US County High Points Complete Guide 2026 — All 3,143 Counties Across 50 States, the Ultimate Lifetime Peakbagging Challenge
The US County High Points (COHP) challenge represents the most comprehensive peakbagging project in the United States — climbing the highest point in every one of America’s 3,143 counties, parishes, boroughs, and independent cities. Generally, the challenge spans from Denali at 20,310 feet in Alaska down to coastal Louisiana parish high points under 10 feet elevation — a vertical range of more than 20,000 feet across all 50 states. Specifically, the COHP challenge sends climbers to places no other peakbagging list reaches. Examples include rural Mississippi hill country, ancient volcanic ridges of eastern New Mexico, the lonesome plateau corners of the Colorado-Utah border, tundra-scraped summits of remote Alaska, and Pacific volcano cones. Notably, only Bob Packard is known to have completed all 20 hardest lower-48 COHPs — his final summit was the famously inaccessible Kawaikini on Kauai in February 2006. This comprehensive guide covers the 20 hardest COHPs, famous summits that double as county high points, state-by-state completion strategies, private land access challenges, and detailed Utah and California county breakdowns.
The County Highpointing challenge — known in the community as “COHPing” — is the pursuit of standing on the highest ground in every US county. Generally, it is a man-made list by definition: county boundaries are political constructs laid over the terrain with no regard for topography. Notably, this quirk is precisely what makes the challenge so bizarre, varied, and compelling. Specifically, some county high points are the most dramatic mountains in America. The Grand Teton is a county high point for Teton County, Wyoming. Mount Rainier is a county high point for Pierce County, Washington. Mount Hood is a county high point for Hood River County, Oregon. Then there’s the other extreme: a slightly elevated patch of a Kansas wheat field, a gravel pullout on a Nebraska highway, the backyard of a house in Delaware. No other peakbagging list reveals as much of America’s actual landscape.
The guide answers what COHPers need to know to plan their challenge. What does the full list look like across all 3,143 counties? Which famous mountains double as county high points? What are the 20 hardest in the lower 48? How should climbers approach the state-by-state strategy? Notably, we’ll cover several concrete details. First, famous summits that count as county high points. Then the COHP Association’s 20 hardest list with full breakdown. Also state completion strategies for efficient progress. Plus private land and access realities. Additionally regional cluster planning. Finally, detailed Utah and California state-level breakdowns.
The COHP Challenge — Why It Stands Apart
The county highpointing challenge differs from every other peakbagging list in several specific ways. Generally, most peakbagging lists focus on natural geographic features — eight-thousanders, fourteeners, Seven Summits, prominent peaks. Specifically, COHPing instead focuses on political boundaries that cross terrain randomly. Notably, this creates the challenge’s unique character: county boundaries don’t care about elevation, accessibility, or aesthetic merit. The high point of one county might be a 14,000-foot technical mountain while the neighboring county’s high point is a hill behind a Walmart parking lot.
The Numbers: 3,143 Counties Defined
The 3,143 number requires explanation because the count varies slightly by methodology. Generally, the standard COHP count includes several administrative categories. First, 3,007 traditional counties across 48 states. Then 64 parishes in Louisiana, which uses parishes instead of counties. Also 29 boroughs and census areas in Alaska with its unique administrative divisions. Finally, 38 independent cities in Virginia separately incorporated outside county structure. Specifically, the count also accommodates: 5 New York City boroughs counted separately, the District of Columbia counted as one entity, and various territorial considerations for Hawaii’s unique structure. Notably, the County Highpointers Association maintains the official 3,143 list with definitive county assignments — climbers should reference cohp.org for current count and any administrative changes.
Bob Packard’s Achievement
Bob Packard stands as the only person known to have climbed all 20 hardest lower-48 county high points. Generally, his final summit was Kawaikini in Kauai County, Hawaii — a famously inaccessible rainforest peak in the wettest spot on Earth — completed in February 2006 after decades of pursuit. Specifically, Packard’s full county high points work includes: completing the 20 hardest peaks in the contiguous US, completing multiple state-by-state county high point series, and inspiring generations of COHPers through trip reports and mentorship. Notably, no other climber has matched Packard’s 20-hardest completion to date. The combination creates an enormous barrier — Grand Teton (Class 5), Mount Russell (Class 4-5 at 14,094 ft), Mount Williamson (brutal Class 2+ approach), Kawaikini (jungle navigation), and other extreme summits demand skills few climbers possess.
Andy Martin’s Foundational Work
Andy Martin established the modern county highpointing framework in the 1990s through systematic research and definitive documentation. Generally, Martin’s foundational guidebook “County High Points” (126 pages, available through cohp.org) provides the original definitive county-by-county breakdown. Specifically, Martin’s research identified high points for every county in every state, established the County Highpointers Association as the central organization, and created the trip report submission system that maintains current access information. Notably, Martin completed his own personal goal of state high points before pivoting to county highpointing — establishing the natural progression that many COHPers follow.
