Class 4: Non-technical or technical climbing. The most common safety rope is a safety rope.

Classes 5 : These are technical climbs. Tools and skills specific to climbing are required. Class 5 climbs can be divided into several sub-classes. The difficulty levels are further differentiated by these.

There are only climbs from Classes 1 to 3 on this list. Beginners can safely attempt a Class 1 route on their own. If you are climbing a Class 2 or higher, it may be best to follow a guide. When you have more climbs under your belt, you should only attempt Class 4 and 5. You should also be able to climb Class 3 climbs.

It is important to note that hikes of class 1 or 2 may not be easy. Steep inclines or high elevation gains may be encountered. You may also need an ice axe and crampons during colder seasons.

You will take a class depending on your route to the summit. On one mountain, there might be many routes with different class ratings.

Likewise, the trail or route classification depends on the most difficult section. Suppose a route consists of 90% hiking (Class 1) and 1 Class 5 rock wall to climb, making it a Class 5 route.

Interested readers can read more about the YDS here.

A 14ers’, 13ers’, 12ers’, and 11ers’ guide

In the United States, these terms refer to the elevation of mountains. Climbers sometimes use these as milestones or to set records, for example climbing all the 14ers in Colorado.

14ers or fourteeners are mountains with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet (4,267 meters). In the United States, there are 96 14ers, but only in four states.

13ers are mountains with an elevation between 13,000 (3,962 meters) and 13,999 feet (4,267 meters). The US has between 800 and 900 13ers spread over 9 states.

Typically, a 12er is above 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) but above 12,999 feet (3,962 meters).

An 11er is an elevated mountain between 11,000 feet (3,352 meters) and 11,999 feet (3,657 meters).

Elevation vs Elevation Gain

There is a difference between elevation lost and elevation gained on the list below. Height above sea level is measured by elevation. Gained elevation is the difference in height between the start of the trail and the summit. There might be variations in elevation gain between routes. It will depend on where the trailheads are, which may be in different parts of the mountains.ins.

Elevation vs. topographic prominence

In the previous paragraph, elevation was defined as the height of the summit above sea level.

The topographic prominence of a peak is its height relative to its surroundings.

Here’s an image from Wikipedia:

Due to the topography of mountains, serious mountaineers think a lot about them. It may seem not as significant as reaching a summit with a high topographic prominence to reach a peak with a low topographic prominence.

In some cases, the peak with the highest topographic prominence is the parent mountain of the lower one. Thus, it is considered a more “worthy” climb. The lower peaks of the parent mountain are called sub-peaks.

Depending on the list, mountains may be ranked by elevation. Others may rank them according to their  topographic prominence. There can be significant differences between these lists.

Climbing Mountains In The US For Beginners

Mount McKinley (Denali) in Alaska is the highest mountain in the United States, at 20,310 feet (6190 meters). The third highest mountain among the Seven Summits (after Mount Everest and Aconcagua) is Mount McKinley.

The highest peak in each of the 50 states is above 11,000 feet (3,352 meters). Climbing these types of mountains will take you several days.

Several other states have peaks between 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) and 11,000 feet (3,352 meters). It will take 1 to 2 days to climb these mountains.

In the remaining 22 states, the mountains are lower than 4,000 feet. You may not find these challenging if you’re already a frequent hiker. It usually only takes a day or two.

Alabama

Alabama has no high mountains to climb.

Cheaha Mountain, at 2,407 feet (734 meters), is Alabama’s highest peak.

Alaska

Mount McKinley (Denali) is the highest peak in Alaska. Mount McKinley is also one of the Seven Summits, ranking third after Mount Everest and Aconcagua.

There are 29 14ers and 41 13ers in Alaska. Among the USA’s 14ers, it has the second most.

In Alaska, many of the mountains are difficult to climb. The terrain can be icy at high altitudes, or the temperatures can be freezing.

For beginners in good physical condition, there are some peaks that are suitable. The problem is that they tend to be inaccessible and require a guided tour. Tours like these can also be quite expensive.

