6 Mountain Climbs for the Extreme Hiker
Features & Advice Cherese Weekes June 24, 2014

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Take a hike.
We’re not saying get lost but you might want to in the hills of these next six mountains. Once you tackle their elevating feats, you’ll be a reigning king or queen of the skies in your own right. But don’t let their winds or drastic cliffs deter you from reaching the top, because once you’ve mastered these mountainous beauties, you’ll feel as though you can accomplish just about anything.
UK: Mount Snowdon
For the die-hard mountaineer, the veil of clouds hovering over Mount Snowdon only adds to the thrill of reaching the top, some 3,560 feet above sea level, to uncover the majestic scenery that lies above. The mountain is impressive for many reasons. For one, it is the highest location in Wales and allows climbers to feel as though they have the world at their feet. It is also the perfect destination to capture views of Windom Peak, the Sunlight Mountain as well as the scintillating Animas River Gorge.
Although Mount Snowdon isn’t the most vigorous climbs in the world, since its cliffs can be tackled in a day, its collection of buttresses and ridges create an unforgettable experience. So if you’re in the mood to escape amid the clouds and see the beauty of Wales at a 360- degree panaroma, you‘ll want to get your hiking boots ready and take a trip to this mountainside for an exciting journey uphill.
Alaska: Mount McKinley (Denali)
You won’t need to take a seat in the Oval Office at the White House to feel like the leader of North America because at the top of Mount McKinley, the highest peak in the continent, you’ll be able to witness the glory of feeling like a worthy leader just for attempting this insane climb. Well, that is if you can face the 20,320 feet elevation of this Alaskan mountain.
But if you’re able to push through its dizzying altitudes, you’ll conquer a massive mountain of granite that erected out of the core of the earth some 60 million years ago. Traveling up Mount McKinley is like taking a trip to the past and through various seasons as winds and even glaciers become distracting forces to keep climbers at a standstill. But don’t let these interferences disturb you from obtaining a bird’s-eye-view of Alaska and the beauty that lies in its great outdoors.
Africa: Mount Kenya
Although this rocky giant seems to be asleep, you’ll want to tread lightly in hopes of not walking him up. Mount Kenya offers a plethora or routes including twins Batian and Nelion, Point Lenana as well as Point John, which all offer unique climbs to suit every type of hiker.
And as the second highest peak to grace the continent of Africa, it is also one of the most extraordinary locations to travel along dense jungles, snow, glaciers as well as jagged terrain. Still, even the exotic wildlife of Africa finds it hard to shy away from Mount Kenya since there’s no telling when this sleeping beauty will awake again, although it claims to be extinct.
Hawaii: Mount Haleakala
With almost every location on the island of Maui offering a glimpse of Mount Haleakala, you might just be compelled to flock to its volcanic landscape to witness the cast of sunlight fall over its cliffs. Although sunsets from Mt. Haleakala are breathtaking, its terrain offers amazing adventures for the thrill seeker.
You can hop on a horse and explore the unearthly patterns of rustic landscapes that encompass its cliffs, or venture into the tropical plants of the park that lead to cascading waterfalls, which land into streams below. And of course this mountainous giant begs to be hiked, especially since the beauty of Maui hangs in the offering. With an altitude of 10,023 feet about sea level, Mount Haleakala is the ideal location to feel like you can achieve anything.
Mongolia: Mount Khuiten
Measuring 14,350 feet in height, you might be a bit intimidated by the climb of Mount Khuiten, but you won’t need to be an expert to master its hills. In fact, when it comes to hiking in Asia, the mountain is not one of the most popular climbs for extreme hikers. But the views that sit at the top matched with the fierceness of its winds make it worthy of recognition.
Once you’re trekking across its jagged landscape you’ll be taken on a journey through some of the most spectacular images that nature has to offer, including the Potanin Glacier. And with its highest peaks in clear view, when your feet are firmly planted on the ground and your head soaring amid the clouds, you’ll see why the trek up Mount Khuiten is worth taking its vast landscape by storm.
Nepal: Mount Everest
Of course we must include the granddaddy of all mountain ranges, which is none other than Mount Everest. With a staggering 29,029 feet to achieve, reaching the highest peak of this mountain has led many defeated and also sending a few hundred to an early grave because of the forceful winds and mind-boggling heights that make each step upward harder than the last.
Yet, there is still an outpour of determined hikers that line the mountain’s trails, all hoping to make it to the top. And who wouldn’t want to be a reigning champ, especially when you’ve managed to see the world from the summit of Mount Everest. Although this is the most challenging climb to achieve, once you’ve accomplished conquering every obstacle it throws your way, you’ll rightfully earn all bragging rights.
Sponsored Content
-
Tropical Paradise in Cancun & Punta Cana
Promoted by The Excellence Collection -
Exclusively Ours, Inclusively Yours at ALG Vacations®
Promoted by ALG Vacations -
A true adults only Caribbean atmosphere
Promoted by The Excellence Collection -
Playa Hotels & Resorts Adds New Mexican Caribbean Property to Portfolio
Comments
You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook information, including your name, photo & any other personal data you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on TravelPulse.com. Click here to learn more.
LOAD FACEBOOK COMMENTS