Peaks

 

61

 

 

Pursuers

 

1402

 

 

Finishers

 

0

 

 

Head to the top of every US National Park! Includes the highest points in 61 US National Parks, a lifetime challenge in incredibly diverse, world-class environments. A difficult, far-reaching challenge that brings you from the heights of Denali to the flat expanses of the Everglades. For an easier challenge, check out the subset Contiguous US National Park High Points Challenge (excludes Alaska and Hawaii NPs).

Notes:
• doesn't include the 2 National Parks in US territories
• includes the highpoint of Indiana Dunes State Park, not the highpoint of the National Park sandwiched around it, because it's far more interesting
• includes the majestic peak highpoint of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, not the non-descript HP of just the NP
• includes man-made highpoints in Gateway Arch NP, Everglades NP, Biscayne NP, and Dry Tortugas NP

 

Highest peak

Denali

20,310 ft / 6,190 m

Most prominent peak

Denali

20,146 ft / 6,140 m

Most climbed peak

Mount Whitney

624 climbs

Most difficult peak

Mount Whitney

Class 1

Difficulty breakdown

Class 1/2 6 peaks

Class 3/4 3 peaks

Class 5+ 2 peaks

Top climbing months

August   19%

July   18%

June   13%

Highlights
"We skied up to Camp Muir on Friday for an attempt of Mt. Rainier the following day. High winds and blowing snow delayed our alpine start. The weather settled down around 7AM, so we decided to go as far as we could while assessing our progress and the hazards as we went. At Cathedral Gap, we determined that ski conditions were far from ideal. Not being able to efficiently descend on skis meant a round trip would take longer than we deemed to be safe with our late start. We called it, returned to Muir, enjoyed the views, and then skied out, tagging a few consolation peaks along the way. Still a super fun couple of days with good company. " — ivo • Apr 19, 2025
"Started with spikes, no spikes then switched to snowshoes. Off and on several times. Very warm - down to base layer for much of the hike. Snow was quite soft on the descent. Tiring to hike in soft snow. Hit Eagle’s Crag on the descent. " — NYMetz • Feb 26, 2025
"Went out on a long day hike from our camp at Upper Scorpion. Hit the lonely summit and kept going along the ridge down into the off trail area to eventually meet up with Smugglers Rd. When we lost sight of the trail, saw a Bald Eagle circling westward and decided to head that way thinking it might be over a trail. Sure enough it was, so thank you kind eagle. We were back on track and hiked down to Smugglers Cove for a little break on the foggy beach, on an otherwise perfectly clear day. Loved cooling off on the beach, was feeling pretty hot with the lack of wind. Left the cove for one last stop at the Scorpion Rock overlook, crossing paths with several foxes along the way. Awesome spot for a short break to take in the view. Then it was back to camp, which we had all to ourselves on this final night, to relax and enjoy dinner. Epic and beautiful day on the island." — jodola • Feb 26, 2025
"Camped at Mahogany Flat the night before to get an early start, really pretty campground with views of Death Valley. Had an awesome sunset as well. Trail was looking great, some snow/ice up on the switchbacks but very clear for this time of year. Some wind at times but a nice day and we really enjoyed the hike. Incredible views from summit, Badwater Basin to the east and snow-capped High Sierra to the west." — jodola • Jan 2, 2025
"My brother (66) and I (61) took it slow and steady. About 4:15 up, 3:45 down. My old Merrills were a touch tight on downhill - will eventually lose both toenails. Advice: start at first light and take a gallon of water regardless of season. That wind really dries you out. Stretch those quads and calves." — Randall • Nov 15, 2024