Mount Whitney, in the southern Sierra of California, is the highest peak in the contiguous United States, at 14,496 feet. The peak lies within the John Muir Wilderness and the Sequoia National Park Wilderness. Mt. Whitney is the southern terminus of the John Muir Trail. Mt.

Gannett Peak (13,804') is the highest peak in Wyoming. Lying deep within the Wind River Range, it is surely one of the most difficult of the 50 state high points due to long approaches and tough climbing.

Granite Peak (12,799') is the highest peak in Montana. Lying deep within the rugged Beartooth Wilderness, it is surely one of the most difficult of the 50 state high points. All approaches to Granite are long and rough, largely off-trail above tree line, which is below 10,000' feet in this area. Also, the weather is notoriously poor and changes rapidly, as my brother and I found during an attempt on Granite in late August 2004 (see photo).