California’s Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous U.S. at 14,505 feet, draws climbers seeking to summit its challenging 20-mile roundtrip hike. Recently, 180 enthusiasts gathered in Bishop for the Highpointers Club event to celebrate highpointing—visiting the highest points in each state, including less daunting ones like Mississippi’s Woodall Mountain. Club president Shannon Brumund emphasizes the camaraderie and adventure of this unique hobby. Members, like 17-year-old Lucy Westlake, aim to conquer all 50 state highpoints, finding beauty in diverse landscapes along the way.
