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Photo above by bobtravis
While some of the world’s highest and most dangerous mountains lie in the Himalaya, Andes, Karakorum, and other high ranges, climbers hoping for big adventure need look no further than the United States.
Here are six American mountains to climb for big adventure:
1. Mount Washington, NH
New Hampshire’s highest point may only reach an elevation of 6,288 feet, but it is home to some of the world’s worst weather. In fact, the highest wind gust ever recorded on Earth’s surface, an incredible 231 mph blast, occurred on the summit of Mount Washington.
Its close proximity to the coast makes Mount Washington’s weather changeable and unpredictable. This is especially true in the winter, when temperatures frequently approach -40 degrees Fahrenheit and even exceed -100 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chill.
In both winter and summer, climbers can choose to reach the summit via a strenuous hike or a technical alpine route. If you visit on one of the 110 average days per year in which wind gusts exceed hurricane force levels, an adventure is guaranteed.
You can read more about climbing Mount Washington in the Boston Globe and the Mount Washington Observatory forums.
Photo above by masterjack.roger
2. Mount Katahdin, ME
At 5,267 feet, Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine, is lower than Mount Washington. Still, the airy views from the “Knife Edge” trail, which narrows to only two feet in width in some places and is flanked by thousand foot drops on either side, makes climbing Katahdin one of the most unique experiences in the Eastern United States.
For more information on the various routes up Katahdin, check out the Katahdin Regional Wiki.
Photo above by mandj98
3. Mount Rainier, WA
14,411 foot-high Mount Rainier is visible from Seattle, but climbing it is no easy undertaking. It requires travel on the largest glacier in the Lower 48 and advanced technical knowledge.
Still, there is probably no better place in America to get a “big mountain” experience with such a short approach.
For more information on climbing Mount Rainier, try the National Park Service trail descriptions or the Summit Post.
Photo above by david.evenson
4. Longs Peak, CO
The only “fourteener” in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak is an iconic mountain and considered to be the most difficult 3rd class fourteener in Colorado.
Though it’s officially non-technical in the summer, the popular Keyhole Route still offers steep rock scrambles and lots of exposure. When combined with the intense physical demands of the route, these features make Longs Peak an excellent objective for those looking for a mountain adventure.
If you want to plan an ascent of Longs Peak, the best first place to go is Paul Nesbit’s Longs Peak: Its Story and a Climbing Guide.
Photo above by glennwilliamspdx
5. Mount Shasta, CA
Considered one of the best treks in California, Mount Shasta is also one of America’s most adventurous mountain destinations. Popular routes to the 14,179 foot summit rise more that 7,000 feet from the trailhead and traverse rock moraine, snowfields, and glacial features.
For a classic account of adventure on Mount Shasta, read John Muir’s essay “Snow-storm on Mount Shasta.”
Photo above by exfordy
6. Mount Haleakala, HI
Forming more than 75% of the island of Maui, Haleakala is one of the best places to explore Hawaii’s unique volcanic landscape.
Though the summit is accessible by road and home to astrological observatories, hiking through the national park puts you in touch with the austere and dramatic terrain and provides an opportunity to get close to an active volcano.
Like Mount Kea, Haleakala is considered a sacred mountain by native Hawaiians. Also like Mount Kea, its summit is considered one of the best places on earth for viewing the cosmos.
Spending the night on Mount Haleakala is the perfect opportunity to sit back in a sleeping bag, sip some tea, and dream of all the adventures waiting for you under that star-studded mantle.
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For more big-time adventures, check out the Top 15 Adventure Towns Worldwide, or learn about 7 Classic Adventure Spots in Asia.
David DeFranza
David DeFranza is an editor at large for the Matador Network. He has studied in China, worked in Japan, and wandered all over Asia, Europe and North America.
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Loved it, David, and I was happy to see you include some East Coast mountains. For anyone looking to hike in the Whites, I recommend the Caps and Castle trail up Mt. Jefferson, looping around to Mt. Adams. Great day hike, and much less crowded than Washington.
Rainier is on my do to list for this summer! who's down?
i hiked until i could go no further without needing additional safety equipment, about 2,000 ft. above the tree line (approx. 10,000 ft). loved it. beautiful country. mt. rainier NP is one of my favorite parks in the U.S.. The Olympics are also a very mountain range for hiking, without the need for specialty climbing equipment.
Great roundup! I always wondered why I didn’t hear more about hiking Mt. Rainier; you cleared it up for me.
If you want to add in a cool trip for folks in the Southeast US, Mt. LeConte in the Smokies is a fantastic hike…no climbing necessary. I think it’s only about 6,000 ft. There’s a great lodge at the top where you can crash for the night if you need a chance to rest at the top and enjoy the views. No electric, pump your own water, just peace, quiet, and wilderness.
Hi,
Thanks for including two from the East. They are both hearty climbs, especially Katahdin, which doesn’t have any restaurants, gift shops, weather stations or cog trains on top.
Henri
Agreed. Katahdin’s a great climb.
Good informative resourse!
I would love to do some of these. I am thinking about climbing Mt. Adams in Oregon. I climbed Mt. st. Helens in Washington, and that was a blast! It was strenuous, but not so much so that my 12 year old brother could do it! the boulder fields were awesome to climb over, and from the peak of the mountain we could see 6 other mountains in the Oregon/Washington area. There was even steam coming out of the mountain! I certainly recommend this climb to everyone who wants a great experience! It only took us 10 hours to finish it! we started just below the edge of the tree line and climbed to the top!