These are some of the tours we found online: Mountain Trip and American Alpine Institute.

Arizona

Arizona has two 12ers and ten 11ers.

Twenty-Twenty Arizona Challenge

Arizona has an old 20-20 Challenge which lists the 20 highest and deepest peaks. More information can be found here.

Among the most popular climbing routes in Arizona are:

1. Mount Humphreys

• Arizona’s tallest peak
• Desert mountains and views from the Grand Canyon near Phoenix
• To know more look SummitPost page

2. Mount Baldy

• It is the second highest mountain outside of Humphreys Peak (and its subpeaks).
• In the Arizona 20-20 Challenge, this peak is the second highest.  
• This area is part of the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation
• A view of the surrounding rock formations
• To know more look SummitPost page

3. Escudilla Mountain

• It is the third-highest mountain in the state (after Humphreys Peak and Mount Baldy).
• This is the third highest peak in the Arizona 20-20 Challenge.  
• A view of New Mexico
• To know more look SummitPost page

4. Mount Agassiz

• Arizona’s second highest peak
• Because it is the most visible mountain from town, it is often mistaken for Humphreys Peak
• Climbing can only be done during the winter when the ground is covered in snow. The purpose is to protect the habitat and plants in the area.
• There are views of the Grand Canyon, Humphreys Peak, and other peaks nearby
• To know more look SummitPost page

5. The Grand Canyon

• The elevation gain from the Colorado River to the rim of the canyon is higher than any of the mountains in Arizona, despite not being a mountain climb
• In the 20-20 Challenge, this is the deepest canyon
• Due to the fact that you descend first, then ascend, this is a unique challenge
• To know more look National Park Service page

California

There are 12 14ers in California and 149 13ers. After Colorado and Alaska, it has the third most 14ers in the US.

6. Mount Whitney

• California’s tallest peak
• Contiguous United States’ tallest peak
• There are wonderful views of the Sierra Nevada peaks and Death Valley (including Death Valley), as well as views of the desert flats.
• For more SummitPost page
• For more National Park Service page

7. Mount Williamson

• California’s second highest peak
• Try Mount Williamson if you want something more challenging.
• Mount Whitney has a higher elevation gain and a tougher class rating.
• For more SummitPost page

8. Mount Barnard

• It’s just 10 feet away from becoming California’s highest 14er.
• Due to the fact that the 13ers are less popular than the 14ers, you might be able to enjoy a quieter and more peaceful climb.
• When it was mistakenly counted as a 14er in the early 1900s, it was frequently climbed.
• For more SummitPost page

9. Lassen Peak

• (In)famous despite being a shorter mountain.
• It is one of only two active volcanoes in the contiguous U.S. during the twentieth century
• Volcano that is active but dormant
• There is a smell of rotten eggs near the summit of the volcano caused by hydrogen sulphideThe devasted area offers spectacular views.
• The damage from the 1914-17 eruptions can still be seen today.
• For more SummitPost page
• To know more check out National Park Service page

10. Half Dome

• Half Dome is a great choice for those looking for a Class 3 climb with a much lower elevation gain and lower elevation.
• One of the highlights of the trail are the Half Dome Cables. Half Dome has two metal cables installed near its summit.
• Using this method, climbers can ascend the last 400 feet without using rock climbing equipment.
• Cables are taken down from October to May, but climbing is still permitted (with your own equipment and at your own risk).
• A view of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, and Half Dome. Stunning views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra
• For more SummitPost page
• To know more check out National Park Service page

Arkansas

Arkansas has no high mountains to climb.

Mount Magazine (Signal Hill) is the highest point in Arkansas. Mount Magazine has two summits, Signal Hill and Mossback Ridge. At 2,753 feet (839 meters), Signal Hill is the highest point in Arkansas. Mossback Ridge can reach upto to 2,700 feet (823 meters).

Connecticut

11. Bear Mountain

• Connecticut’s highest peak
• The entire Hudson Highlands area is visible, as well as the skyscrapers of Manhattan
• SummitPost page

Colorado

Colorado is the climbing capital of the United States. With 53 14ers, 584 13ers, and 676 12ers, it is one of the most populous areas in the country. There are more 14ers and 13ers in this state than anywhere else in America. There are nearly four times as many 13ers in Colorado as there are in California.

Seven people have climbed each of the 1,313 fourers, 13ers and twelveers in Colorado, setting a record!

More information about Colorado’s 14ers can be found here.

More information about Colorado’s 13ers can be found here.

There is no way to list all the climbs here, so we have selected some of the best 14ers, 13ers, and 12ers.

12. Mount Elbert

• Colorado’s highest peak
• Mount Elbert is the second highest peak in the contiguous United States
• A view of Mount Massive (second highest mountain in Colorado) and La Plata Peak
• SummitPost page
• 14ers page

13. Mount Massive

• Colorado’s second highest 14er.
• Located in the contiguous United States, it is the third highest peak
• Mount Elbert has a tougher class rating
• SummitPost page
• Forest Service page

14. Grizzly Peak

• Colorado’s tallest 13er
• Images of the Sawatch and Collegiate mountain ranges and the other 13ers
• Along the way, passes a lake
• SummitPost page

15. Torreys Peak

• It is also one of the easiest 14ers in Colorado
• Colorado’s 11th highest 14er
• Combinable with Grays Peak (0.5 miles extra).
• SummitPost page
• 14ers page

16. Grays Peak

• This is one of the easiest 14ers in Colorado (it even has bathrooms along the way)
• Nineteenth-highest mountain in Colorado
• Can be combined with Torreys Peak (an additional 0.5 mile)
• The mountain is covered with mountain goats
• SummitPost page
• 14ers page

Delaware

In Delaware, there are no high peaks to climb.

At 448 feet (137 meters), Ebright Azimuth marker is the highest point in Delaware.

Iron Hill is the highest point at 328 feet (100 meters).

Georgia

17. Brasstown Bald

• Georgia’s highest peak
• A 360-degree view of the Appalachian Mountains and valleys of Georgia
• A clear day might offer views of four surrounding states
• The top can also be reached by car or shuttle
• SummitPost page

Florida

In Florida, there are no high mountains to climb.

With a height of 345 feet (105 meters), Britton Hill is Florida’s highest peak.

Hawaii

There are two 13ers in Hawaii.

Interesting enough, Hawaii does not have a 12er. The peaks over 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) are all part of the 13ers.

18. Mauna Loa

• It is the second highest peak in Hawaii.
• The tallest mountain in the world.
• The last eruption occurred in 1984, making it one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
• Ocean views all around.
• SummitPost page

19. Mauna Kea

• Hawaii’s highest peak.
• It is the tallest “sea mountain”, rising 33,000 feet (10,058 meters) above the ocean floor.
• It is also possible to drive to the top by a car
• Ocean views all around.
• Near the summit is a short trail that leads to Lake Waiau. Hawaii’s highest lake is sacred to the Hawaiian people
• Internet site of the University of Hawaii
• SummitPost page

Nevada

Nevada has two 13ers and four 12ers.

More information about Nevada’s 12ers can be found here.

20. Wheeler Peak

• Nevada’s second highest peak.
• The high point of New Mexico with the same name (see number 34) should not be confused with this peak.
• National park views in Great Basin
• SummitPost page

21. Boundary Peak

• Nevada’s highest peak
• It is actually part of the Twin Peaks in California with Montgomery Peak which is 200 feet (61 meters) higher.
• A view of the Mono Lake basin, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the White Mountains Wilderness
• SummitPost page
• Forest Service page

22. Mount Moriah

• Neveda’s lowest 12er.
• This is the only 12er not close to Wheeler Peak (in fact, Wheeler Peak is the parent of all 4 12ers).
• SummitPost page

Idaho

The state of Idaho is home to nine 12ers.

The 12ers challenge is unique to Idaho. The current record for completing all 12ers in the quickest time is just over 20 hours.

More information about Idaho’s 12ers can be found here.

23. Mount Borah

• There is no higher peak in Idaho than this one.
• Chickenout Ridge is also known as the most popular trail. There is a section of the climb at 11,200 feet where you are exposed to a drop of 2,000 feet. It is probably the point where most climbers decide to turn around and return.  
• You just survived Chickenout ridge. The only thing left to do now is return through it.
• SummitPost page

24. Leatherman Peak

• Idaho’s second highest peak.
• A view of Mount Church, another 12er from the Lost Rivers range.
• SummitPost page

25. Hyndman Peak

• Idaho’s lowest 12er.
• The only climb of the 12ers of Class 2 difficulty (all the rest are Class 3).
• Views of the Pioneer Mountains in the distance, as well as Hyndman Peak
• SummitPost page

Illinois

Illinois has no high mountains to climb.

Charles Mound, Illinois’ highest peak, is 1,235 feet (376 meters) high.

Montana

There are 27 12ers in Montana. The 12ers are all located in the Beartooth range.

The current record for bagging all 12ers in Idaho is a little over four days.

More information about Montana’s 12ers can be found here and here.

26. Granite Peak

• This is one of the toughest climbs on this list
• Mount Helena is the highest point in Montana
• As tough as Denali in Alaska, this is the second-toughest climb to the top of a state highpoint. This is due to the difficulty of the route, the adverse weather conditions, and the lack of clearly defined trails.
• Other 12ers such as Glacier Peak and Villard Spires can also be seen
• SummitPost page

27. Mount Wood

• Montana’s second highest mountain. Granite Peak and its sub-peak Granite West make up the two highest peaks.
• A Class 2 climb that is easier than Granite Peak
• A whole round view of fellow 12ers Granite Peak and Castle Peak
• SummitPost page

28. Castle Mountain

• Montana’s third highest mountain. In spite of Granite Peak and Granite West, it is the fourth highest peak in the range.
• Climbing another Class 2
• The castle-like appearance of the mountain at the start of the trail
• At the beginning of the trail, an amazing reflection can be seen in Shadow Lake
• SummitPost page

Lowa

Lowa has no high mountains to climb.

Hawkeye Point, at 1,670 feet (509 meters), is Iowa’s highest point.

Kansas

Kansas has no high mountains to climb.

Mount Sunflower is the highest point in Kansas at 4,039 feet (1,231 meters). It is only about 50 feet (15 meters) from the trailhead to the summit.

Indiana

Indiana has no high mountains to climb.

Hoosier Hill is Indiana’s highest point at 1,257 feet (383 meters).

Kentucky

29. Black Mountain

• It’s the tallest mountain in Kentucky
• The summit is also accessible by car
• Views aren’t the most scenic. There is a mining operation in the area and an energy tower at the summit.
• SummitPost page

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has no high mountains to climb.

Mount Greylock at 3,491 feet (1,064 meters) is the highest point in Massachusetts.

Louisiana

Louisiana has no high mountains to climb.

Mount Driskill is the highest point in Louisiana at 535 feet (163 meters).

Maine

30. Mount Katahdin

• Maine’s highest peak
• It is possible to climb to the summit in a variety of technical and scrambling ways
• SummitPost page
• State Park page

Maryland

Maryland does not have high mountains to climb.

Backbone Mountain is Maryland’s highest peak at 3,360 feet (1,024 meters).

Michigan

Michigan has no high mountains to climb.

Mount Arvon is the highest point in Michigan at 1,979 feet (603 meters).

Minnesota

Minnesota has no high mountains to climb.

Eagle Mountain, which rises to 2,301 feet (701 meters), is the highest point in Minnesota.

Mississippi

Mississippi has no high mountains to climb.

Woodall Mountain, at 807 feet (246 meters), is the highest point in Mississippi.

Missouri

Missouri has no high mountains to climb.

Taum Sauk Mountain, at 1,772 feet (540 meters), is the highest point in Missouri.

Nebraska

Nebraska does not have high mountains to climb.

Panorama Point is Nebraska’s highest point at 5,429 feet (1,655 meters). There are only about 80 feet (24 meters) of elevation gain between the trailhead and summit.

Wyoming

Over a hundred 12ers and 35 13ers live in Wyoming.

More information about Wyoming’s 13ers can be found here.

31. Gannett Peak

• Wyoming’s highest peak.
• This is an easier climb than the Grand Teton, which is the second highest. Climbing Grand Teton requires technical skills and is not suitable for beginners.
• The views are from the Wind River Range
• SummitPost page

32. Fremont Peak

• Wyoming’s third highest peak.
• Unlike Gannett Peak, this is an easier climb.
• SummitPost page

33. Mount Crosby

• The tallest nontechnical 12er in Wyoming
• A view of Wyoming’s Washakie Wilderness and Absaroka summits. As far as contiguous US countries go, this may be the wildest.
• SummitPost page

New Hampshire

34. Mount Washington

• New Hampshire’s highest peak
• To reach the summit, there are both nontechnical and technical routes
• SummitPost page
• Forest Service page

35. Mount Adams

• New Hampshire’s second highest peak
• If you’re looking for a challenge, there are also several YDS Class 2 and 3 routes available
• All directions are visible
• SummitPost page
• Forest Service page

36. Mount Jefferson

• Mount Jefferson in Oregon is not to be confused with
• New Hampshire’s third highest peak
• If you’re looking for a challenge, there are also several YDS Class 2 and 3 routes available
• Stunning views in every direction
• SummitPost page

New Jersey

New Jersey has no high mountains to climb.

High Point (literally) is 1,803 feet (550 meters) high in New Jersey.

New Mexico

Three 13ers and 33 12ers live in New Mexico.

More information about New Mexico’s 12ers can be found here.

37. Wheeler Peak

• New Mexico’s highest peak
• There is a mountain with the same name in Nevada (see number 29) that is not to be confused with this one.
• Together with Mount Walter, you can climb it
• The mountains are home to bighorn sheep.
• SummitPost page

38. Truchas Peak

• Located in New Mexico, it is the second tallest mountain. In addition to Wheeler Peak, Mount Walter and Old Mike Peak, it is the fourth highest peak in the range.
• As well as the Truchas Peak, there are two other peaks – Middle and North Truchas Peaks. There is a difference of about 600 feet between them.
• Mountain climbing is rare due to the mountain’s remote location and inaccessibility. Keep an eye out for crimes near trailheads
• SummitPost page

39. Simpson Peak

• Located in New Mexico, this 12er is the highest in the state
• It’s not a very popular climb due to its relatively short topographic prominence and not being seen as a “real peak”
• Wheeler Peak can also be climbed together with it, but you will have to cross a Class 4 ridge. Beginners should not attempt this.
• SummitPost page
• AllTrails page

New York

40. Mount Marcy

• New York’s highest point
• The most visited remote peak in the United States
• Views of more than 40 surrounding peaks
• SummitPost page

North Carolina

41. Mount Mitchell

• North Carolina’s highest peak
• Wildflowers in summer
• There is a short path to the top that leads from about 100 feet (30 meters) below the summit.
• SummitPost page
• State Park page

North Dakota

North Dakota has no high mountains to climb.

White Butte, at 3,506 feet (1,069 meters), is North Dakota’s highest point.

Ohio

Ohio has no high mountains to climb.

Campbell Hill, at 1,550 feet (472 meters), is the highest point in Ohio.

Oklahoma

42. Black Mesa

• Oklahoma’s highest peak
• The mesas are visible in the distance
• SummitPost page

Oregon

There is only one 11er in Oregon.

43. Mount Hood

• Oregon’s highest peak.
• After Japan’s Mount Fuji, this glacier peak is one of the most climbed in North America.
• It was last active in 1907 and is dormant today.
• SummitPost page

Mount Jefferson

• The Mount Jefferson in New Hampshire (see number 33) is not to be confused with this mountain.
• Oregon’s second highest peak
• It is not recommended for beginners to climb Mount Jefferson’s easiest route, YDS Class 4.

