A Goal of Mine

A goal of mine on this RV trip is to see how many highest-point-in-states I can climb. In April I drove some 15 miles north of DeFuniak Springs, where the RV was parked next to a Walmart, to “bag” the highest point in Florida, 345 ft. Britton Hill.

But which highest point to climb next? In most states east of the Rockies, the problem is one of remoteness rather than elevation. The highest point would usually require a special stop in the RV, in the middle of nowhere with little for anyone else in the family to do. And out West, the elevations become formidable.

So where did we land but Flagstaff, an oasis of cool at 7,000 feet in the middle of Arizona, just a short drive from the trailhead to the state’s highest point, Humphreys Peak? My research also claimed this to be the “easiest” highest point of any western state. Perhaps true, but I certainly discovered this to be a relative fact.

My first attempt was in late May, earlier than recommended due to unmelted snow. While I definitely did trudge over much snow, my downfall was losing the trail. In my defense, I soon encountered two other hikers who made the same error, and together we hiked first up a service road and then switchbacked up a steep grassy mountainside that skiers enjoy in the winter. We arrived, exhausted, at the top of the ski-lift at 11,500 feet elevation, only to be told that Humphreys Peak was on the other side of the valley.

We did get a free, very scenic ride down the ski-lift, but all three of our ill-fated party had to admit defeat. My two companions had to return home the next day, one back to Phoenix and the other all the way to Sweden, but in the days that followed I became resolved to make good on a second attempt.

I had no tope-map of the area and there was of course no cell coverage in the wilderness, but I studied the route. So when I lost the trail in about the same place, I knew which direction to head – up the mountainside. This proved quite a lung-burner, but finally I spotted a hiker traversing the slope above. I’d found the trail once more!

That problem solved, I kept on until I reached cold, rocky and windy tundra and finally Humphreys Peak at 12,633 feet. Needless to say, there were fantastic views to all sides. I relaxed there for maybe half an hour and hurried on down, just making it to the car as darkness fell.

That makes five highest-point-in-states for me, and definitely the most difficult. My next one? I’d like to try Mt. Hood in Oregon, though the elevation gain from the trailhead to the peak makes it more strenuous than Humphreys Peak. But probably if I stick to the trail I can manage it.

Dan Sherman

My wife and I are both ghostwriters on the road for parts unknown. We have decided not to plan a route, so that we can leave our path open, dependent only on the questions our three children ask. I am a nature buff and can’t wait to see all the different critters and plants along the way.