Read: 12 mins. Twelve years ago on a hike up Yosemite's Half Dome, a friend shared an important term with me: Summit Fever. The state of mind where the desire to reach an objective -- at whatever costs -- is so strong, irrational decisions or illogical choices could be made with potentially dangerous or fatal consequences. The realization changed the way I hike and why I try my best not to leave anyone behind.