| What it is | Climbing many summits, often a list |
| Examples | 14ers, 4,000-footers, county highpoints |
| Appeal | Goal-driven challenge |
| Difficulty | Varies by list |
Peak bagging is the pursuit of climbing many summits, often working through a defined list — like the Colorado 14ers, the New England 4,000-footers, or a country’s highest peaks. It turns hiking into a goal-driven challenge, with hikers ‘bagging’ peaks one by one to complete the list.
The appeal
Reaching each summit ticks it off a list, adding structure and motivation — though a false summit can fool you along the way.
Popular lists
Colorado’s 14ers, the New England 4,000-footers, and national or county highpoints. Bigger peaks often involve scrambling and serious elevation gain.
Frequently asked questions
What is peak bagging?
Peak bagging is the hobby of reaching as many summits as possible, frequently by completing an established list of peaks. Hikers track which summits they've 'bagged' and work toward finishing the list, which adds structure and motivation to mountain hiking.
What are the 14ers?
The 14ers are mountains over 14,000 feet (4,267 m) in elevation. Colorado's roughly 58 14ers are the most famous peak-bagging list in the US, drawing hikers who aim to summit them all.
What does 'bagging a peak' mean?
It simply means reaching a summit and ticking it off — 'bagging' it. The slang reflects the collector's mindset of peak bagging, where each summit counts toward a personal or published list.
Sources
- Mountain hiking — The Mountaineers