Famous Summits That Are Also County High Points
Some of the most celebrated peaks in the United States happen to also be county high points. Generally, climbers who have summited any of these mountains already have county high point credits — often without realizing it. Specifically, these famous county high points include mountains across the major climbing destinations of the western US plus several iconic Eastern peaks:
| Peak | County, State | Elevation | Why It’s Famous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Whitney | Tulare Co., CA | 14,505 ft | Highest peak in the contiguous US; 22-mile trail, lottery permit |
| Mount Elbert | Lake Co., CO | 14,440 ft | Highest peak in the Rockies; Class 1 trail hike |
| Mount Rainier | Pierce Co., WA | 14,411 ft | Most glaciated peak in the lower 48; full expedition required |
| Mount Williamson | Inyo Co., CA | 14,379 ft | Second highest in California; brutal Class 2+ approach |
| Longs Peak | Larimer Co., CO | 14,259 ft | Northernmost Colorado 14er; Class 3 Keyhole Route |
| North Palisade | Fresno Co., CA | 14,242 ft | Most technical California 14er; Class 4 U-Notch couloir |
| Pikes Peak | El Paso Co., CO | 14,115 ft | America’s most famous mountain; road or 26-mile Barr Trail |
| Mount Russell | Mono Co., CA | 14,088 ft | Technical Class 4-5 routes above 14,000 ft in the Sierra Nevada |
| Little Bear Peak | Alamosa Co., CO | 14,037 ft | Among the most dangerous CO 14ers; loose Class 4 |
| Grand Teton | Teton Co., WY | 13,775 ft | Most iconic technical alpine peak in lower 48; Class 5 required |
| Gannett Peak | Fremont Co., WY | 13,810 ft | Most remote lower-48 high point; 40+ mile RT |
| Kings Peak | Duchesne Co., UT | 13,528 ft | Utah state high point; 28-mile RT from Henry’s Fork |
| Wheeler Peak | Taos Co., NM | 13,167 ft | New Mexico state high point; 14-mile RT from Taos |
| Mount Russell (CA) | Inyo Co., CA | 14,086 ft | Also county HP for Inyo plus Mono (split summit) |
| Granite Peak | Park Co., MT | 12,799 ft | Most technical lower-48 state high point; Class 5 climbing |
| Humphreys Peak | Coconino Co., AZ | 12,633 ft | Arizona state high point; above Flagstaff; 10-mile RT |
| Mount Hood | Hood River Co., OR | 11,239 ft | Oregon’s highest; glacier travel, technical, crevasse hazard |
| Mauna Kea | Hawaii Co., HI | 13,803 ft | Hawaii state high point; drive-up despite elevation |
| Mount Washington | Coos Co., NH | 6,288 ft | Highest in Northeast; “worst weather in America” |
| Mount Katahdin | Piscataquis Co., ME | 5,269 ft | Northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail |
“You may already have some. Generally, climbers who pursued state high points, Colorado 14ers, California 14ers, Cascades volcanoes, or other major peakbagging lists already have major county high point credits without trying. Specifically, multiple major peakbagging lists overlap with COHP. Every Colorado 14er counts as a county high point in most cases. Every California 14er is a county high point or two. Every Cascade volcano summit is a county high point. Every state high point is also a county high point by definition. Notably, COHPers transitioning from state high points or other lists frequently realize they have 50-100+ county credits already accumulated. Generally, climbers should review their summit log against the COHP database before assuming they’re “starting from zero.”
The 20 Hardest Lower-48 County High Points
The County Highpointers Association maintains a list of the 20 toughest county high points in the lower 48 — peaks where technical climbing, extreme remoteness, or both make them genuine expeditions. Generally, these represent the COHP “Big Wall” tier — only completers willing to develop serious mountaineering skills can complete them. Specifically, Bob Packard is the only person known to have climbed all 20, completing his final summit (Kawaikini on Kauai) in February 2006. Notably, Alaska borough high points are excluded from this list because Alaska borough high points represent their own extreme category.
