Michael was the first person that I ever met and climbed with through SummitPost. He had a great outlook on life and had perfected the climbing lifestyle. It's very sad to hear of someone who has passed. But it is reassuring that it happened on his own terms during the pursuit of his nirvana.

I remember a post he made here, telling himself to 'sack up' and make difficult moves on a route on Wall Street. He did, and then broke his ankle. Conquering fear is a dangerous thing to do, but for most of us the rewards while living are worth the risk of death. Good luck on your next big adventure, Mike.

Very sad indeed. RIP, Michael.

Very sorry to hear this. I'm saddened when people who love what they do can't do it anymore. But I also have faith that he is likely doing something better... RIP Mike.

I enjoy Michael's writing. I'm sorry to hear the sad news. RIP.

Thanks for the thoughtful memories and tributes.

Here's his profile page: http://www.summitpost.org/users/michaelj/23482

wow.... deeply saddened and shocked by this news.

At a loss for words.

Condolences to all who were close to him.

Mike, so glad to have met you. Sorry we never got to do a trip together. Your spirit will live on.

This is really sad.

It's never easy to lose a friend, especially if that friend is also a climbing partner. I lost my best friend and climbing partner of twenty years to cancer about ten years ago. I lost another great friend and climbing partner to breast cancer a month ago. I didn't know MichaelJ, but from what I see here, he was a great friend and a solid climbing partner to many. I am sure we all have felt that when it's time for us to go, we hope it would be in the mountains. Unfortunately, Michael's time came too quickly. Rest in peace Michael.

My heartfelt condolences to all his friends and family.

VERY SAD.

Michael stayed with me and we climbed together back when I lived in Boulder. Super nice guy. So full of energy. Will miss him.

RIP Michael

What a terrible loss

http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web12x/ednote-ybarra

This one hurts. Seems like god wants all the good people around him these days. First time I met him on Denali. Than I realized he was always out somewhere. He was very helpful with info about some climbs, and had a good sense of humor. He will be missed.

Hope his close ones are coping well. Terrible loss.

I met Michael briefly on the Sierra Challenge 2005, day 1. Just a name introduction really. The target peak that day was Mt. Hilgard. Late in the day I ran into Michael and climbing friend Eric near Dade Lake after descending from Cox Col. Neither of us summitted Mt. Hilgard that day. However, about a month after SC 2005 finished; I saw a Bob Burd internet note that a SC 2005 article would soon appear in the Wall Street Journal. I had no idea there was a professional writer among our SC participants. It was Michael Ybarra. And his Sierra Challenge article was titled "Some People Call This Fun. Some People are Idiots". Michael gives his impressions of the Sierra Challenge, organizer Bob Burd, etc. using an informative style, while interjecting ample amounts of humor. It's a fantastic article. Michael is a skilled writer. He mentions a climber's (my) unplanned bivy one night and setting a negative elapsed time record of 23 hours and 55 minutes. I have shared MIchael's article with many office workers, friends, and family back home over the years. All of them howl with laughter reading MIchael's SC article and seeing my recorded ill fortune. MIchael, you will be missed by all of us in the climbing community. And writing community. My condolences to your entire family.
Scott

ScottHanson wrote:I met Michael briefly on the Sierra Challenge 2005, day 1. Just a name introduction really. The target peak that day was Mt. Hilgard. Late in the day I ran into Michael and climbing friend Eric near Dade Lake after descending from Cox Col. Neither of us summitted Mt. Hilgard that day.

I remember that as if it were yesterday, Scott. Mike and I had just learned to climb, and we really familiarized ourselves with the layout of the Sierra during the challenge. We never tried another challenge (I'd love to), but we returned to those same areas many times as our climbing skills improved.

Thanks for the memory,
Eric

There will be a Memorial Service for Michael Ybarra at the Yosemite Lodge by the Falls on Sunday July 29, 11:30.

Please PM me or send me an email at pgoonghang@yahoo.com if you plan on attending and I will keep you informed of the details.