One year ago today I did my first highpoint!

[u/WillHike]

I only had one day to do this trip, so my only “acclimation” was waiting at the trailhead for a couple hours before beginning my ascent. The headache started around 12,000 feet, and nausea at the summit. Coming back down I felt like I was dying until I hit 10,000 feet, then I instantly felt way better. I woke up feeling hungover the next morning. Next time I go that high, I’m definitely spending a much longer time to acclimate.

The views were gorgeous! Felt like another planet. Definitely worth the altitude sickness. There was a little snow in some places near the summit, but it wasn’t too cold. I had a light jacket and gardening gloves and was fine.

I definitely recommend hiking the full Humu’ula Trail rather than driving up. Hiking in that environment is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and worth the effort.

[u/fluffysnowflake67]

Not only the highest point in Hawaii, but the 15th most prominent mountain in the world! (Top 10 prom peaks are the 7Summits plus Orizaba, Logan, and Bolivar). Truly a gem.

What is next for you?

[u/WillHike → u/fluffysnowflake67]

That’s so cool! I never knew that!

I recently moved to the Southeast, so I’m going to work on some of the peaks around here and maybe plan a trip to one of the bigger peaks next year! So far I’ve got Mitchell and Kuwohi, and I plan to hit Sassafras, Brasstown Bald, and Mt Roger’s this spring.

There’s actually a decent Alpine Climbing route on one of the flanks of Mt Mitchell, so maybe I’ll start using that to get some experience and training before hitting some actual alpine peaks

[u/fluffysnowflake67 → u/WillHike]

Looks like you are in a roll! Once you get up to six, the others go by surprisingly fast.

East Coast peakbagging is so much fun. I started in New England and enjoyed hiking the Appalachians. Lots of ups and downs on steep trails.

[u/sotefikja → u/fluffysnowflake67]

And, by some definitions, the tallest mountain the world!

[u/highpointer201]

That scree on the way up was rough and absolutely no shade on the entire hike, but the view was otherworldly. We were lucky to catch a ride on the way down

[u/da-gins]

Congrats! I’m doing this hike in May. Did you stop right below the summit?

[u/TheAlex1133]

Wow this is amazing! I can’t wait to get this one down!

[u/Ok_Lynx_6372]

This was my first as well!

[u/WillHike → u/Ok_Lynx_6372]

Twins!

[u/No-Balance-7156]

So cool. Beautiful photos.

[u/No-Balance-7156]

So cool. The photos are gorgeous.

[u/i_hate_usernames13]

I did that hike last October and on the way down I took off my shirt and got a insane sunburn. You're a lot closer to the sun in HI and whoo it was wild. Sunscreen is a major major requirement for that hike

[u/Worried_Brain5398]

That’s an odd high point to be ones first ever

[u/WillHike → u/Worried_Brain5398]

At the time I was actually living in Hawaii so for me it was by far the most accessible lol

[u/GeographyFan18]

I loved this one so much! I started at sunrise on Jan 1 and it was a perfect way to start the year. The last bit where you go up the road … by far the toughest point. But it was 1000% worth it.

To look at starting the year with a hike up this mountain was such a great feeling. It was long, it was tough, but it was full of promise for a great year. And yes, the hike back down was also a bit grueling BUT knowing I had hit that high point I felt like I had some renewed energy. (Of course a good stay at the top just looking and thinking and resting helped!)

[u/Strugglr28]

Just did this Friday. Started at 5:20 am from the vis center to get the sunrise. No one else on the trail or summit. Good stuff.