| # | Peak | County, State | Elevation | Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Teton | Teton Co., WY | 13,775 ft | Class 5 technical rock; guide strongly recommended |
| 2 | Kawaikini | Kauai Co., HI | 5,243 ft | Inaccessible rainforest; off-trail jungle navigation |
| 3 | Mount Rainier | Pierce Co., WA | 14,411 ft | Full glacier expedition; crevasse hazard; multi-day |
| 4 | Mount Hood | Hood River Co., OR | 11,239 ft | Glacier travel; 45° slopes; serious crevasse hazard |
| 5 | Granite Peak | Park Co., MT | 12,799 ft | Multi-day approach plus technical Class 5 climbing |
| 6 | Gannett Peak | Fremont Co., WY | 13,810 ft | 40+ mile RT; glacier travel on summit day |
| 7 | Mount Russell | Mono Co., CA | 14,088 ft | Technical Class 4-5 routes above 14,000 ft |
| 8 | Mount Williamson | Inyo Co., CA | 14,379 ft | Second highest in CA; brutal Class 2+ boulder approach |
| 9 | North Palisade | Fresno Co., CA | 14,242 ft | Most technical CA 14er; Class 4 U-Notch couloir |
| 10 | Little Bear Peak | Alamosa Co., CO | 14,037 ft | Most dangerous CO 14ers; loose Class 4 above 13,000 ft |
| 11 | Mount Sneffels | Ouray Co., CO | 14,150 ft | Class 3 scrambling; gully exposure |
| 12 | Capitol Peak | Pitkin Co., CO | 14,130 ft | “Knife Edge” exposure; Class 4 scrambling |
| 13 | Pyramid Peak | Pitkin Co., CO | 14,018 ft | Loose rock; Class 4 routes; rockfall hazard |
| 14 | Crestone Peak | Saguache Co., CO | 14,294 ft | Class 3-4; conglomerate rock with unique challenges |
| 15 | Crestone Needle | Custer Co., CO | 14,197 ft | Class 3-4; sustained exposed climbing |
| 16 | Mount Baker | Whatcom Co., WA | 10,781 ft | Glacier travel; crevasse hazard; multi-day |
| 17 | Mount Olympus | Jefferson Co., WA | 7,980 ft | 40+ mile RT through Olympic rainforest; glacier travel |
| 18 | Glacier Peak | Snohomish Co., WA | 10,541 ft | 40+ mile RT; multiple glacier crossings |
| 19 | Mount Daniel | Kittitas Co., WA | 7,899 ft | Long approach; technical scrambling |
| 20 | Little Blue Peak | Yolo Co., CA | 3,793 ft | Difficult access despite modest elevation |
Difficulty ranking methodology. Generally, the County Highpointers Association maintains an active difficulty ranking project where completers rate peaks based on first-hand experience. Specifically, the ranking uses several principles. First, rank peaks based on the easiest route, not technical routes the climber chose for personal reasons. Then assume optimal season conditions, not winter or summer extremes. Also exclude transient weather effects like storms and unusual snow. Finally, base rankings on what a typical highpointer would encounter. Notably, this methodology produces consistent rankings across decades of community input. Generally, the 20 hardest list above represents the consensus of active COHP completers — Alaska borough high points are excluded because they represent a separate extreme category.
Alaska Borough High Points — The Untouchable Tier
Alaska’s 29 boroughs and census areas contain some of the most remote terrain on Earth. Generally, several Alaska borough high points have never been climbed, while others require multi-week expeditions to attempt. Specifically, the Alaska COHPs include several major peaks. First, Denali (Denali Borough) is also state high point at 20,310 ft. Then Mount St. Elias (Yakutat Borough) at 18,008 ft is one of the most committing climbs in North America. Also Mount Fairweather (Hoonah-Angoon Census Area) at 15,300 ft is exposed to Pacific storms. Plus Mount Bona (Valdez-Cordova Census Area) at 16,550 ft requires a Pacific glacier approach. Additionally Mount Foraker is the Denali Borough alternative at 17,400 ft. Many remote unnamed summits round out the Alaska borough list. Notably, Alaska COHP completion remains an open project — no climber has documented complete Alaska borough high points. Generally, Alaska represents a multi-decade pursuit even for elite expedition climbers.
| Borough/Census Area | High Point | Elevation | Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denali Borough | Denali | 20,310 ft | 17-21 day expedition; technical glacier climbing |
| Yakutat Borough | Mount St. Elias | 18,008 ft | One of the hardest climbs in North America |
| Valdez-Cordova Census Area | Mount Bona | 16,550 ft | Multi-week expedition; Pacific glacier approach |
| Hoonah-Angoon Census Area | Mount Fairweather | 15,300 ft | Exposed to Pacific storms; rarely climbed |
| Various Brooks Range boroughs | Remote unnamed peaks | 4,000-9,000 ft | Multi-week wilderness expedition; bush plane access |
| Aleutians East/West Boroughs | Volcanic summits | 5,000-9,500 ft | Maritime weather; volcanic activity; helicopter access |
The Most Unlikely County High Points
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the 20 hardest, several county high points are delightfully absurd — making them memorable in a completely different way. Generally, these “unlikely” high points reveal county highpointing’s unique character: any spot on the political map can be the highest point regardless of how unimpressive it looks. Specifically, these unusual COHPs represent the heart of why the challenge sends climbers everywhere across America:
| High Point | County, State | Elevation | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ebright Azimuth | New Castle Co., DE | 442 ft | Suburban Delaware near a trailer park; low stone marker in unremarkable field |
| Jerimoth Hill | Providence Co., RI | 812 ft | Modest woodland rise with short path from the road |
| Panorama Point | Kimball Co., NE | 5,424 ft | Nebraska’s highest; private ranch land near Wyoming border; basically flat |
| Mount Sunflower | Wallace Co., KS | 4,039 ft | Wheat field marker on private farm; welcoming owner; drive to summit |
| Hoosier Hill | Wayne Co., IN | 1,257 ft | Marker in farm field; landowner permission usually granted |
| Britton Hill | Walton Co., FL | 345 ft | County park with parking; lowest state HP in America |
| Hawkeye Point | Osceola Co., IA | 1,670 ft | Private farm with welcoming owner; markers on farm property |
| Various Iowa counties | Multiple, IA | 500-1,670 ft | Often unmarked agricultural fields requiring GPS to confirm highest contour |
| Various flat Texas counties | Multiple west TX | ~3,000 ft | Indistinguishable rises in scrubland; local knowledge essential |
| Various Louisiana parishes | Coastal LA | 5-15 ft | Mounds in flat terrain; some on private land |
| Various Mississippi counties | Delta MS | 100-400 ft | Flat agricultural high points requiring careful GPS work |
| Pennsylvania Lat-Lon Crossings | Several counties | 1,500-2,500 ft | Geographic intersection points rather than peaks |
The “easy state” appeal. Generally, states with mostly easy or unlikely county high points become attractive completion projects for COHPers. Specifically, Delaware can be completed in a single weekend (just 3 counties). Rhode Island similar (5 counties, all accessible). Connecticut accomplishable in 1-2 weekends (8 counties). Notably, even Kansas (105 counties) can be completed in 1-2 weeks of dedicated road-tripping because of the flat terrain and welcoming landowners. Generally, COHPers commonly target these easier states early in their challenge to build momentum and confidence. The harder state targets follow later. Colorado has 64 counties with many 14ers. California has 58 counties with multiple technical objectives. Alaska has 29 boroughs with extreme remoteness.
