Have Peak, Will Climb

By Courtney Johnson

Colorado has approximately 58 peaks over 14,000 feet that locals and visitors aim to summit every summer. The "New England" area has 4,000 footers. Throughout the U.S., bagging peaks requires early starts and sometimes reservations. Here are just a few of the best day hike peaks you can summit around the U.S.

Camelback Mountain- Arizona

A bucket list hike, Camelback Mountain is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. The hike tops out at 2,704 feet.

While the Cholla Trail is short at 1.4 miles each way, the trail rises 1,250 feet in that short distance. The trail begins mild but becomes more challenging once you reach the saddle area. Loose gravel, drop-offs, and sweeping views are part of this experience. Echo Canyon is an alternative shorter route, 1.23 miles to the top but steeper, climbing 1,280 feet to the top.

No shade; hikers and runners are nice enough to leave water stashes along the route. Still, hit this hike early to avoid the intense heat. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to see hawks and the always favorite road runner, especially along the Cholla Trail. You will pass by desert flora, including saguaro cactus, ocotillo and creosote bush.

Cascade Mountain- New York

One of the 46 High Peaks, Cascade Mountain, is located near Lake Placid. It climbs 2,000 feet to 4,098 feet over 2.4 miles (4.8 RT). 360-degree panorama views greet hikers at the top with views of the Adirondacks, including the other High Peaks.

The bare rock summit is the result of a fire. The mountain can also be summited via snowshoes/microspikes in the winter. Many hikers add on Porter Mountain for an additional two miles to this hike to summit two of the 46 High Peaks in one day.

The terrain of this hike is steep and rocky. This hike is popular as one of the most accessible High Peaks hikes. Consider hiking on a weekday or getting an early start, especially during peak season from May to October. Your leashed pup can also enjoy the opportunity to summit one of the 46 High Peaks.

Eagle Mountain, Minnesota

Eagle Mountain is the tallest mountain in Minnesota and is located within the Boundary Waters. This 6.3 mile out and back only has 646 feet of elevation change, but the consistent rocks and roots on the trail mean you need to be light on your feet.

Hiking is one of the few ways to explore the Boundary Waters area, minus being on a canoe or in a kayak, and the summit tops out at 2,300 feet. Ironically, the summit is void of views with its forested land. But along the trail, you can share the views with your leashed pup of the Boundary Waters, including Whale Lake. There is a manageable scramble to the top. This trail is best hiked from April to October with a chance to see wildflowers and the fall leaves. If you have the proper gear, you can also hike this hike in the winter months. Pay for your permit to hike in the Boundary Waters at the trailhead.

Guadalupe Peak, Texas

Above the salt fields, Guadalupe Peak is a 4.25-mile hike to a summit of 8,751 feet. Referred to as the "Top of Texas," as the highest point in the state, the 8.5-mile hike takes most visitors 5-7 hours to complete. With over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, this peak is not one for beginners to attempt to summit. The peak passes through several ecosystems, from desert to forest. Fighter jets from nearby Fort Bliss are a common sight along the trail. You are probably more likely to see a jet over other people as Big Bend National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country.

Guadalupe Peak is one of six 8,000-feet peaks in the park. On the border of New Mexico, the park has the oldest fossil reefs globally. Look for seashells along your route, but please leave them in the park. There is a fee for entrance to this national park.

Konahuanui, Hawaii

Located on the island of O'ahu, the summit of Konahuanui is a 6- mile RT, out and back hike to the top of the second-highest mountain on the island. Also known as K2, the mountain is 3,150 feet tall. Climb 1,500 feet, often through the clouds, on the Pu'u Ohia and Pauoa Flats trails to the top. Expect muddy and wet conditions to add to the challenge of this hike through the tropical forest. If time and energy allow, hikers can continue to summit K1- the highest mountain in O'ahu.

Views of the Ko'olau range, as well as other areas of the Round Top Forest Reserve, can be seen from the top on clearer days. A waterfall, wildflowers and tropical plants are abundant. The trail is best hiked between April and June when it is less rainy and muddy.

Mount Baldy, California

While it serves as a ski resort in the winter, Mt. Baldy can be hiked to the summit in the summer. Take the ski lift up to the Notch, and the trek is about 6.6 miles with 2,350 feet of elevation gain. Or take the longer route and hike up the Ski Hut trail and down the Devil's Backbone trail for a total of 11 miles and just under 4k gain.

The highest point in Los Angeles County, Mount San Antonio, was given the nickname Mt. Baldy since no trees are around the summit. This peak is the highest in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,068 feet. There are interesting things to see along the hike, including the infamous Devil's Backbone section of the trail. It is not for the faint of heart and features steep drop-offs. If you begin the trail from Manker Flats, San Antonio Falls is a highlight as a 75-foot multi-tiered waterfall. A ski hut and panorama views of Catalina Island, the ocean, San Gorgonio and more can be seen along the trail and at the top. You can grab a meal at the Top of the Notch Restaurant at 7,800 feet if you have time.

