Jasper Mayor Josh Gates climbs highest peak on every continent

Mayor Josh Gates of Jasper, Alabama did something only a few people in the world have ever done. 

What Is the Seven Summits Challenge

Last month, Gates summited Mount Elbrus in Russia, the highest peak in Europe, successfully completing the Seven Summits Challenge — climbing to the top of the highest mountain on each of the seven continents on Earth.

According to the Seven Summits Registry less than 500 mountaineers in history have accomplished the feat.

How arduous a task is it to climb the highest mountains on each continent? Imagine just traveling to these places, let alone hiking to the top of them.

• Asia: Mount Everest (8,848 m / 29,032 ft) – Nepal/Tibet
• South America: Aconcagua (6,961 m / 22,838 ft) – Argentina
• North America: Denali (6,190 m / 20,310 ft) – Alaska, USA
• Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) – Tanzania
• Europe: Mount Elbrus (5,642 m / 18,510 ft) – Russia
• Antarctica: Mount Vinson (4,892 m / 16,050 ft)
• Oceania: Puncak Jaya (4,884 m / 16,024 ft) in Indonesia 

In 2024, he became only the third Alabamian to summit Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.

Army Ranger, CEO, Jasper Mayor

In addition to finishing the Seven Summits Challenge, Gates also brings a distinctive background to the mayor’s office.

An Army Ranger and co-founder of  the digital media company Saturday Down South, Gates became Mayor of Jasper in November 2025.

It’s no surprise his platform focused on expanding outdoor recreation and public spaces — the man climbs mountains for fun.

He is also known throughout the community for his work with the Jasper Industrial Development Board, the Walker Area Community Foundation Grant Review Committee, the Synovus Bank Advisory Board, and Jasper Main Street.

In a city news release about his accomplishment, Gates gave a big shoutout to his team back home for keeping things running smoothly while he was on the mountain

“The City continued moving forward because of dedicated professionals who show up every day, solve problems, and work hard for the people of Jasper. I’m proud to serve alongside them, and this experience only strengthened my confidence in our organization and in the future of our city,”

Mayor Josh Gates

What’s next for Gates and the city of Jasper? According to his office, the town is about to make some big announcements in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the mayor and the community are preparing to celebrate the annual Foothills Festival on September 11-12 — a perfect excuse to spend a weekend in Walker County and hear from their “mountaineer mayor.”