This is an open-course route connecting the highest point in each of the 50 United States. Here are the key things to know:
- See the Highpointers Club website and Peakbagger (ignore DC) for the list of highpoints and details about each.
- The clock starts at the top of the first highpoint and stops at the top of the 50th.
- All highpoints must be reached legally--that is, with any necessary permits and at times when land owners/managers allow access.
- This route does not specify a minimum amount of hiking per highpoint, but good form would entail getting familiar with the style of the record you are attempting to break and meeting or exceeding it. If you set a new record, please be clear in your report about which highpoints you drove (if any) and how much you hiked on those that have multiple trailheads.
Records exist for all 50 states, and for the contiguous 48 states (i.e., excluding Alaska & Hawaii).
Whit Rambach provided the following progression of the FKT for 50 states. We have not researched these to find more information.
50 states
07-19-2018 Colin O'Brady - 21d 9h 47m
08-07-2016 Maddie Miller - 41d 16h 10m (FEMALE)
07-16-2010 Mike Moniz, Matt Moniz - 43d 3h 51m
07-25-2008 Mike Haugen, Zach Price - 45d 19h 2m
08-07-1994 Whit Rambach, Todd Huston - 66d 21h 47m
07-12-1990 Adrian Crane - 101d
Supporting links:
https://highpointers.org/unofficial-list-of-highpointing-records/
https://highpointers.org/50-completers/
Editor's note: we removed David Ashley's former FKT and his comments from this route in November 2024 at his request.
Comments
Progression of this record for the contiguous 48:
30 days - Dennis Steward and the "Highpoint Hoppers" (1991)
23 days, 19 hours, 31 minutes - Jake Meyer (2006)
19 days, 7 hours, 17 minutes - Josh & Lindsay Sanders (2015)
We should probably have Colin O'Brady's "50 high points" record up here too
"In the summer of 2018, Colin took on the 50 US High Points. After a 13,000 mile journey in 21 days, 9 hours, and 48 minutes he completed the 50 high points challenge, setting a new world record. In the last 7 days of the project alone, in an astonishing final push, Colin climbed the 7 highest peaks in the lower 48 US states, totalling over 100 trail miles and over 50,000 feet of elevation gain. Along the way, Colin invited others to join him at their state’s high point and be part of what he called the “Forest Gump effect”."
Unsure of his time for the 48 though
Why is Dave Ashley’s effort recognized as a FKT when Colin O’Brady did this in half of the time?
David and/or his organization is taking credit for a record that he knows he did not break. They are blocking anyone on social media who points this out or even asks nicely for clarification. The actual record is 21 days, 9 hours, 48 minutes by Colin O'Grady in July 2018. If we're missing something huge, great, tell us what that is. Until then, David's time should be taken down.
Will, we are in agreement here.
Had a chat with Colin O'Brady, it is apparent that they were aware of his record [Colin showed me the emails] and proceeded anyways. Colin provided me his verification necessaries - GPS/Photo/Video - for his record to be verified on this site. Which of course will pre-date David's time making it defunct.
There is a certain honor and honest that is core to this sport, speak forthrightly about what you do or don't do, tell the whole truth as best as you know it. It is what keeps the veracity and spirit of these rather egoic pursuits at least anchored in truth - so that the accolades and attention are earned, not stolen.
Completing this challenge in under 50 days is still a wonderful feat raising funds and awareness for a wonderful cause, but it is not *nearly* the record and should not be broadcast as such - this makes it dishonorable.
I will make sure the FKT team received the necessary verification from Colin, so that is settled here.
Digging into information: I do see one potential problem with verifying COB's time as the 50HP - he used a private jet to make at least 6 of the high points happen in a way that would be untenable to the general public.
Youtube Video showing the private jet's use: Link
Mentions in this Red Bull Interview: Link
COB's Instagram: Link
Perhaps this eliminates his incredible time from being able to be an FKT, or perhaps not, depends on what we want to see more of on this particular challenge.