State-by-State Completion Strategy
The most practical approach to county highpointing is to work through states systematically — completing all counties in a state before moving on. Generally, this approach minimizes travel distances, allows climbers to acquire state-specific guidebooks, and provides the satisfying milestone of “completing” a state. Specifically, most serious COHPers begin with their home state and surrounding region.
Recommended Starting Strategy
Climbers approaching the COHP challenge benefit from a strategic state sequence. Generally, the recommended starting approach involves several core principles. First, target your home state for familiarity with terrain and logistics. Then complete adjacent states by driving distance. Also tackle eastern and Midwestern states for quick wins because of accessibility. Plus save the hard western states for after building skills. Finally, treat Alaska as its own multi-year project at the end.
| State Category | Approach | Typical Duration | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny states (Delaware, Rhode Island) | Single weekend trips | 1-3 days each | DE (3 counties), RI (5 counties) |
| Eastern states | Weekend trips clustered | 1-3 months each | MD, PA, NJ, CT, MA, VT |
| Southern states | Multi-week road trips | 2-4 weeks each | SC, GA, AL, MS, AR, LA |
| Plains states | Efficient road trips | 1-2 weeks each | KS (105), NE (93), IA (99) |
| Mountain West (no technical) | Multi-trip campaigns | 1-3 years each | NM, UT, ID, AZ |
| Mountain West (technical) | Skill-dependent multi-year | 5-10+ years | CO (64), MT, WY |
| California | Major mountaineering pursuit | 5-15+ years | 58 counties with multiple 14ers |
| Alaska | Expedition-level commitment | 10-30+ years | 29 boroughs/census areas |
Recommended Resources
Successful COHP pursuit depends on quality resources. Generally, climbers need several core references for serious work:
| Resource | Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| cohp.org | Official COHP website | All 3,143 counties; trip reports, directions, access notes |
| Andy Martin’s “County High Points” | Original guidebook | All 50 states; 126 pages; order through cohp.org |
| California County Summits | Gary Suttle (Wilderness Press) | All 58 California counties; routes and maps |
| Hiking Colorado’s Summits | Mitchler/Covill | All 64 Colorado counties |
| High in Utah | Weibel/Miller | All 29 Utah counties |
| Arizona’s Mountains | Bob and Dotty Martin | Selected Arizona county routes |
| CalTopo | Online topo maps | Essential for off-trail counties |
| Gaia GPS | Offline mapping app | Essential for navigation to remote high points |
| SummitPost county pages | Online community resource | State-by-state highlight pages |
Utah’s 29 County High Points
Utah’s 29 county high points span more landscape diversity than almost any other state. Generally, the counties distribute across five distinct landscapes. First, the Wasatch Front contains Mount Nebo and Twin Peaks. Then the remote Uintas hold Kings Peak and Gilbert Peak. Also the desert canyon country covers the La Sal Mountains. Plus the high plateau country includes Aquarius Plateau and Fish Lake Hightop. Finally, the Great Basin ranges hold Ibapah Peak and Deseret Peak. Specifically, the standard reference is “High in Utah” by Weibel and Miller — climbers should pair this guidebook with cohp.org for current trip reports.
