260 is the point where I worry. It shouldn't cause immediate harm of any kind, but over the long term if you're hitting 260+ on any kind of regular basis, it's got to affect both oil life and engine life. 280 is a level I consider totally unacceptable. If I ever saw my needle about to hit 280, I'd stop doing whatever I was doing (in your case, apparently going up a mountain in 95 degree weather), and pull over and pop the hood (but leave the engine running!) to get it cooled back down if necessary. I don't plan on ever allowing my car to reach limp-mode if I can help it.
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