Hulda Crooks became a symbol of determination after climbing Mount Whitney 23 times and reaching the summit of Japan’s Mount Fuji at age 91.
Known as “Grandma Whitney,” the American mountaineer began climbing Mount Whitney in her 60s and continued taking on mountain trails well into old age. On July 24, 1987, she became the oldest woman to climb Mount Fuji, completing the journey at 91.
Crooks built her reputation through years of hiking, physical activity and a strong interest in nature. Her achievements drew public attention and made her an inspiration to people of different ages. According to Adventist Today, she also worked as a medical researcher and supported healthy eating, including a vegetarian diet.
Born Hulda Hoehn on May 19, 1896, in Saskatchewan, Canada, she later settled in Loma Linda, California. She died on Nov. 23, 1997, at 101 years old, leaving behind a legacy tied to mountain climbing, healthy living and community service.
Today in 1987 Hulda Crooks, at 91 years of age, climbs Mt. Fuji. Crooks becomes the oldest person to climb #Japan‘s highest peak pic.twitter.com/A6ccQyWsuP
— the painter flynn (@thepainterflynn) July 24, 2020Hulda Crooks and Her 23 Mount Whitney Climbs
Mount Whitney, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, became the peak most closely linked to Crooks. Standing at 14,505 feet, it is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States.
Crooks did not begin mountain climbing as a young athlete. Her interest in the outdoors grew after her husband, Dr. Samuel Crooks, encouraged her to spend more time in nature. Following his death, she began hiking in 1950 and gradually moved from short walks to longer and more challenging mountain trips.
Her first successful climb to the top of Mount Whitney came in 1962, when she was 66. She went on to reach the summit 23 times between the ages of 65 and 91, according to biographical accounts of her life.
The repeated climbs helped earn her the nickname “Grandma Whitney.” She also climbed 97 other peaks during this period, showing that her outdoor adventures went far beyond one famous mountain.
Crooks also completed the 212-mile John Muir Trail in California’s Sierra Nevada range. Rather than finishing the entire trail in one trip, she completed it in sections over five years.
Her accomplishments drew attention from the public and community leaders. She met President Ronald Reagan and appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Her growing fame also helped bring attention to the value of staying active later in life.
On July 24, 1987, Crooks reached the summit of Mount Fuji in Japan at age 91. The climb earned her recognition as the oldest woman to complete the ascent at the time.
Mount Fuji stands at 12,388 feet and is one of Japan’s most recognized natural landmarks. Reaching its summit requires hikers to deal with steep sections, changing weather and the physical demands of climbing at high elevation.
Crooks completed the climb with sponsorship from Japanese advertising company Dentsu. A photograph was taken of her at the summit, documenting the achievement that added an international milestone to her mountaineering record.
Her climb came after decades of building her hiking experience. By then, she had already completed many trips up Mount Whitney and explored other peaks in California. Her Mount Fuji ascent showed that she continued to pursue demanding outdoor goals even in her 90s.
The achievement also strengthened her reputation as a role model for older adults. Rather than retiring from physical activity at a conventional age, Crooks continued hiking and encouraging others to appreciate nature.
Beyond mountain climbing, Crooks spent much of her life studying nutrition and supporting healthy habits. She became a lacto-ovo vegetarian at 18, meaning she avoided meat and fish but ate dairy products and eggs.
She graduated from Loma Linda University in 1927 after studying dietetics. Later, she worked as a medical researcher for Mervyn Hardinge, then dean of the Loma Linda University School of Public Health. Her work included research on vegetarian diets, and she co-authored scientific papers with Hardinge during the 1960s.
Crooks was also a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose teachings influenced her interest in vegetarianism and healthful living. She often encouraged children in her community to spend time outdoors, appreciate nature, and remain physically active.
In 1991, Loma Linda dedicated Hulda Crooks Park in her honor. The park features a bronze statue based on a photograph of Crooks hiking Mount Whitney. The statue shows her wearing a broad-brimmed hat and carrying a hiking stick.
Her name was also given to Crooks Peak near Mount Whitney in 1990, recognizing her connection to the mountain and her achievements as a climber.
Related: In 2015, Pike Place Market removed over 2,350 pounds of gum from its Gum Wall in 130 hours; people began sticking more on almost immediately
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