California Teen vs. Mount Everest

Southern California teenager Jordan Romero is climbing Mount Everest in his quest to become the youngest person to conquer the world's highest peak.

13-year-old Jordan will attempt the climb to more than 29,000 feet with his father and his father's girlfriend, both experienced outdoor enthusiasts who have trained the California teen for challenging mountain climbing.

At the age of 9, young Jordan Romero was inspired to set climbing records by a school mural of the world's seven summits.

"I told my dad about it and he didn't say no. He just explained the difficulties and what I'd have to do. We started training right away," said Jordan.

At age 10, Romero became the youngest American to conquer Africa's tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. He also mastered Alaska's Mount McKinley as well as other famous peaks. 

The California teen hero soberly recognizes the deadly risks of climbing Mount Everest.

"Mountain climbing requires a lot of mental training and making smart decisions. It's a metaphor for life," young Romero said.

Jordan's dad, Paul Romero, is 'moving mountains' to help realize his young son's dreams.

"It's his quest and we're just along for the ride," said the senior Romero, a helicopter paramedic from Big Bear Lake, California. "We may or may not reach the summit this time."

Jordan's mom, Leigh Anne Drake, supports her son's goal but she can't help seeing her ex-husband's influence in it.

"He went to his dad's for a weekend and came back with a new goal." she said.

Jordan's mom is preparing herself for two grueling months when news of her 13 year old son will come from a small blinking dot marking the boy's GPS device on a map of Mt. Everest.

"I'm on a roller coaster," Ms. Drake said as she fought back tears. "From the second he leaves my arms until he's back, it's like I can't breathe and I can't cry. But at the same time, I'm so overjoyed that's he's getting the chance to do and see all of these amazing things."

Temperatures at the summit can drop to 100 degrees below zero.  Experienced Mt. Everest guides say the teenage California mountain climber and his team must pay close attention to their bodies in the high altitude and low oxygen conditions in order to survive.

JORDAN ROMERO