Idaho Couple Summits All 44 County High Points

Ben Nickell and Anne Koski reached the peak of Bare Peak Northwest to finalize their decade-long trekking challenge.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hiking

Idaho Couple Summits All 44 County High Points

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After a journey that began in 2016, 52-year-olds Ben Nickell and Anne Koski successfully climbed the highest point in each of Idaho's 44 counties. The pair completed their quest in September 2026 by reaching the summit of the 9,436-foot Bare Peak Northwest.

Why it matters

The achievement marks a significant personal milestone for the couple, who set out to explore the diverse geography of Idaho. Anne Koski undertook the final stages of the project to reach her goal prior to scheduled medical procedures.

The couple finalized their trek with a 22-hour climb of Bare Peak Northwest, which stands at 9,436 feet. Idaho's highest point, Borah Peak, reaches 12,665 feet.

The players

Ben Nickell

He is a 52-year-old mountaineer who successfully completed the county high point challenge.

Anne Koski

She is a 52-year-old climber who finished her goal of summiting all 44 Idaho county high points before her upcoming surgery.

The details

Using a combination of GPS tracks, printed maps, and advice from fellow mountaineers, the couple navigated terrain across the state, even flying into a backcountry airstrip to reach Big Baldy. This final trek concluded a massive effort to traverse every county high point within Idaho's borders.

The couple began their county high point journey in 2016 at Hyndman Peak.
The pair made the formal decision to target all 44 county high points in 2020.
The final summit of Bare Peak Northwest was achieved in September 2026.
Anne Koski is scheduled for knee replacement surgery in 2027.

Culture Shift

The couple's completion of the county high points serves as a precursor to their planned future sections of the Idaho Centennial Trail. This trend reflects a broader interest in deep-state exploration and long-distance hiking challenges that prioritize regional geography over established peak-bagging lists.

The couple's journey demonstrates that Idaho's county peaks are accessible to dedicated hikers who utilize modern mapping apps and careful planning. Aspiring hikers can use similar digital navigation tools to plan their own excursions across the state's diverse mountain ranges.

The takeaway

Achieving major physical milestones requires years of planning and the strategic use of navigational resources. For those inspired by this journey, breaking large goals into specific, manageable objectives can turn a long-term dream into a reality.

What happens next

Anne Koski is scheduled to undergo knee replacement surgery in 2027, which will be followed by the couple's planned hiking of the Idaho Centennial Trail in sections.