44. South Sister

• Oregon’s third highest peak
• One of the Three Sisters (the Middle Sister and the North Sister)
• Two other Sisters and their surrounding lakes and peaks can also be seen
• SummitPost page

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has no high mountains to climb.

Mount Davis, at 3,213 feet (979 meters), is Pennsylvania’s highest peak.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island has no high mountains to climb.

Jerimoth Hill is the highest peak in Rhode Island at 812 feet (247 meters).

South Carolina

South Carolina has no high mountains to climb.

Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina at 3,560 feet (1,085 meters).

Utah

Among Utah’s 13ers, there are 21 and there are over 70 12ers.

More information about Utah’s 13ers can be found here.  

More information about Utah’s 12ers can be found here.

45. Kings Peak

• Utah’s highest peak.
• Utah’s easiest 13er to climb.
• Together with South Kings Peak (an additional 1.6 miles), it’s Utah’s second highest peak.
• A view of the Uinta mountain range.
• Kings Peak SummitPost page
• South Kings Peak SummitPost page

46. East Lovenia

• Utah’s lowest 13er, but the most difficult to climb.
• It can be climbed together with Mount Lovenia and also famous as the tenth highest 13er in Utah.
• Wilderness views in High Uintas.
• East Lovenia SummitPost page
• Mount Lovenia SummitPost page

47. Squaw Benchmark

• The highest 12er in Utah is just 10 feet short of becoming a 13er.
• Do not confuse with Squaw Peak, another 12er in the area.
• The entire Uinta mountain range can be seen starting from the Red Castle Lake, as well as the reflection of Red Castle Spire.
• SummitPost page

Vermont

48. Mount Mansfield

• Vermont’s highest peak
• SummitPost page

Virginia

49. Mount Rogers

• Virginia’s tallest peak
• SummitPost page

Washington

Both Washington’s 14ers, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, belong to the same mountain.

In this state, there are fewer 14ers than anywhere else in the U.S.

50. Mount Rainier

• Mount Rainier is the highest point in Washington.
• The fifth highest mountain in the contiguous continental United States
• One of the most glaciated peaks in the contiguous United States and an active volcano.
• SummitPost page
• National Park Service page

51. Mount Adams

• Washington’s second highest mountain. In spite of being the third highest peak behind Mount Rainier and Liberty Cap.
• Washington’s only 12-er.
• In Washington, there is only one 11-point summit, Little Tahoma Peak.
• On the mountain, there is always snow and ice.
• SummitPost page
• Forest Service page

52. Mount Baker

• Located in Washington, this mountain is the third tallest. This peak is 5th highest after Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and their sub-peaks.
• As well as being the iciest mountain in the Cascade Range, it is also a volcano.
• On the mountain, there is always snow and ice.
• SummitPost page

West Virginia

It is not possible to climb high mountains in West Virginia.

Spruce Knob, at 4,863 feet (1,482 meters), is West Virginia’s tallest peak. From the parking lot, it is only 0.2 miles (meters) to the summit.

Wisconsin

As for the high mountains in Wisconsin, there are none.

Timms Hill, at 1,952 feet (595 meters), is Wisconsin’s highest point.

South Dakota

53. Black Elk Peak

• Previously known as Harney Peak
• South Dakota’s highest peak
• The views are from Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
• SummitPost page
• Forest Service page

Odakota Mountain

• South Dakota’s second highest peak
• However, you only gain 80 feet in elevation
• The summit offers limited views

54. Bear Mountain

• South Dakota’s third highest peak
• The top can be reached by driving a car
• The Black Hills are located in the center of the state
• Better views than Odakota Mountain of the surrounding peaks
• At the summit there’s a fire tower that’s active (it’s one of the last ones left).
• SummitPost page

Tennessee

55. Clingmans Dome

• Tennessee’s highest peak.
• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the center of the park, giving you a 360 degree view of the mountains.
• Looks like a flying saucer from its lookout tower.
• The summit can also be reached by car.
• SummitPost page

Texas

56. Guadalupe Peak

• Texas’ highest peak.
• Views of the Texas desert and Guadalupe Mountains
• SummitPost page
• National Park Service page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)