Our vision is to inspire and encourage disabled veterans and children to take on new challenges.
We accomplish our vision by taking on some of the worlds most challenging adventures in order to show what we are truly capable of if we unite for a common goal.
The Sightless Summits team climbed North America's highest peak in June 2022.
In May 2023, the Sightless Summits team climbed Mt. Everest. Lonnie set a world record for being the first blind veteran to reach the summit.
Climb Mt Vinson and Ski to the South Pole (Winter 2024)
Climb Europe's highest mountain in Southwest Russia. (Spring 2024)
Climb Australasia's highest mountain on the remote Indonesian island of Papau. (TBD)
Ski to the North Pole (TBD)
“Your disability is a part of you but it does not define you. We are able to adapt and do so much more than we think if we simply work together. So let's get up, and go live our lives to their fullest potential” - Lonnie Bedwell -Lonnie Bedwell
Blind Military Veteran. Extreme Adventure Athlete. Motivational Speaker. Author. He was critically injured during 1997 in a hunting accident that instantly took his sight. Nevertheless, he raised three daughters as a single father, teaching them all to hunt and fish — and, against all odds, to drive. Lonnie has kayaked some of the most challenging whitewater in the world and is best known for having completed the first blind descent of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. He climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, summited several of North America’s highest mountains, rock climbs, and more.
An avid outdoor enthusiast. Michael retired in his early 40’s after selling his businesses. After retirement he went to law school and passed the Oregon bar as a mental challenge. His mountaineering achievements include every major peak in the Pacific Northwest, Mt Whitney, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Ama Dablam and Everest. He has rock climbed El Capitan and other big walls multiple times (often solo). Michael is a devoted husband of 30 years, father of four thriving children, and grandfather of four perfect grandsons.
Physical therapist and adventure seeker based in Santa Cruz, Ca. Bryan is the photographer and videographer for the Sightless Summits team. He has climbed Denali, Everest and Pico de Orizaba with the team and has summited various other mountains throughout the world on his own. Outside of mountaineering, Bryan enjoys cycling, rock climbing, skiing and trail running. Trained as a physical therapist and with a natural talent for teaching, Bryan seeks out opportunities to facilitate adventures for others with disabilities.
From Brian Hill's Channel
From Google Maps Youtube Channel
From Lonnies Youtube Channel
From REI Youtube Channel