Full Breakdown
Highpointing: A Unique Journey Across America's Tallest Peaks
1/19/2026, 11:59:39 AM
Overview of Highpointing Culture
Highpointing is a niche hobby that involves summiting the highest point in each U.S. state. Recently, approximately 180 enthusiasts gathered in Bishop, California, to celebrate this unique pursuit, which includes peaks as daunting as California's Mt. Whitney, standing at 14,505 feet, and as modest as Florida's Britton Hill, at just 345 feet. Shannon Brumund, president of the Highpointers Club, emphasized the community aspect of highpointing, stating, "It's partially about just coming together as a group that enjoys this kind of weird hobby that people haven't heard of."
The Appeal of Highpointing
For many, highpointing serves as a structured way to explore the diverse landscapes of the United States. Lucy Westlake, who became the youngest woman to visit every state highpoint at 17, articulated the appeal: "We have this huge, unique, beautiful and diverse country, and a lot of people don't see a lot of it." The activity not only promotes physical fitness but also encourages travel to lesser-known locations, enhancing appreciation for the country’s geography.
Challenges and Accessibility
The challenges of highpointing vary significantly. While some peaks, like Wyoming's Gannett Peak, require advanced climbing skills, others, such as Mount Washington in New Hampshire, can be accessed by car. The highest point in Illinois, Charles Mound, presents logistical challenges as it is located on private property, accessible only on select weekends. Floridian Rick Wise noted, "A lot of hikers will say this is the hardest highpoint because you just got to time it."
Community and Connection
The Highpointers Club fosters a sense of camaraderie among its members. Participants share experiences and support each other in their quests. Dee Winters, who recently summited Utah's King's Peak, remarked on the importance of staying active as one ages, stating, "As a group, they encourage you to keep going and keep moving." This shared passion creates a bond among members, transcending geographical and cultural differences.
International Interest
The appeal of highpointing extends beyond the United States, attracting international enthusiasts like siblings Lidy and Sjaak Van Schie from the Netherlands. They expressed that while their friends back home may not understand the allure of visiting obscure highpoints, the experience is meaningful to them. Lidy noted, "The nice thing about highpointing is that all those highpoints are places you would normally not go."
Conclusion: The Magic of Highpointing
The journey to each state’s highest point is not just about elevation; it is about the experiences, connections, and unique landscapes encountered along the way. As Ray O'Conor from New York reflected, "The scenery, the farm fields, the dirt roads – there's a little bit of magic in almost every route that brings you to one of these places." Highpointing offers a distinctive way to appreciate the vastness and diversity of the United States, one peak at a time.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's partially about just coming together as a group that enjoys this kind of weird hobby that people haven't heard of,” — Shannon Brumund, President of the Highpointers Club
- “We have this, like, huge, unique, beautiful and diverse country, and a lot of people don't see a lot of it,” — Lucy Westlake, Youngest Woman to Visit Every State Highpoint
- “As a group, they encourage you to keep going and keep moving, and I think that's important,” — Dee Winters, Highpointer
- “The nice thing about highpointing is that all those highpoints are places you would normally not go.” — Lidy Van Schie, Highpointer
- “but you know, the scenery, the farm fields, the dirt roads – there's a little bit of magic in almost every route that brings you to one of these places.” — Ray O'Conor, Highpointer
