Antarctica, climbing five of the seven summits: Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, and Everest in Asia. To complete the Explorers Grand Slam, Lucy must climb Carstensz Pyramid in Papua New Guinea and Mount Vinson in Antarctica, while also skiing the last degree to the North and South Poles. Unfortunately, Carstensz Pyramid has been closed to climbers since 2018 due to tribal warfare, and access to the North Pole has been suspended since 2019 due to global events. As climate change alters the landscape of exploration, uncertainty looms over the feasibility of her dream. Yet, Lucy remains optimistic—a mindset that resonates with many who dare to dream. Her journey is not merely about summits; it’s about breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation to reach for their own peaks, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.
Lucy’s Mt. Everest journey begins with her farewell to high school and culminates in her ascent to the pinnacle of the world. The Everest climbing season is a fleeting window of opportunity, stretching from April 10 to June 15, during which intrepid climbers embark on a monumental journey that typically takes 45 to 60 days to reach the summit. By law, anyone who is not Nepalese must enlist the guidance of a Sherpa—a member of a resilient Himalayan people renowned for their unparalleled mountaineering skills. Lucy is partnered with the legendary Mingma Chhiring Sherpa, a 16-time Everest summiter from the esteemed local group Xtreme Climbers.
Leaving the United States on April 16, Lucy’s adventure began with a flight to Kathmandu, Nepal, followed by a breathtaking journey to Lukla, often dubbed “the world’s most dangerous airport” at 9,383 feet nestled deep in the mountains. Accompanied by her father, Rodney, and eight lifelong friends, she embarked on the iconic 8-day trek to Everest Base Camp. As they traversed the stunning Himalayan valleys, surrounded by towering 8,000-meter peaks, they forged memories that would last a lifetime. Upon reaching Base Camp on April 25, emotions ran high as Lucy’s trekking team bid farewell, embarking on their descent while she prepared for the monumental challenge ahead.
At Base Camp, Lucy joined over 500 other climbers, all united by a singular goal beneath the shadow of the formidable Khumbu Icefall. In 2022, 316 foreign permits were issued for Everest climbers, representing 74 countries, with 64 permits coming from the United States alone. When Lucy reached the summit, she became the youngest American woman to stand atop Mount Everest. Her journey was not merely about reaching the peak; it is a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit—an inspiration for all who dare to dream big and reach for the extraordinary.
Advice to Others:
Dream big… and never stop believing it’s possible. Yes, I know that sounds lofty, and a little cliche, but it’s true. You’ll have failures, set backs, things that don’t work out how you wanted or expected—that’s the journey. To reach a big goal, a multi-year dream, requires patience, grit, and just dang perseverance. Pivot, step away when needed, do a few other things, just don’t give up. There’s only one way to the top, put one foot in front of the other, day in and day out, and before you know it, you’re standing on top of the world.
Listen to Lucy’s story on the Carpe Diem – Live Your Dream podcast.