| County | High Point | Elevation | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver | Delano Peak | 12,173 ft | Tushar Mountains |
| Box Elder | Deseret Peak | 11,031 ft | Stansbury Mountains |
| Cache | Naomi Peak | 9,980 ft | Bear River Mountains |
| Carbon | South Tent Mountain | 11,285 ft | Wasatch Plateau |
| Daggett | Kings Peak | 13,528 ft | High Uintas |
| Davis | Francis Peak | 9,547 ft | Wasatch Range |
| Duchesne | Kings Peak | 13,528 ft | High Uintas |
| Emery | South Tent Mountain | 11,285 ft | Wasatch Plateau |
| Garfield | Bluebell Knoll | 11,321 ft | Aquarius Plateau |
| Grand | Mount Peale | 12,726 ft | La Sal Mountains |
| Iron | Brian Head | 11,312 ft | Markagunt Plateau |
| Juab ★ | Mount Nebo | 11,928 ft | Wasatch Range |
| Kane | Brian Head | 11,312 ft | Markagunt Plateau |
| Millard | Ibapah Peak | 12,087 ft | Deep Creek Mountains |
| Morgan | North Ogden Peak | 9,571 ft | Wasatch Range |
| Piute | Monroe Peak | 11,222 ft | Sevier Plateau |
| Rich | Naomi Peak | 9,980 ft | Bear River Mountains |
| Salt Lake | Twin Peaks | 11,489 ft | Wasatch Range |
| San Juan | Mount Peale | 12,726 ft | La Sal Mountains |
| Sanpete | South Tent Mountain | 11,285 ft | Wasatch Plateau |
| Sevier | Fish Lake Hightop | 11,633 ft | Fish Lake Plateau |
| Summit | Gilbert Peak | 13,442 ft | High Uintas |
| Tooele | Deseret Peak | 11,031 ft | Stansbury Mountains |
| Uintah | Kings Peak | 13,528 ft | High Uintas |
| Utah Co ★ | Mount Nebo | 11,928 ft | Wasatch Range |
| Wasatch | Provo Peak | 11,068 ft | Wasatch Range |
| Washington | Signal Peak | 10,365 ft | Pine Valley Mountains |
| Wayne | Mt Pennell | 11,371 ft | Henry Mountains |
| Weber | Willard Peak | 9,764 ft | Wasatch Range |
★ Mount Nebo is the high point for both Juab and Utah counties — one mountain, two county credits.
Utah Completion Strategy
Utah’s 29 county high points break into manageable clusters for systematic completion. Generally, climbers should approach Utah by geographic region rather than alphabetically. Specifically, the recommended progression follows several clusters. First, the Wasatch Range cluster includes Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Morgan, Tooele, and Box Elder — all accessible from Salt Lake City. Then the Wasatch Plateau cluster covers Carbon, Emery, and Sanpete sharing South Tent Mountain. Also Bear River Mountains include Cache and Rich sharing Naomi Peak. Plus High Uintas covers Daggett, Duchesne, Summit, and Uintah through multi-day backpacking. Then La Sal cluster includes Grand and San Juan sharing Mount Peale. Also Plateau Country covers Garfield, Wayne, Iron, Kane, Sevier, and Piute. Then Great Basin ranges include Millard’s Ibapah Peak as the most committing Utah county. Finally, desert peaks include Washington’s Signal Peak and the Tushar Mountains in Beaver. Notably, the Mount Nebo “double credit” (Juab + Utah counties) provides an efficient bonus for climbers.
California’s 58 County High Points
California’s 58 county high points represent the most committing state-level COHP project in the lower 48. Generally, the state combines multiple technical 14ers, sub-14er technical objectives, and varied terrain from coastal mountains to desert peaks. Specifically, the standard reference is Gary Suttle’s “California County Summits” published by Wilderness Press — climbers should consider this guidebook essential before attempting California county completion.
California Difficulty Tiers
California’s 58 counties break into difficulty tiers from drive-up to extreme technical:
| Difficulty Tier | Count | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Drive-up / Walk-Up | ~15 counties | San Francisco (Mount Davidson), San Diego (Hot Springs Mountain area), various LA basin counties |
| Easy Day Hike | ~20 counties | Multiple Coast Ranges counties; coastal county high points |
| Moderate Day Hike | ~10 counties | Sierra Nevada front-range counties; Klamath Range counties |
| Strenuous | ~7 counties | Mount Whitney (Tulare), various major Sierra peaks |
| Technical (the elite tier) | 5-6 counties | Mount Russell (Mono), Mount Williamson (Inyo), North Palisade (Fresno), Mount Goddard (Madera), and Little Blue Peak (Yolo) for difficult access |
California Technical Cluster
California’s technical county high points create the most demanding state-level project anywhere in the COHP world. Generally, climbers attempting California completion need extensive Sierra Nevada experience. First, Mount Whitney is the entry-level California 14er at 14,505 ft via Mt Whitney Trail. Then Mount Williamson involves a Class 2+ approach with brutal boulder field at 14,379 ft. Also Mount Russell reaches Class 4-5 difficulty at 14,088 ft. Plus North Palisade requires the Class 4 U-Notch couloir at 14,242 ft. Additionally Split Mountain involves Class 2 approach at 14,058 ft as the county HP for Inyo’s neighbor. Finally, Mount Goddard requires Class 2 approach at 13,568 ft as Madera County’s high point. Notably, climbers attempting California completion should plan for 5-15+ years of effort with annual Sierra Nevada climbing trips.
Access Issues — Private Land and Restrictions
A meaningful number of US county high points lie on private property. Generally, climbers should understand the access situation before targeting any county high point. Specifically, several categories of access challenges affect COHPing:
Private Land Categories
| Category | Examples | Typical Access |
|---|---|---|
| Welcoming farms/ranches | Hawkeye Point (IA), Mount Sunflower (KS), Panorama Point (NE) | Generally open; respectful behavior expected |
| Permission-required private land | Hoosier Hill (IN), many Plains state counties | Contact landowner first; usually granted |
| Limited-access private | Charles Mound (IL — open ~4 weekends/year), various | Specific calendar windows only |
| Closed private land | Various northern California, urban high points | No public access; alternative peaks may exist |
| Military installations | Fort Bragg (Cumberland Co., NC), various | Generally permanently inaccessible |
| Tribal lands | Various western county high points | Tribal permission required; varies by tribe |
| Resort/private development | Mountain resort county high points | Generally accessible during resort operations |
Critical access rule. Generally, the County Highpointers Association motto warns: “access in the past does not guarantee present access.” Specifically, climbers should follow several rules. First, verify current access status through cohp.org before any visit. Then respect “No Trespassing” signs without exception. Also contact landowners directly when permission systems exist. Finally, accept that some county high points remain permanently inaccessible. Notably, trespassing for a peakbagging credit is never worth arrest — the COHP community values landowner relationships above completion stats. Generally, climbers maintain positive landowner relationships through respectful behavior, leave-no-trace ethics, and not promoting specific access information that could trigger over-visitation.
Common Mistakes — County Highpointing Planning
Climbers planning COHP campaigns make several predictable mistakes. Generally, awareness of these patterns helps future COHPers avoid the most common failures. Specifically, the mistakes fall into categories: navigation, access verification, fitness progression, and timeline management.
Mistake 1: Inadequate GPS/Navigation Preparation
Many COHP attempts fail because of navigation issues. Generally, county high points in flat states (Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Mississippi, Louisiana) require precise GPS work to confirm the actual highest point. Specifically, climbers should prepare navigation thoroughly. First, use CalTopo and Gaia GPS with offline maps before visits. Then carry backup GPS device or paper topo maps. Also identify the exact summit coordinates from cohp.org before traveling. Finally, confirm the high point via summit register or marker when possible. Notably, “I think this is the high point” doesn’t count — COHPers need to verify the exact location.
Mistake 2: Skipping Access Verification
Several COHPers travel to county high points without confirming current access. Generally, this commonly produces failed visits when private land owners decline access. Specifically, climbers should verify through cohp.org before traveling to: any farm or ranch county high point, urban/suburban county high points, military installation areas, and tribal land county high points. Notably, calling landowners 1-2 weeks ahead typically produces better outcomes than showing up unannounced.
Mistake 3: Attempting Technical COHPs Too Early
Enthusiastic COHPers commonly target the 20 hardest peaks before developing sufficient mountaineering skills. Generally, climbers should not attempt Grand Teton, Mount Russell, Mount Williamson, or other technical COHPs without major prior experience. Specifically, the proper progression follows several steps. First, complete easier state county high points first to build fitness. Then develop technical climbing skills on non-county peaks including Class 4 scrambling and Class 5 rock. Also gain glacier travel experience on accessible peaks like guided Mount Hood and guided Rainier. Finally, approach the technical COHP tier with proper preparation.
Mistake 4: Underestimating “Easy” Counties
Some COHPers dismiss easy county high points as not requiring planning. Generally, this produces specific failures. Specifically, several state categories present navigation challenges. First, Iowa county high points are notorious for being unmarked agricultural fields requiring GPS. Then west Texas counties have indistinguishable rises in scrubland. Also Mississippi delta counties involve flat terrain difficult to navigate. Finally, Hawaiian county high points like Kawaikini require off-trail jungle skills. Notably, climbers should respect every county high point with proper preparation regardless of difficulty rating.
Mistake 5: No Long-Term Plan
COHPers attempting the challenge without a state-by-state strategy commonly accumulate random county credits without meaningful completion progress. Generally, the proper approach involves several principles. First, target one state at a time for completion. Then work toward state completions before targeting national lists. Also build from accessible states to harder states. Finally, accept the multi-decade timeline rather than rushing. Specifically, climbers should not jump between states randomly — strategic state completion produces more satisfaction than scattered county credits.
Challenge Stats — The Numbers
| Statistic | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total counties | ~3,143 | All 50 states; includes parishes, boroughs, independent cities |
| Highest county HP | Denali — 20,310 ft | Denali Borough, Alaska |
| Lowest county HP | <10 ft | Coastal Louisiana parishes |
| Only known 20-hardest completer | Bob Packard | Completed Kawaikini February 2006 |
| Foundational guidebook | Andy Martin’s “County High Points” | 1990s; 126 pages; cohp.org |
| Most counties (state) | Texas — 254 counties | Largest by count |
| Fewest counties (state) | Delaware — 3 counties | Easiest state completion |
| Colorado counties | 64 | Contains 32 of 60 highest county HPs in US |
| Utah counties | 29 | Includes Mount Nebo double-credit |
| California counties | 58 | Most technical state completion |
| Alaska boroughs/census areas | 29 | No known completer (extreme remoteness) |
| Louisiana parishes | 64 | Many flat coastal high points |
| Virginia independent cities | 38 | Separate from surrounding counties |
| Estimated completion timeline | 20-50+ years | Lifetime project for committed COHPers |
Frequently Asked Questions About US County High Points
How many US county high points are there?
