I completed the 50 state highpoints on March 5, 2012. I am the 227th person to accomplish that, according to the Highpointers Club. This album contains a photo from each of the highpoints.
Highpointing has taken me to quite a few places that I otherwise would never have visited. Many of the Western state highpoints are very challenging whereas, with few exceptions, the Midwestern and Eastern states are either short hikes or even drive-ups. Regardless of the difficulty level, I had many fun adventures and a great time visiting each of them.
First highpoint climbed: Mt Rainier - September 10, 2001
Last highpoint climbed: Mauna Kea - March 5, 2012
Favorite highpoint: Denali - June 1, 2008
Most highpoints climbed in a single trip: 6 - the "Southern 6-Pack" (GA/KY/NC/SC/TN/VA)
Number of states done solo: 12 (VT/MA/CT/RI/NJ/DE/GA/KY/NC/SC/TN/VA)
Failed first attempt: Mt Elbert (lost my window of opportunity due to a late flight arrival and 60MPH winds on the mountain). Gannett Peak (via Titcomb Basin w/ 2ft new snow and no snowshoes).
Most memorable moment: I had the summit of Boundary Peak (NV) to myself on a bluebird day. Two fighter jets flew directly over the peak just a couple thousand feet above me. As they approached, I faced them and threw my arms in the air. One of the pilots dipped his wing 90 degrees as they flew overhead, leaving no doubt that he saw me.
Number of climbing partners: 25
Favorite highpoint partner: My wife, Sarah, who hiked to the top of 10 states with me!
Hope you enjoy the photos...!
Highpoint Photos (by elevation)
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Denali (20,320') Alaska June 1, 2008
Mt Whitney (14,497') California May 9, 2004
Mt Elbert (14,440') Colorado March 21, 2004
Mt Rainier (14,411') Washington September 10, 2001
Gannett Peak (13,804') Wyoming July 26, 2006
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Mauna Kea (13,796') Hawaii March 5, 2012
King's Peak (13,528') Utah July 11, 2010
Wheeler Peak (13,161') New Mexico September 10, 2011
Boundary Peak (13,140') Nevada August 16, 2007
Granite Peak (12,799') Montana August 5, 2009
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Borah Peak (12,662') Idaho July 14, 2010
Humphreys Peak (12,633') Arizona November 5, 2005
Mt Hood (11,239') Oregon April 9, 2005
Guadalupe Peak (8,749') Texas December 27, 2006
Harney Peak (7,242') South Dakota July 31, 2009
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Mt Mitchell (6,684') North Carolina May 14, 2011
Clingmans Dome (6,643') Tennessee May 13, 2011
Mt Washington (6,288') New Hampshire January 25, 2003
Mt Rogers (5,729') Virginia May 15, 2011
Panorama Point (5,429') Nebraska July 22, 2006
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Mt Marcy (5,344') New York October 11, 2008
Katahdin (5,267') Maine September 27, 2003
Black Mesa (4,975') Oklahoma September 28, 2008
Spruce Knob (4,861') West Virginia October 24, 2009
Brasstown Bald (4,786') Georgia May 13, 2011
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Mt Mansfield (4,393') Vermont January 28, 2005
Black Mountain (4,139') Kentucky May 14, 2011
Mt Sunflower (4,039') Kansas September 27, 2008
Sassafras Mountain (3,560') South Carolina May 13, 2011
White Butte (3,507') North Dakota August 7, 2009
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Mt Greylock (3,491') Massachussets June 19, 2005
Backbone Mountain (3,360') Maryland October 23, 2009
Mt Davis (3,213') Pennsylvania October 23, 2009
Mt Magazine (2,753') Arkansas October 26, 2010
Cheaha Mountain (2,407') Alabama October 16, 2011
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Mt Frissell (2,380') Connecticut June 19, 2005
Eagle Mountain (2,301') Minnesota February 14, 2010
Mt Arvon (1,979') Michigan July 23, 2005
Timms Hill (1,951') Wisconsin July 24, 2005
High Point (1,803') New Jersey December 9, 2006
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Taum Sauk (1,772') Missouri October 13, 2007
Hawkeye Point (1,670') Iowa July 24, 2009
Campbell Hill (1,550') Ohio July 14, 2007
Hoosier Hill (1,257') Indiana July 15, 2007
Charles Mound (1,235') Illinois August 7, 2004
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Jerimoth Hill (812') Rhode Island September 13, 2008
Woodall Mountain (807') Mississippi October 15, 2011
Driskill Mountain (534') Louisiana October 27, 2010
Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports.