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
13,241 ft / 4,035 m prom
Most climbed peak
Mount Washington
1,199 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
"A great experience. This was my first time hiking in New Hampshire, first time hiking before the sun, first time sleeping over night in my car and my first time doing a big solo hike. A lot of first times haha. I started off at the Ammonoosuc ravine trail. The hike in the forest was pretty good, tho I got lost since it was dark and there’d be times I’d miss the markers. But I found my way with the help of other hikers. It was a breeze till the incline, to be honest I had a grand time rock climbing the tall inclines. But at some points there was hidden ice so you had to be careful. Unfortunately tho by the time I got to the lake of clouds cabin, I started to get cramps in my inner thighs so I had to stop a lot along the way. I was still able to reach the summit of Mount monroe and Washington. I wasn’t going to do Monroe but a couple hikers convinced me especially since I was right there. It was an adventure. Also I really got lucky with such beautiful weather. I just want to say shoutout to all the hikers that helped along the way, I couldn’t have done it you all. I’m still a newbie who recently got addicted to hiking 3 months ago but I feel blessed to be in the hiking community tha..." — CTprest • Oct 11, 2025
"Oh Humphreys Peak. I had 3 summits of you before this. One in snow and crazy wind, and 2 in sunny too warm conditions.❄️☀️
Today was the most perfect day. Clouds cover, crazy rain forecast, but I did not want to cancel. Us 4 smelled the rain, very little, fresh forest and 🌲, only a handful people on trail. Perfect peak all to ourselves and we made it back down before storm.
Just love my hiking gals and friends. Now you are just a regular hike! 😛🦵So proud of my strong team." — alexandra-melaniecastellano • Aug 25, 2025
"Just an epic trip for PrairieDweller and me -- something we have been eyeing for four years. Permits came through, time on the work schedule cooperated, and we made it through customs in time to catch the ferry. The logistics are difficult for this trip between international travel, packing, and campsite selection. Tough route with bouldering and loose scree pounding on you during the descent. Only a couple technical moves on the traverse route, but nothing too spicy. Traverse of the Stony Indians is probably one of the most surreal summit experiences I have had -- well worth the effort to get up this might piece of rock known as Cleveland! PS -- take a look down that north face when you are on top; you will never forget that exposure." — MarmotHead • Aug 23, 2025
"started below at hermit lake, we trekked up the loins head, across the alpine garden and ascended up near the huntington ravine junction. The summit was less sastiving due to all the tourists. Still a summit under the belt 💪 " — sebastienauger • Aug 23, 2025
"Not too terrible getting up to Wheeler except for the altitude if your not used to it, going over to Doso there is a lot of loose rocks and boulders ends being around 10 miles round trip " — JasonFitz • Aug 14, 2025