There are approximately 3,143 US county high points — one for every county, parish (Louisiana), borough (Alaska), and independent city (Virginia) in all 50 states. The number varies slightly depending on counting methodology and whether independent cities are included separately. The County Highpointers Association (cohp.org) maintains the official 3,143 number which Andy Martin’s foundational guidebook “County High Points” established. The count includes Louisiana’s 64 parishes, Alaska’s 29 boroughs and census areas, and Virginia’s 38 independent cities (separate from the surrounding counties). The challenge spans every American landscape — from Denali in Alaska at 20,310 feet down to coastal Louisiana parish high points under 10 feet elevation.
Who has completed all US county high points?
Bob Packard is the only person known to have climbed all 20 hardest lower-48 US county high points. He completed the final hardest peak — Kawaikini on Kauai, Hawaii — in February 2006 after decades of pursuit. Packard’s achievement spans technical climbs like Grand Teton, Mount Russell, and Mount Williamson, wilderness expeditions like Gannett Peak and Granite Peak, plus the famously inaccessible jungle summit of Kawaikini in the wettest spot on Earth. No other person has matched the full lower-48 county high points completion to date. Several climbers have completed state-by-state county high points — Andy Martin (founder of COHP), Edward Earl, John Roper, and Andy Boos achieved major state completions. The challenge welcomes completers regardless of speed — most COHPers focus on state-by-state progression rather than full national completion.
What’s the hardest US county high point?
Several US county high points qualify as extremely difficult, each presenting distinct challenges. The County Highpointers Association ranks the 20 hardest in the lower 48 — Alaska borough high points are considered separately because of extreme remoteness. The hardest county high points span several categories. First, Grand Teton (Teton Co., WY) requires Class 5 technical rock climbing with guide service. Then Kawaikini (Kauai Co., HI) is an inaccessible rainforest summit in the wettest spot on Earth requiring off-trail jungle navigation. Also Mount Rainier (Pierce Co., WA) demands a full glacier expedition with multi-day commitment. Plus Mount Hood (Hood River Co., OR) involves glacier travel with 45° slopes and serious crevasse hazard. Additionally Granite Peak (Park Co., MT) requires a multi-day approach plus technical Class 5 climbing. Then Gannett Peak (Fremont Co., WY) is the most remote lower-48 high point with 40+ mile approach. Also Mount Russell (Mono Co., CA) involves technical Class 4-5 routes above 14,000 feet. Finally, Mount Williamson (Inyo Co., CA) requires a brutal Class 2+ boulder approach without maintained trail. Alaska’s borough high points include Mount St. Elias and other peaks that have rarely been climbed.
How long does the county high points challenge take?
The US County High Points challenge typically takes a lifetime to complete — there is no realistic timeline for completing all 3,143 county high points. Completing even single-state county high points requires years of effort for most states. The typical progression breaks into several phases. First, home state county completion takes 1-5 years depending on state size and accessibility. Then regional state completions like Northeast or Plains states take 2-5 years per region. Also California county high points alone can take 5-10+ years because of the technical climbs required. Finally, Alaska borough high points can take 10-20+ years because of remoteness and weather. Bob Packard pursued the full national completion over more than 30 years. Most COHPers approach the challenge as a lifetime hobby rather than a target completion goal — the journey matters more than the destination. Climbers should focus on enjoying the geographic diversity rather than rushing through county high points.
Why are some county high points on private land?
County boundaries are political constructs laid over the terrain with no regard for topography — meaning many county high points naturally fall on private property. The issue affects every state with varying severity. The problem appears most often in Plains states like Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Oklahoma where county high points sit in farm fields. Eastern states also see issues where suburban development has expanded around natural high points. Climbers should follow several access rules. First, verify current access status through cohp.org before any county high point visit. Then contact landowners directly when permission is required — many farm county high points welcome respectful visitors. Also respect “No Trespassing” signs without exception, since trespassing for a peakbagging credit isn’t worth arrest. Finally, accept that several military installation high points and some private land high points remain permanently inaccessible. The County Highpointers Association motto warns: “access in the past does not guarantee present access.” Climbers maintain landowner goodwill through several practices — respectful behavior, leaving no trace, and not promoting specific access details that could create over-visitation.
How do county high points relate to state high points?
