On October 4, 2025, Kilian Jornet accomplished his month-long States of Elevation challenge, linking up 72 mountains above 14,000 toes all through the states of Colorado, California, and Washington, all underneath his personal energy. These mountains, generally known as 14ers, are extremely sought-after summits by peak baggers, and many individuals spend a lifetime attempting to climb all of them. In the long run, after 31 days of motion, Jornet coated 5,145 kilometers (3,197 miles) and climbed 123,045 meters (403,690 toes), and summited all however two of the 14ers within the U.S.’s decrease 48 states, skipping two situated on non-public land in Colorado.
Alongside the best way, Jornet accomplished a number of iconic traces, together with the LA Freeway, the Elks Traverse, and Nolan’s 14. He additionally set a brand new quickest identified time (FKT) on Norman’s 13, a line linking 13 of the 15 Californian 14ers within the Sierra Nevada collectively in a single line. This human-powered challenge mirrors two comparable tasks Jornet accomplished lately — one within the Pyrenees in 2023 and his Alpine Connections within the Alps in 2024, each of which he used a bicycle to hyperlink up a sequence of excessive and technical peaks.
Jornet tops out Handies Peak at sundown halfway by means of his States of Elevation Mission. It’s a spot he is aware of effectively from his 5 wins on the Hardrock 100. Picture: Nick Danielson
This challenge comes as Jornet’s second journey to the U.S. this yr after he positioned third on the 2025 Western States 100 this previous June. Jornet, arguably the very best ultrarunner of this era, has gained UTMB 4 instances, the Hardrock 100 5 instances, and the Zegama Marathon 11 instances. Over his prolonged profession, Jornet has frequently undertaken non-racing adventures and tasks around the globe, and he introduced States of Elevation in early August 2025.
Jornet began his journey on September 3 by climbing Longs Peak in northern Colorado. Over the subsequent 16 days, he climbed 56 of the 58 14ers within the state, protecting 1,943 kilometers (1,207 miles) and 78,004 meters (255,900 toes) of elevation. Whereas not going for any type of official FKT, Jornet solely allowed himself 4.5 hours of sleep per night time all through the Colorado part of the challenge. Jornet’s challenge was much like that of Justin Simoni and Joe Grant, who beforehand linked all of Colorado’s 14ers by bike in 2014 and 2018, respectively. Whereas Simoni and Grant accomplished their tasks in self-supported style, that means they returned to their bikes the place they left them after every summit and located their very own meals and shelter, Jornet was assisted by a small workforce offering logistical assist.
All through the challenge, he was joined by the who’s who of U.S. path operating, mountaineering, and biking, together with iRunFar’s personal Bryon Powell and Meghan Hicks, who joined him in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. After ending the challenge, he mentioned that the companionship was a part of what made the journey particular: “I’ve been amazed by the wild nature, the wildlife, and the way a lot the landscapes change. I cherished doing it by my very own means, but in addition being joined at instances by mates who got here to share a second and present me their residence. I’m actually proud of how the challenge has gone.”
Jornet was accompanied by many runners on route. On this picture, Olympian Ryan Corridor is with Jornet in Colorado’s Elk Mountains. Picture: Nick Danielson
The climate throughout the Colorado section proved difficult. After ending the mountains within the state and setting his sights on the lengthy pedal throughout the desert to California, Jornet mentioned, “Through the first two weeks the climate was actually powerful, which added an additional layer of problem. The primary week I felt horrible — most likely due to the jet lag and the altitude — however then I began to really feel higher and higher, even when the climate saved being troublesome. In these first two weeks we solely had three days of solar, which made issues more durable.”
Jornet will get aero whereas using throughout the desert between Colorado and California. Picture: Nick Danielson
From Colorado, Jornet cycled throughout a number of states over the course of a number of days to the California Sierra Nevada, the place he ticked off the 13 peaks within the vary through the Norman’s 13 line. The Sierra Nevada 14ers are in two distinct clusters linked by the John Muir Path, and the route connecting all of them entails some low fifth-class scrambling, one thing Jornet is greater than adept at.
Jornet mentioned that he completely loved his time within the Sierra Nevada: “Norman’s 13 has been one of many highlights of my journey. The terrain is unimaginable for mountaineering, with infinite wilderness, the attractive John Muir Path, colourful lakes, and forests that make you’re feeling immersed in nature.” Whereas the FKT wasn’t initially the plan, Jornet discovered that he was transferring rapidly on the terrain and mentioned, “It’s been lengthy, technical, and enjoyable — and actually, I haven’t thought a lot concerning the FKT. When scouting, I noticed there have been prospects to maneuver quick, however I wasn’t certain how I’d really feel after so many days of exercise. To see that, after 23 days, I can nonetheless transfer rapidly — it feels good.”
Jornet ascends the snowy slopes of Mount Shasta in California. Afterward, Jornet mentioned this was one of many windiest summits he’s ever had. Picture: Nick Danielson
From there, Jornet headed north to White Mountain Peak and Mount Shasta earlier than using to Washington state to finish his final summit, Mount Rainier.
Afterward, Jornet mentioned, “I’m actually comfortable to have made it this far. Once I began this challenge, it was simply an concept on a map — one thing I assumed could possibly be nice, however I didn’t know if it will be potential. Now I see that it was, and past the numbers, it’s been a real journey — a approach to uncover locations which have grow to be very particular to me.”
Jornet climbs Mount Rainier in Washington, the ultimate peak of his U.S. States of Elevation Mission. Picture: Nick Danielson
