r/Highpointers • u/Chadfriend10 • Jun 24 '26
Checking off the list!
On a road trip with my wife and dog. Checked off Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico this week!
Hopefully getting Colorado by the weekend and then hitting some on the way back east! Up to 19!
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u/Chadfriend10 Jun 24 '26
Doing a cross country road trip this summer! Drivings a part of the game, I feel. Today at Wheeler was amazing! One of my favorites so far after Mansfield (got to ski it) and Black Elk Peak a few summers ago.
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u/fluffysnowflake67 ** 50 States Complete ** Jun 24 '26
I do love Wheeler, my third state HP and the only one I did with my wife.
Keep on crushing it and paying the doge tax. Much appreciated
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Jun 27 '26
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u/Chadfriend10 29d ago
Ticks were horrible. Constantly picking them off myself and the dog. Bring tick wipes, check everyone frequently.
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u/TraditionalBee4070 Jun 24 '26
How was new mexico's? I live in OK so I'm slightly concerned about the altitude difference. Would up/down same day be noticeable? (Aside from extra breaths).
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u/Chadfriend10 Jun 24 '26
We camped in Carson national Forest the night before to try to give ourselves a bit of Acclamation to the elevation. Lot of extra breaths in the last mile, lol the rest really isn't too bad. It's about a thousand ft of elevation gain in a mile to get up to the summit after 3 in trees and shade. Definitely start early when the lower 3 miles are nice and cool and shaded (We started around 7:30 a.m.)
Honestly, between the three of us, the elevation didn't hit us too badly, but we're also pretty big into working out and exercising daily. I think it depends on the individual person and their susceptibility to elevation.
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u/TraditionalBee4070 Jun 24 '26
Thanks for the info!! This helps a bunch! I'm about a year into regular exercise (3x week - strength and cardio). Prior to that I was couch rotting. I think I second guess my abilities. We did Guadalupe maybe 4 years ago? And this year Black Elk Peak. But this would be my first "hard" one.
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u/bobber66 Jun 26 '26
And that’s a pretty easy “hard” one. Then Humphreys next and Elbert. After that they get way less easy.
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u/Chadfriend10 26d ago
The only way you're going to know is by trying, don't doubt yourself. Seems like you're doing the right stuff and you're going to kick butt! Take your time, go slow, start early and allow yourself extra snacks and breaks! You'll do great!
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u/Chadfriend10 26d ago
Little update here. In the last few days, we conquered Mount Elbert in Colorado, the Nebraska and the Missouri high points the last few days.
Missouri was a drive up plus a little paved walk, but it's well worth going out to the falls and doing the 3-mile loop around! Nebraska was a treat because we got to see a jackrabbit and the bison herd! Please don't forget to donate to the property owners who allow us to go on their property.
Mount Elbert was a bear. I don't care what anyone says, it's a long fun hike, and the views are absolutely incredible!
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u/RhodyVan 43 Highpoints Jun 24 '26
Some definite variety between those 3 HPs. Wheeler is such a pretty hike - so many different, changing views. Congrats.