Mt. Bierstadt- Colorado

Nestled off Guanella Pass, Mt. Bierstadt is just one of the 58 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado that hikers aim to summit each year. While this may be one of the easiest 14ers to the summit, it is no walk in the park. The trail begins at 11,740 feet and climbs over 2,700 feet to a final peak of 14,065 feet.

The trail is shy of 8 miles round-trip and includes a rock scramble to the top. Expect to see many other hikers along the trail and mountain goats. Start this hike early due to the threat of afternoon thunderstorms.

This peak is best hiked from July to October. There is no shade on this hike, but the views are abundant from top to bottom, including several other 14ers on clear days, including Mt. Evans, Grays Peak and Torreys Peak. Your pup can enjoy the summit as long as they are leashed.

Mount Katahdin- Maine

Located within Baxter State Park, Mount Katahdin and Baxter Peak rise to 5,269 feet as the highest mountain in Maine. The name Katahdin, which means "The Greatest Mountain," by the Penobscot Native Americans. Mt. Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. It was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1967 by the National Park Service.

There are multiple routes you can take up Baxter Peak. All the routes are strenuous, rocky and vary in distance. The elevation gain is challenging. Even with the Saddle Slide, most hikers state that the Abol and Saddle routes are the simplest. The Abol trail is the most direct trail up from the campground at 4.4 miles roundtrip, with a portion on the Hunt Trail. The Saddle Trail is 4 miles but includes a super steep part not suited for novice hikers. The most popular route (and a Maine right of passage) is the Knife Edge route, which is only 2 miles round-trip but is narrow and features dangerous drops. Parking reservations are needed to enter Baxter State Park. If you want to summit the peak, you should get to the parking lot early.

Mount Monadnock — New Hampshire

Sometimes referred to as “America's Favorite Mountain," this peak, located in Southern New Hampshire, is one of the most summited peaks in the United States. Mount Monadnock was named a National Natural Landmark in 1987. There are several routes to the top of this 3,165-foot peak. The most direct route via the White Dot/White Cross Trail is 1.9 miles each way, but its rocky terrain is better suited for older children and more experienced hikers. More challenging routes to the summit include the Old Halfway House/White Arrow Trail, 2.2 miles one way or the Birchtoft/Red Spot Trail, which is 3.5 miles one way. Each has its unique rugged route taking you by bogs, glacial erratics, etc.

The expansive area at the top allows hikers a 360-degree view of Gilson Pond, the Wapack Range and even Boston. The park is very popular, so reservations are recommended.

Mt. Si- Washington

One of the most summited mountains in Washington, Mt. Si tops out at 4,167 feet. This 8-mile out and back hike has an elevation gain of 3,100 feet. The hike starts at an elevation of 700 feet. Up Haystack Basin, the trail starts in a forest and climbs almost 1,000 feet in the first mile alone. The Snag Flats offer relief for a tiny bit, as this flat section is located at 2,100 feet. The summit to the top is recommended for experienced hikers. This 500-foot scramble should only be attempted in dry conditions. On clear days, views of Seattle and the Olympics can be seen. The mountain is named after Josiah "Uncle Si" Merrit, who farmed the land and built a cabin at the base in 1862. Leashed dogs can come along on this adventure.

Saddle Mountain- Oregon

Nestled between Seaside and Portland, Saddle Mountain is a 5.5- mile round-trip double summited peak. With over 1,600 feet of elevation gain, the main prize of this hike is the views and a chance to see rare plants, animals and insects in this rare habitat.

Come late spring and early summer; Saddle Mountain becomes a wildflower paradise, including Willamette valley larkspur, tiger lily, wandering daisy, and queen of the forest. Cope's giant salamander and the silverspot butterfly, rare moss and lichens can be found along the trail.

When you reach the summit at 3,290 feet, you can see for miles on clear days. The giant snow-covered peaks of the Olympic Mountains to the north, over the Pacific Ocean and eastward to the High Cascades. The golden hour and sunset are beautiful times to be near the top for a colorful view of the surrounding area.

Springer Mountain- Georgia

A 5.1-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail takes you to the summit of Springer Mountain. Springer Mountain is the southernmost blaze on the AT Trail, located near Amicalola Falls at 3,782 feet. The trail features several stream crossings, a diverse landscape and several opportunities for wide expansive views. Wildflowers, moss, forests full of boulders and views of the southern Appalachian Mountains are all a part of this summit.

Within the Chattahoochee National Forest and Ed Jenkins National Recreation area, Springer Mountain divides the Blue Ridge Mountains into north and south. Other trails to consider to the summit are the Three Forks Trail at 8.6 miles or, for the shortest, most direct route, take the Springer Mountain Trailhead for a 2-mile trek. Leashed pups can enjoy this hike.

Courtney Johnson is a book author, freelance writer and teacher based in Erie, CO. Most of her days are spent chasing her 7-yearold daughter on the bike trails, ski runs and up climbing routes. You can follow her adventures at:

https://adventureswithmylittleray.com/.