Mt. Elbert - Southeast Ridge
At 14,433', Mt. Elbert is the tallest mountain in Colorado, and second tallest in the lower 48 states, making its summit a much sought-after destination.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 1.6 km
- Descent
- 1.6 km
Climb to the highest point in the 11 states in the Western USA.
Alpine Climbing, Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Severe
Also in Arizona, United States of America • California, United States of America • Colorado, United States of America • Montana, United States of America • Nevada, United States of America • New Mexico, United States of America • Oregon, United States of America • Washington, United States of America • Wyoming, United States of America
"Highpointing" is the pursuit of climbing to the top of the highest point above sea level in each of the 50 United States of America. In many ways, this is an entirely arbitrary goal, since many of the flat eastern states' highpoints consist of little more than low hills or elevated sections of prairie. But in some parts of the nation, to reign as a state's high point requires a vaulted summit soaring high into the sky, and it is precisely these lofty mountain peaks that inspire the imagination and encourage climbers to set their sights upon these distinguished summits.
This guidebook skips the ho-hum hills of the Midwest and instead shares the renowned and challenging summits of the Western USA. While Alaska and Hawaii do, of course, count as "west," this guidebook focuses on the highpoints in the most mountainous region of the Lower 48, specifically Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and California.
Each and every one of the high points in these 11 states offers a beautiful, inspiring summit that is well worth the effort to climb. But be forewarned: some of these mountains are easy hikes, and others are challenging mountaineering excursions that have proved deadly on many occasions. Respect these mountains, and if you can't safely gain the summit, have the humility to turn around so that you can live to climb another day.
At 14,433', Mt. Elbert is the tallest mountain in Colorado, and second tallest in the lower 48 states, making its summit a much sought-after destination.
Severe Hiking
The famous day or overnight hike to stand atop the contiguous United States' highest summit.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
Classic route to Washington's highest summit
Moderate Alpine Climbing
At 12,662 feet ASL, Borah Peak reigns as Idaho's high point
Easy Alpine Climbing
Scale the tallest peak in Nevada!
Severe Hiking
One of the most technical state high points in the USA.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
Hike to the highpoint of Arizona, over alpine tundra among a huge panorama that includes the Grand Canyon on the horizon.
Difficult Hiking
Wyoming’s highest peak via the Gooseneck Glacier route, approaching from the east via Glacier Trail.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
The classic mountaineering route to the summit of Mount Hood, featuring the famous walk along the Hogsback and passage through the Pearly Gates.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
The most direct route to New Mexico's 13,161-foot high point.
Easy Alpine Climbing
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