Climbing the 50 highest in all 50 States

k_estela

k_estela

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When I worked at EMS years ago, I had an Asst. Manager who prided himself in reaching the summits of almost 40 of the highest peaks in the U.S. I'm wondering how many of us here have climbed some or all of these. I wouldn't mind, as a personal quest, attempting to climb all 50 eventually. Anyone ever think of doing the same?

I'm thinking of maybe starting small and breaking up the U.S. into regions. Northeast, Southeast, etc. Again, what do you guys think?
 
When my uncle retired in his 60's he wanted to do just that. I believe he accomplished all but Alaska. He was an avid backpacker and did most alone but hired guides in a few states like Colorado that have high peaks. Many times he just drove there in his pickup/camper for the flatland states. I'm approaching that age but I don't think that's high on my list.
 
I'll do the North East with you. I just started the whole process by buying a guide book to the white mountains..with maps.
 
Gunknifenut,

I did a lot of the presidentials when I was in college. The same goes for more than a few points in Maine. Lets get something started brother! We can squeeze in a few easy ones before the end of this year maybe.
 
I just drove the family to the small but awesome peak , Mount Greylock in MA..we had a blast driving around western MA, the road up was closed, but it was still fun in North Adams... we are gonna car camp our way a bit further north this weekend. I hope to find some great spots up in NH. I have to look at the Map..or search..whats the tallest mountains in the NE? Greylock is MA..I have hiked that 3 times..I believe Katadin is ME, Washinton is NH right? whats Vermont and Newyork?
 
A lot of people try to visit all the highpoints in the states. They call themselves "Highpointers". Florida is the lowest at 345 feet and Denali or Mckinley is over 20,000 feet. So some goals are easily attainable and some others formidable. Here in Ohio it is 1549 feet. Geology.com has a list of all of them.
 
I have no specific interest in climbing the highest peak in each state. I don't really understand the attraction of the pursuit of peak bagging (as the pursuit has been done by people I know, to mark a name off a list, sign a register, and have bragging rights), just as I don't understand the life-list thing with birders.

That said, I do have an interest in going everywhere and seeing everything. Among other things, that includes summits (and birds).

I'll be climbing White Mountain (in California) on my 40th birthday, a week and a half from now. It should be quite a view, and quite the photo opportunity.
 
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I summited a lot of the Colorado 14er's and highest in the southwestern states when I was into mountaineering. One of the best nationwide was in Ohio- I couldn't find the highest point as shown on the map so I asked at a gas station. The attendant said "You're standing on it".:D Regards, ss.
 
If you get over to Illinois, screw the Charles Mound. Officially the highest point in Illinois, it's a measly 1,235 feet above sea level.

Come on over to the Sears Tower and walk up the stairs. Top stair is about 2,123 above sea level.
 
I'd go for about the top 20...screw the rest. I've already got #1, so it's all downhill from there.
 
That's a pretty cool task to accomplish. I might look into that....been looking for something else to add to my "before I die" list.
 
You can't even tell you're on Mt. Sunflower here in KS. It's a mailbox and some trinkets out on our prairie, but it's our highest point. Just turn at the sign and drive a few hundred yards down the cow-path and you're there. Bring your O2... :D

06mountsunflower1.jpg
 
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Been up Raineer in WA, Greys, Toreys, longs, Bierstadt, and Evans in CO. I run out of oomph around 12k, the last 2k are hell (for me at least, but I do pretty good for a large kind of guy).
 
ejes said:
You can't even tell you on Mt. Sunflower here in KS. It's a mailbox and some trinkets out on our prairie, but it's our highest point. Just turn at the sign and drive a few hundred yards down the cow-path and your there. Bring your O2... :D

06mountsunflower1.jpg
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That is hilarious given I was just going to mention Kansas. :D:D:D
 
straitshot said:
.... One of the best nationwide was in Ohio- I couldn't find the highest point as shown on the map so I asked at a gas station. The attendant said "You're standing on it".:D Regards, ss.
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Yes, not all high points are created equal.

My favorite is Iowa:

Hawkeye Point is the highest elevation in Iowa. Located approximately 4.5 mi. (7.2 km) north of Sibley on the eastern side of SR60 and approximately 3.5 mi. (5.6 km) south of the Iowa-Minnesota state border. It is at the southern end of the cattle feeding trough on a farm.​

One of the peak bagging sites has a beautiful photo of the trough.

A list of premier hikes could be created for each state. The premier hike could feature flora, fauna, unique geology, or historical significance. In my opinion, the premier hike should be accessible to the opportune traveler or family.
 
Salamander42 said:
Um , doesn't Delaware have the distinction of being the state with the lowest highest point?
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Yup, and I've concquered it many of times. :D

Seriously though, I would like to hit some places within a few hours of me so I'd be interested in tagging along on someone's trip in the NE.
 
Mt. Marcy in New York's Adirondack Park is our highest spot at 5344 ft. It's a great climb although it's pretty busy in the the summer months. I climbed it in February and it was fantastic. We snowshoed in, switched to crampons for the final ascent and then put the snowshoes on again for the ride down. I say "ride" because we did something between a slide and skiing down the trail. Amazing time. Lots of solitude but the weather can get tricky.

I believe the shortest hike in is about 9 miles from a trailhead. You can take several other routes, bagging more peaks if you like and add on a few miles. Amazing sights up there, even if it isn't anywhere near the heights you find in the Rockies.

Also, Backpacker (or maybe Outside) magazine had an article about the highest points in each state a few years ago. Pretty interesting read that you should look up in your local library. I believe that some of the highest points are on private land so you'll need permission to hike to the top. Best of luck.
 
Paul Zumwalt has a terrific guide to the 50 state summits. It's got trail maps, trail descriptions and personal accounts of his hikes. I've been playing this game for a while now and plan most of our vacations around it. Fun stuff!

Jeff
 
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