Carol Beck

Bio: I moved to Vegas after getting out of the Army in 2006. I wanted to get back to a warm climate and a more progressive thinking place after living in Michigan for 13 years of my life. I've worked in casino security most of the time I've been here.

Age: 32

Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I had gotten fed up with not being able to get anybody to do outdoor activities with me. Most of the people I was friends with in Vegas worked in casinos and their main interests were drinking and gambling. I needed to meet new positive people and get myself out there doing activities that appealed to me. I have exercised all my life but I longed to be out there having adventures that weren't really an option to do solo.   


Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Oct 27th, 2013 (46th person to become a 53er)

Toughest Peak: Mentally my toughest hike was Oak Peak. It was my second card hike and the first real scrambling one. I actually started panicking going up one of the steep waterfalls. I felt stuck like I couldn't go up or down without falling. I got through it though with the help of more experienced hikers. Physically my toughest hike was my 51st, Terrace Peak. I had been hiking and working graveyard three days in a row with very little sleep and had a super fast leader. My nose kept running from allergies and I couldn't keep up once we past the wash. I had to push myself through and made it up to the peak about 15 minutes behind the leader.    

Favorite Hike: White Pinnacle/Dead Horse Point, Last Peak W/Graffiti Ledge, Ice Box and Holiday Peak.

How did you feel once you became a 53er: Very relieved because it meant I wouldn't have to worry about getting on certain hikes anymore. I felt a great sense of accomplishment too, because I had pushed myself and grown so much during the process of reaching my goal. I met so many great people and made so many positive friends, which never would have happened if I didn't get out there and hike. I pushed myself pretty hard the whole time doing hikes and working full time.

Advice for new hikers: Take every hike seriously and give your best effort. It's super important to keep in shape, hydrate and show up for hikes on time. If you are seen as a strong and reliable hiker in the group you will have more options for hikes. Listen and learn from your leaders so that you can be an asset to them and a help to other less experienced hikers.