emiller1 wrote:How much time would be needed for succesful 6000m peak trip and what sort of cost would be associated with one. This isn't anything that i will be doing anytime soon but is more of a long term goal that i am trying to research and come up with a approximate cost. I have lots of experience to gain first here in the states but want to be able to do something like this before i am 45, only 30 now. This would be a guided trip. thanks for all the help and recomendations.
Easy enough formula (assuming limited skills today). Learn mountaineering and attempt Rainier. Go to Bolivia or Peru for a 6000m attempt by joining a group from SP or paying a local guide service. Ex Bolivia - $1500-2500 and 12 days can give you a shot on Huayna Potosi--more $$ with a US guide company. So next summer you could have a 6000m attempt if you can get some basics in this year. Don't really need to wait 15 years.
More realistic is get glacier and altitude experience in WA, CA, CO etc for a few years. Establish some climbing partner relationships. Go to Mexico for the next level of altitude. Then consider Ecuador to experience a 6000k attempt or Peru/Bolivia as mentioned.
Cheers!