Whaleback is a uniquely striking peak in Sequoia National Park that is approximately 25 miles from any starting point. Due to its remoteness, Whaleback is infrequently climbed, a fact evidenced by an only partially filled summit log that dates back to the 1970s.

On this trip, we hiked over Marvin Pass and climbed the Western Face of Whaleback, which is an exposed approach where route finding is, at times, tricky. This Western Approach takes you through the beautiful, glacially carved Cloud Canyon area (worth the trip in its own right) and passes through the fabled "blowhole" of the Whaleback.

Even if you never climb this thing, just putting your eyes on Whaleback from Big Wet Meadows is a view that is worth the price of admission.

Finally, for those who care, all drone footage was shot before the NPS antidrone laws went into effect in June 2014. Everything is above board in that respect.

Song:

Missing Road Radical Face