Colin's GPX data: https://caltopo.com/m/02D29
Folder of Colin's Photo evidence: Link
Colin's Video evidence: Link
Here is his schedule:
Start time: June 27, 2018 6:06 PM
Finish time: July 19, 2018 3:54 AM
All summit times are in America/Denver. (UTC -6)
1. � Denali, Alaska – June 27, 2018 Summit time: 6:06 PM
2. � Mauna Kea, Hawaii – June 29, 2018 Summit time: 12:26 PM
3. � Wheeler Peak, New Mexico – June 30, 2018 Summit time: 7:19 AM
4. � Black Mesa, Oklahoma – June 30, 2018 Summit time: 3:20 PM
5. � Britton Hill, Florida – July 1, 2018 Summit time: 7:42 AM
6. � Cheaha Mountain, Alabama – July 1, 2018 Summit time: 10:30 AM
7. � Campbell Hill, Mississippi – July 1, 2018 Summit time: 12:58 PM
8. � Taum Sauk Mountain, Missouri – July 1, 2018 Summit time: 4:55 PM
9. � Mt. Magazine, Arkansas – July 1, 2018 Summit time: 9:32 PM
10. � Driskill Mountain, Louisiana – July 1, 2018 Summit time: 12:39 AM
11. � Brasstown Bald, Georgia – July 2, 2018 Summit time: 1:36 PM
12. � Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina – July 2, 2018 Summit time: 1:40 PM
13. � Clingmans Dome, Tennessee – July 2, 2018 Summit time: 5:52 PM
14. � Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina – July 3, 2018 Summit time: 10:25 AM
15. � Mt. Rogers, Virginia – July 3, 2018 Summit time: 12:01 PM
16. � Black Mountain, Kentucky – July 3, 2018 Summit time: 4:59 PM
17. � Hoosier Hill, Indiana – July 3, 2018 Summit time: 12:46 AM
18. � Campbell Hill, Ohio – July 3, 2018 Summit time: 9:16 AM
19. � Spruce Knob, West Virginia – July 4, 2018 Summit time: 12:57 PM
20. � Backbone Mountain, Maryland – July 4, 2018 Summit time: 2:57 PM
21. � Mount Davis, Pennsylvania – July 4, 2018 Summit time: 3:08 PM
22. � Ebright Azimuth, Delaware – July 4, 2018 Summit time: 7:57 PM
23. � High Point, New Jersey – July 5, 2018 Summit time: 11:52 PM
24. � Jerimoth Hill, Rhode Island – July 5, 2018 Summit time: 4:01 AM
25. � Mt. Frissell, Connecticut – July 5, 2018 Summit time: 7:52 AM
26. � Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts – July 5, 2018 Summit time: 10:40 AM
27. � Mt. Marcy, New York – July 5, 2018 Summit time: 7:37 PM
28. � Mt. Mansfield, Vermont – July 6, 2018 Summit time: 8:15 AM
29. � Mt. Washington, New Hampshire – July 6, 2018 Summit time: 9:20 PM
30. � Mt. Katahdin, Maine – July 7, 2018 Summit time: 8:44 AM
31. � Eagle Mountain, Minnesota – July 7, 2018 Summit time: 4:07 PM
32. � Mt. Arvon, Michigan – July 7, 2018 Summit time: 7:50 PM
33. � Timms Hill, Wisconsin – July 8, 2018 Summit time: 9:28 AM
34. � Hawkeye Point, Iowa – July 8, 2018 Summit time: 2:49 PM
35. � Charles Mound, Illinois – July 8, 2018 Summit time: 4:51 PM
36. � White Butte, North Dakota – July 8, 2018 Summit time: 9:13 PM
37. � Black Elk Peak, South Dakota – July 9, 2018 Summit time: 7:00 AM
38. � Guadalupe Peak, Texas – July 9, 2018 Summit time: 1:48 PM
39. � Boundary Peak, Nevada – July 10, 2018 Summit time: 9:54 AM
40. � Humphrey's Peak, Arizona – July 11, 2018 Summit time: 11:56 AM
41. � Panorama Point, Nebraska – July 11, 2018 Summit time: 7:00 PM
42. � Mt Sunflower, Kansas – July 12, 2018 Summit time: 12:12 AM
43. � Mt. Elbert, Colorado – July 12, 2018 Summit time: 9:38 AM
44. � Mt. Whitney, California – July 13, 2018 Summit time: 7:55 AM
45. � Kings Peak, Utah – July 14, 2018 Summit time: 6:12 AM
46. � Gannett Peak, Wyoming – July 15, 2018 Summit time: 8:41 AM
47. � Borah Peak, Idaho – July 16, 2018 Summit time: 8:36 AM
48. � Granite Peak, Montana – July 17, 2018 Summit time: 7:24 AM
49. � Mt. Rainier, Washington – July 18, 2018 Summit time: 10:42 AM
50. � Mt. Hood, Oregon – July 19, 2018 Summit time: 3:54 AM
David,
Speaking for myself, please consider my above issues resolved. Between looking deeper into the other record's validation and your statement here - I do find myself deeply agreeing that private jets and "first summit to last summit" time recording do not feel right for this community, nor do I think either have been a part of the culture here at least since 2018 to my knowledge. I do think your record stands apart from the other due to how it was conducted - public forms of transportation, First TH to Last TH timekeeping - much more in the FKT style/ethic.
I do feel the need state an apology - above when all I knew was there was someone claiming a record that seems to have a faster time and blocking anyone who tried to point out the discrepancy - it seemed dishonest and dishonorable. I am sorry. I drew a conclusion and I was wrong. It seems you were actually aiming to a higher standard for yourself and your team - which seems quite honorable - the harder road. Thank you for taking the time to even-handedly explain your process, rationale, and situation around the 50HP FKT. Thank you, David.
Humbled,
Jason