Every state high point is also a county high point by definition — the highest point in a state must be located in some county within that state. The State High Points Challenge (50 summits, one per state) represents a subset of the County High Points Challenge (3,143 summits). All 50 state high points appear in the COHP list — completing the 50-state challenge gives climbers a strong head start on COHP. Climbers commonly progress from state high points to regional state county high points to multi-state county high points completion. The state high points challenge typically takes 5-15 years to complete while county high points takes a lifetime. Notably, many famous mountaineering objectives serve both lists — Denali, Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Mount Whitney, Kings Peak, Wheeler Peak, Humphreys Peak, Mount Washington, and Mount Katahdin all count for both state and county lists.
How do I track county high points progress?
Several systems support COHP progress tracking. The County Highpointers Association (cohp.org) maintains personal tracking for members — climbers can register completed county high points and receive completion certificates for state-level completions. Climbers should maintain personal records across several categories. First, photos at each summit. Then summit register signatures where available. Also GPS coordinates documenting the exact location reached. Plus dates of completion for cohp.org reporting. Finally, trip report documentation for community contribution. Apps supporting COHP tracking include peakery.com which maintains community check-ins, and various peakbagging apps with custom list features. Notably, COHPers should document their progress thoroughly — the multi-decade timeline of the challenge means relying on memory becomes unreliable.
What gear do I need for county highpointing?
Gear requirements vary dramatically by which county high points climbers target. For Walk-Up and Plains state COHPs, climbers need: standard hiking footwear, navigation tools (GPS, paper maps), water and sun protection, and possibly landowner permission contacts. For Day Hike COHPs, add: trail-running shoes or light hiking boots, day pack with food and emergency gear, and rain protection. For Strenuous COHPs, add: full mountaineering boots, ice axe, microspikes for snow patches, and overnight gear for multi-day attempts. For Technical COHPs in the 20 hardest tier, add several gear categories. First, technical climbing gear including rope, harness, helmet, and protection. Then crampons for glacier work on Rainier, Hood, Olympic, and Baker. Also Class 4-5 rock climbing competence. Finally, possibly guide service for peaks like Grand Teton. Climbers should match gear to specific peaks rather than carrying everything for every visit.
Are there COHP completion certificates?
Yes — the County Highpointers Association issues completion certificates for state-level county high points completion. Generally, climbers completing all county high points in a single state receive an official state completion certificate from cohp.org. There is no current “all 50 states” completion certificate because no one has achieved national completion of all 3,143 county high points. The certificates serve as official recognition of major peakbagging achievement and help maintain the COHP community. Climbers should register completed states through cohp.org with documentation including dates, photos, and trip report details for each county. Generally, COHPers value the community recognition more than the physical certificate — but the certificate represents tangible proof of completion for personal records and family display.
How do I get started with county highpointing?
New COHPers should follow a deliberate starting strategy. First, join the County Highpointers Association at cohp.org for community access and resources. Then purchase Andy Martin’s “County High Points” guidebook as the foundational reference. Also identify your home state and start with local county high points to build familiarity. Plus learn GPS navigation skills with CalTopo or Gaia GPS for off-trail counties. Additionally connect with the COHP community through online forums and the annual convention for mentorship. Finally, document your completions thoroughly from day one — photos, GPS tracks, and trip reports become valuable over the multi-decade timeline. Notably, climbers should embrace the lifetime nature of the challenge rather than rushing toward specific completion goals. The journey of visiting every American county high point creates the value, not the final completion certificate.
US County High Points Related Resources
Sources & Further Reading
- County Highpointers Association (cohp.org) — Official COHP organization; trip reports, directions, access notes for all 3,143 county high points
- Andy Martin — Founder of cohp.org; author of “County High Points” foundational guidebook (1990s)
- Bob Packard — Only known completer of all 20 hardest lower-48 county high points (final summit Kawaikini, February 2006)
- Gary Suttle — Author of “California County Summits” (Wilderness Press); definitive California COHP reference
- John Mitchler & Dave Covill — Authors of “Hiking Colorado’s Summits” covering all 64 Colorado counties
- Weibel & Miller — Authors of “High in Utah” covering all 29 Utah county high points
- Bob Martin & Dotty Martin — Authors of “Arizona’s Mountains” covering selected AZ county high points
- SummitPost USA County Highpoints — Online community resource with state-by-state highlight pages
- USGS — Verified elevation data for all county high points; geographic boundary authority
- US Census Bureau — Official county designations including independent cities and Alaska borough/census area definitions
- Edward Earl — Multi-state COHP completer including California (2002); inspirational completer for the community
- John Roper — First Washington county high points completer; Pacific Northwest COHP authority
Last updated: May 25, 2026. Next scheduled update: November 2026 (verify County Highpointers Association data, current access status for problem-access counties, updated 20 hardest list, and new state-level completion announcements).
Start Your County High Points Journey
The US County High Points Challenge stands as the most comprehensive peakbagging project in America — a lifetime pursuit that reveals every corner of the continental US plus Alaska and Hawaii. Generally, climbers should start with their home state, build through regional clusters, and accept the multi-decade nature of the challenge. Notably, the COHP community welcomes completers at every level — from single-state completers to multi-state contenders to those pursuing the impossible-sounding full national completion.
Join the County Highpointers Association →