For as long as I can remember Harney Peak (7,242 feet & a lattitude of -103.53111) in South Dakota has claimed to be the highest point east of the Rockies with no mention of Emory Peak (7,825 feet & a lattitude of -103.30333). I read this again in the latest Backpacker edition. Has this grave injustice ever been addressed?
Some consider the Chisos to be an extension of the Rockies. But, regardless, why does it matter? It's just numbers and the quirks of geography, geology and lines on a map. There also is an 'eastern' continental divide where the water to the east flows to the Atlantic and to the west flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Big deal. It all goes the same place and mixes in a swirl on the tip of Florida.
Others say that Fishers Peak, a 9627 feet summit in Colorado is not part of the Rockies and thus is the high point east of there. If that is the case, Emory Peak isn't even a player. Peak elevations are useful for bragging rights (and Harney is the high point of South Dakota) but not much else.
I've never tied my enjoyment of an area to a number or a claim. YMMV :D
