From the Plains to the Peaks
In 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, my wife and I embarked on a journey that would change the way we travel: highpointing. As avid travelers who usually took one international trip a year, we found our plans disrupted. Seeking a new adventure, I stumbled upon the Highpointers Club (highpointers.org) and was immediately intrigued. I convinced her to let me buy a 1998 Volvo V70R with 230k on the odometer, dump some money into it to get it road ready and set off on our first trip, camping in the car and covering five states in the Appalachian range.
Highpointing in the Heartland
Our most recent adventure took us to the high points of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado. This trip was a whirlwind of experiences, from the vast plains of Nebraska to the towering peaks of Colorado.
From Denver, we drove to Panorama Point, Nebraska's highest point at 5,429 feet. This gentle rise in the landscape offers expansive views of the plains, a stark contrast to the rugged mountains we would later encounter. We stayed at a ranch about an hour's drive from the point, encompassing 6,000 acres of true bed-and-breakfast hospitality. The dinner that evening and the breakfast the next morning were incredible, setting a high bar for the rest of our trip.
Our journey continued with a 3-4 hour drive to Mount Sunflower, Kansas, which stands at 4,039 feet. Along the way, we stopped by many small towns, enjoying local shops, new foods, and meeting new people. Kansas is flat, much like Nebraska, and the highest point required only a short drive along back dirt roads. We signed the log book, snapped a few photos, and marveled at the simplicity and charm of the highest point in Kansas.
Another 4-hour drive brought us to Oklahoma, where we stayed at a second ranch. We encountered a herd of cattle at the Kansas-Oklahoma border, adding a touch of adventure to our trip. The ranch was secluded with no service, surrounded by beautiful scenery. We hiked up a mesa to watch the sunset, a truly spectacular sight. The next morning, we set off for Black Mesa, which stands at 4,973 feet.
Unlike the previous two high points, Black Mesa required a hike. The 4-mile trail with just under 1,000 feet of elevation gain provided a welcome break from the car. We encountered fascinating wildlife, including a rattlesnake and horned lizards. Although the sun was hot, the hike was refreshing. At the summit, we took a few photos before heading back down as the winds picked up.
Our next stop was Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point at 13,161 feet. We stayed in Taos, a fantastic little town with breathtaking scenery, from green forests to barren deserts. Wheeler Peak was our first major challenge. With snowfall still on the mountain, we opted to cut through the switchbacks, reducing time but increasing elevation gain. Williams Lake was immaculate, and we were envious of those camping there who hadn’t yet gotten up.
The summit was snow-covered and gorgeous, epitomizing why we highpoint. The sense of accomplishment and the beauty we encountered were unparalleled. After a long descent, we fueled up on coffee and drove back into Colorado for a day of rest before tackling Mount Elbert.
Mount Elbert, at 14,440 feet, is the highest peak in Colorado and the second-highest in the contiguous United States. This peak tested our endurance and determination. Our alarms went off at 2:10 am, and we reached the trailhead around 3 am. Headlamps on, gloves, layers, trekking poles—the whole nine yards. Unfortunately, we missed a poorly marked trail turnoff almost immediately and hiked about 45 minutes in the wrong direction, exclusively uphill.
Setbacks make us stronger, right? After making record time back down, we officially started our journey up to 14,440 feet. Around 5:30, the sun began to rise, and I cannot emphasize this enough—if you haven’t experienced a sunrise with a mountain backdrop, you’re missing out. We easily added 20 minutes to our journey just watching the sun crest the mountains, and it was worth every second.
Once above the tree line, we strapped on our crampons and navigated the snow-covered trail, ranging from 6 inches to 6 feet deep. Post-holing became an issue, and we wondered if we should have brought snowshoes. Eventually, we met another couple heading to the summit. As the wind picked up to 30+ mph, we pushed through the last 1,000 feet of elevation and reached the summit.
Most high points have a USGS placard marking the spot; however, with the snow, there was just a stick standing alone. Making our way back down and warming up in the morning sun, we almost ran, eager to take a long shower.
This trip through Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado was an incredible journey filled with diverse landscapes and unique experiences. Each high point presented its own set of challenges and rewards, from the gentle plains of Nebraska to the towering peaks of Colorado. We learned a lot about ourselves and the beauty of the natural world.
Specifically, Mount Elbert taught us lessons on how to approach some of our longer hikes. Utah, for example, is a 20+ mile trek, which will require significantly more planning. Idaho, while only 8 miles, requires mountaineering skills. As we plan our next adventure, we’ll take what we learned and lean into the next peak.
Highpointing has become more than a hobby; it’s a passion that fuels our love for travel and adventure. We can’t wait to continue our journey, exploring new high points and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Next on our list are the high points in the eastern states, and we look forward to the new experiences and memories they will bring. Happy highpointing!