Idaho Hikers Complete All 44 County High Point Summits
Two Idaho hikers reached their final county high point after a ten-year journey through the state's rugged terrain.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Hiking
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Two Idaho hikers have successfully completed a decade-long journey to summit the highest point in each of the state's 44 counties. Ben Nickell and Anne Koski reached their final peak, the 9,436-foot Bare Peak Northwest, in September 2026.
Why it matters
Setting long-term physical goals can encourage consistent activity, though it is important to balance strenuous challenges with personal physical health. Koski completed this final trek in preparation for knee replacement surgery scheduled for 2027.
Official completion records indicate that the duo are the 13th and 14th individuals to document reaching all 44 of Idaho's county high points. The final leg of the project involved a 22-hour excursion to Bare Peak Northwest, confirming the total scope of the decade-long journey.
The players
Ben Nickell
A 52-year-old climber who completed the circuit of all 44 Idaho county high points.
Anne Koski
A 52-year-old climber who finished her long-distance hiking goal before a planned 2027 surgery.
The details
To navigate these varied terrains, the 52-year-old pair relied on a combination of GPS tracks, mapping apps, and shared information from the hiking community. Their logistical approach included unconventional access methods, such as flying into an airstrip typically used by rafters to reach Big Baldy in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. This project spanned a decade, beginning at Hyndman Peak in 2016 and concluding this year.
Timeline
The couple began their journey at Hyndman Peak in 2016.
The pair committed to the 44-county project in 2020.
They summited their final peak, Bare Peak Northwest, in September 2026.
Anne Koski is scheduled for knee replacement surgery in 2027.
Health Landscape
Long-distance hiking challenges serve as a popular method for maintaining cardiovascular health and physical endurance throughout middle age. Following the conclusion of their county high-point project, the pair is transitioning their focus to the Idaho Centennial Trail.
For readers interested in endurance activities, this project highlights the importance of matching physical goals to your current joint health. If you are considering a new high-intensity training regimen, discuss your orthopedic health and any planned procedures with your physician.
The takeaway
Large-scale fitness goals like peak bagging can provide motivation for lifelong exercise, provided you plan for physical maintenance. Always consult your physician before starting or continuing high-impact training if you are managing chronic joint issues or anticipating surgery.
Further reading
For more information on preparing for long-distance treks, visit our guide to Hiking.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Idaho Statesman.
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