Known as the "Ultra 57", this is perhaps the most iconic of all prominence-based peak challenges in the US. Includes all "ultra" peaks with prominence of at least 5,000 ft / 1,500 m in the lower 48 US states. These peaks read like a "greatest hits" for US mountains and offer an incredible gamut of adventures.
Highest peak
Mount Whitney
14,505 ft / 4,421 m
Most prominent peak
Mount Rainier
13,246 ft / 4,037 m prom
Most climbed peak
Mount Washington
1,153 climbs
Most difficult peak
Mount Whitney
Class 1
Difficulty breakdown
Class 1/2 16 peaks
Class 3/4 4 peaks
Class 5+ 1 peak
Highlights
- All except 2 of the 57 Ultras lie in the Western US in 11 states. The east is represented by Appalachian peaks Mt Washington in New Hampshire and Mt Mitchell in North Carolina.
- Includes only 7 peaks higher than 14,000 ft, the magic elevation threshold in the western US. Only 3 of Colorado's 55 14ers qualify as Ultras.
- Ultras by state: 9 - California • 8 - Nevada • 7 - Washington, Utah • 5 - Arizona • 4 Montana, Oregon • 3 - Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming • 1 - North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Mexico
- Mt St Helens in Washington was the 58th Ultra before its 1980 eruption blew 1,312 vertical feet off the top.
Latest climbs
"Up the NorthEast ridge to North Timp. Then over all the bumps on the ridge to SouthEast Timp. Down the snowfield to Emerald Lake. Bonus side quest to Robert Horn before back to the car at Timpanokee." — bobbyut • Sep 30, 2024
"Braved the rain and went for a full ascent of this ultra prominent peak. Had to periodically hide underneath a tree to keep from getting hypothermia as my rain jacket was soaked. Pulled onto the summit shortly after sunset. The summit register is in bad condition, needs a new Ziploc and entry book. The tattered bits of paper inside are hardly legible from water damage." — MikeERodriguez • Sep 15, 2024
"Started around 4am. Logged 22.3 miles and 6,706 ft elevation gain. Lots of neat wildlife, even on the switchbacks. Spent 2 hours at the summit. Got back to the Portal at 8pm. First 14er!" — jakobpfeiffer • Sep 12, 2024
"Summitted via the north chute, an unofficial and messy extension of the Abineau trail. I started the morning at 3,400ft and ended up at 12,635ft. Brought about a nasty case of altitude sickness but that is my fault for rushing into this one and not taking time to acclimate. Top notch views though!" — MikeERodriguez • Sep 10, 2024
"A rare case in which we experienced no wind almost the entire hike. Right before descending below tree line, it began to sleet on us but nothing unusual for this elevation.
Beautiful hike on a very special peak. Highly recommended " — dillonfrazier • Sep 1, 2024