Starting in the early 20th century, a few pioneers of highpointing began visiting the highest natural point in each of the 50 U.S. states.

In the early days, this endeavor involved dispute and original research, as the tools to precisely map the country were just beginning to find widespread use.

U.S. state highpoints range in difficulty from indescript flat points accessible by road, to moderate, hilly hikes, to glaciated mountains requiring specialized skills.

[1][5] In 1991, a team consisting of Pete Allard, Jim Grace, Shaun Lacher, David Sandway and Dennis Stewart, who called themselves "The Highpoint Hoppers," set the first recognized record for climbing the highest point in each of the lower contiguous states in the fastest time.

[6] Fifteen years later, British climber Jake Meyer broke the speed record for climbing the lower 48 highpoints in 23 days, 19 hours and 31 minutes in 2006.

Len Vanderstar became the first Canadian to reach the highest point in each of the country's provinces and territories, finishing in 2017 on Barbeau Peak, Nunavut.