Who: The Bargo Bros
Branndon Bargo
Branndon has led large and difficult expeditions to Uganda, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and more than 50 other countries. He competes in the world's most difficult endurance events to keep in shape for his expeditions, including the world’s toughest canoe race, the world’s toughest one-day mountain bike race in Bhutan, and racing in triathlons and ultramarathons.
Branndon, with his brother Greg are the world’s first to climb Mount McKinley, the highest point in North America then bike 4,000 miles self-supported to Baja Mexico and scuba dive with great white sharks in their Summit to Sea Expedition.
He led the One Blood Expedition to climb the three highest peaks in Africa accessing each by biking and canoeing across Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest lake. Recently he achieved a world record time by climbing the 7 summits of Central America in 12 days.
Branndon has a Broadcast Journalism degree from Texas State University. He has an Emmy nomination for his work with The Daytripper, and is the producer of two Discovery Channel documentaries - To Live or Die on Everest, and Everest’s Greatest Mystery.
He is the founder and owner of the outdoor company, Live Adventure, and is Executive Producer and host of The Highpointers on PBS and Amazon Prime.
Greg Bargo
Greg is the younger brother and more often than not he's leading climbs and challenging his older brother in the world's toughest competitions. Greg has experience guiding expeditions to remote areas of Alaska, the Cascades, Africa, Asia and South America.
He biked across America from Los Angeles to Washington DC to raise money for clean water wells in Africa, biked with the prince of Bhutan in the Himalayas, and led a team of runners on a 200-mile Run Across Minnesota. To stay sharp he competes all over the US in 100-mile ultra marathons including the Leadville 100, Western States 100, and many others.
Greg has a strong ability to plan and create the logistics necessary to navigate unexplored regions of the globe. Together the Bargo brothers help promote adventure tourism within Earth's most off-the-beaten path destinations. Throughout their adventures they’ve had to rely upon one another for survival during dangerous ascents, extreme weather, and venturing throughout remote countries.
Greg is a graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Business Management, and has worked as talent and crew on several television programs including PBS’s The Daytripper, and co-host of the award-winning Tourism Salvation documentary. Greg is producer and co-host of The Highpointers.
What: Highpointing
A type of hiking or climbing that requires a person to reach the highest natural point in whatever county, state, province, or country they are in.
The Bargo Brothers climbing the highpoint of Honduras during their Central American record attempt.
Branndon had the opportunity to represent the US as part of the American Alpine Club - Alpine Club of Iran Climber’s Exchange. He summited several peaks among them being the highest peak of Iran, Mt. Damavand (18,406 ft). “Great things are done when men and mountains meet.”
Where: All 50 US States
We are climbing the highpoint of all 50 US States on our TV show, The Highpointers. When we are not filming, we love highpointing all over the globe and one day hope to be the first to climb the highest point in every country in the world! If you are interested in joining us on our next highpoint adventure, visit the HP Trips page.
Climbing towards the top of Mt. Stanley, the highpoint of Uganda and Congo.
The trip that started it all for The Bargo Brothers was the Summit 2 Sea Expedition. They summited Denali in Alaska and then hopped on their bikes and rode from Alaska to Baja California self-supported 4000 miles.
When: JULY 2020
Season 1 of The Highpointers premiered summer 2020 on PBS. Feel free to check out what the show is all about and watch the full episodes on our website!
Branndon and Greg on the top of Driskill Mountain, the highest point in Louisiana.
A little brotherly competition - Branndon and Greg compete in a jalapeño eating contest in San Antonio.
Branndon and Greg on top of Guadalupe Peak, the highpoint of Texas.
Why: It’s about the journey
Branndon, Greg, and Don Mann (Navy Seal) on top of Mt. Rogers, the highest point in Virginia.
We discovered highpointing while doing hard peaks like Denali and Mt. Rainier, however we soon realized the smaller peaks like Driskill Mountain were just as fun! We could choose our own adventure and invite others to join. We were always looking for ways to invite our friends and family to join us on climbs and highpointing was the perfect way to do it.
How we started highpointing
First, we built up our fitness and endurance. We competed in many different sports including semi-pro American football in Europe, and collegiate and international rugby across the U.S, Europe and New Zealand. We moved to Park City, Utah to join the U.S. Skeleton development team to try and make the 2006 Olympics. We didn’t make the Olympic team unfortunately but we did get to train with gold medalists and the Jamaican Bobsled team!
Branndon playing rugby for Texas State University.
Branndon and Greg about to go head first down an ice track at 80 mph.