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Hulda Crooks (b. May 19, 1896; d. November 23, 1997) Affectionately know as "Grandma Whitney" she successfully scaled 14,505 foot Mt. Whitney 23 times between the ages of 65 and 91. She had climbed 97 other peaks during this period.

In 1991 Day Needle, one of the peaks in the Whitney area was named Crooks Peak in her honor. In 1987, at the age of 91, she became the oldest woman to complete the ascent of Mt. Fuji in Japan. She hiked the entire 212 mile John Muir Trail in the high Sierras.

Hulda Crooks was a long-time resident of Loma Linda, California and a Seventh-day Adventist. She often spent time with children in the community, encouraging them to appreciate nature and stay active. In 1991 Loma Linda dedicated a park at the base of the south hills as Hulda Crooks Park.

Early to bed and early to rise. Out jogging about 5:30 a.m. Jog a mile and walk it back briskly. At the beginning of 1976 it takes me 12 minutes to jog the mile and 15 minutes to walk it. Do some upper trunk exercises, work in the yard, and walk to the market, and work. (From Hulda Crooks 1-page autobiography, describing life at 80)

"No mountain was ever too high for this gentle giant. With a twinkle in her eye, and purpose in her step, 'Grandma Whitney' showed the world that mental, physical and spiritual health is attainable at any age." Congressman Jerry Lewis (R California), one of her hiking companions.

[edit] Additional Information

[1] - A personal webpage by friends of Crooks

[2] - "The Backpacking Octogenarian," from Health and Fitness

Loma Linda University News - biographic article published after Crooks death.

[3] - hiking report at Hulda Crooks Park in Loma Linda, CA, including 3D maps of terrain.

Photo of Jerry Lewis with Hulda Crooks below Whitney Summit.

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