Lucy Westlake

Lucy began U.S. state high pointing (climbing the highest mountain in every state) at age 7, and at 17, she became the youngest woman to complete all 50. The following year, at age 18, she became the youngest American woman to summit Mount Everest. Her passion for mountaineering has led her to mountains in Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Switzerland, Russia, Tanzania, Nepal and Pakistan. She began mountain guiding for Alpine Ascents in 2024, but her first trip with us a Rainier climb when Lucy was only 13. Lucy is a recent college grad from USC with a passion for glacier preservation. In addition to guiding, she’s spent the past two summers completing research on the largest contributing factors to glacier melt in Washington state. She also is an avid Ironman athlete – which keeps her in shape in the mountaineering off season.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Mt. Rainier
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
rock climbing and skiing!
What’s always in your snack bag?
Trader Joes focaccia bread
If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
NOT my dad (been there done that)
One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
You don’t have to reach the summit to become a better mountaineer. Learning and improving happens at every step along the way.