Hildale, Utah – Gawynn Dutson, a 66-year-old seasoned hiker from Hildale, is preparing to defy conventional expectations as he sets his sights on Mount Everest. His journey to the world’s highest peak began with a simple Facebook advertisement in April 2021, sparking an adventure that has taken him from the trails of his local mountains to the summit of Mera Peak in Nepal.
Dutson, who has a history of hiking, including treks to Machu Picchu and the Uintah Mountains, was intrigued by an advertisement for an Everest base camp trek. Despite initial concerns about the timing during the COVID-19 pandemic and his age, he decided to embark on the adventure. “They assured me many older people had successfully completed this trek,” Dutson recalls, “and that the biggest issue would be acclimating to the high altitude.”
His first trek to Everest base camp in October 2021 was an eye-opener. Accustomed to day hikes, Dutson found himself navigating 11 days of trekking, staying in primitive “teahouses” and adjusting to high-altitude conditions. “I went into this thinking it was an exclusive hike,” he admits, “I certainly was not prepared for what a production it was.”
Despite the challenges, Dutson thrived, completing the 65-mile round trip with ease. “I was in good enough shape to do this trek with no problems,” he says. “I usually finished about ½ to 1 hour earlier than the rest of the group.”
This success fueled his ambition. Following a suggestion from his travel guide, Dutson set his sights on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. In September 2022, he summited Kilimanjaro with friends, further honing his hiking skills and endurance.
“This trek was seven days total, with the summit day being the most elevation gain, and it felt similar to climbing Mount Olympus and I think it was a little easier than Base Camp except for the summit day which was a lot longer and steeper,” Dutson explained.
Two years later, in February 2024, Dutson began to seriously consider climbing Everest. After consulting with his Nepali contacts, he decided to tackle Mera Peak as a preparatory climb. “Mera Peak might be a better choice as it was over 21,000 feet and the last two days of the trek would require crampons and a climbing harness,” he reasoned.
In October 2024, Dutson summited Mera Peak, navigating challenging terrain and extreme conditions. It was on this trek that he met Angellu Sherpa, a seasoned Everest guide, who encouraged him to pursue his Everest dream. “He convinced me that as well as I did get to Mera, I would be able to take on Everest with some additional conditioning,” Dutson says.
Upon returning home, Dutson began an intensive training regimen, incorporating stair runs, daily jogs, and weekend hikes with weighted packs. By March 2025, he was prepared to take on the ultimate challenge.
Dutson’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. “So far none of these treks have been much more difficult than any of my local hiking with the altitude alone adding difficulty because of having to rest going up the steep inclines and catching my breath,” he says.
As he prepares to embark on his Everest expedition, Dutson hopes to inspire others to pursue their own adventures and push their limits. His story is a reminder that with preparation and perseverance, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Dutson will be leaving for his Everest adventure on Monday April 6th for an approximately six week journey, and plans to return mid May.
