The Perfect Mountain Climbing Experience
Mountain climbing is one of the most rewarding activities you can do in your life. Both the challenge and the view on top of the mountain are only available to a few million people globally, especially when the climb is challenging. But mountain climbing requires a lot of determination and preparation.
Not many people can climb mountains, and it requires a decent amount of training and experience. That’s why it’s only right for us to start this list with an amateur mountain to climb.
Pikes Peak
Skill: Amateur
One of the amateur mountains you can climb with little to no experience is Pikes Peak in Colorado. It’s one of the highest peaks in the US, at about 14,000 ft above sea level, giving it a wonderful view once you’ve reached the top. The trail is also very beginner-friendly since it is one of the most visited mountains in the country.
Interestingly enough, humans aren’t the only ones climbing this mountain. Drivers are also well-known to be a part of the experience. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climbing Challenge is recognized as one of the most daring races in the world. Visiting the peaks around the summer of next year should give you a chance to watch this one-in-year show while also giving yourself time to climb the mountain as well.
Many experienced hikers and climbers do the climb alone. But if you’re an amateur, or have very little experience in mountain climbing, then consider joining a group instead, or maybe pay for a guided tour instead.
Mount Whitney
Skill: Intermediate
Mount Whitney is considered a good mountain to climb once you’re trying to graduate from an amateur climber to an intermediate one. It’s about the same height as Pikes Peak but is considered to have more rugged terrain. It also has a steeper slope, which requires an experienced climber to navigate. But aside from those challenges, it’s certainly a worthwhile experience.
If you haven’t seen the Californian wilderness from up above, this is the best choice for you. Moreover, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys biking, Mount Whitney has a beautiful but challenging biking trail. It’s worth giving a shot if you want to gain some biking experience under your belt.
This is essentially a good way to test your skills as a climber. But by the end of the day, the view on top of Mount Whitney is certainly to die for.
Mount Rainier and Forbidden Peaks
Skill: Advanced
Climbing any mountains in the cascades is no easy task, but among one the hardest are Mount Rainier and the Forbidden Peaks. But climbing any of these peaks means that you can climb any mountain in the US continent.
These two peaks aren’t any higher when compared to the two mountains we’ve mentioned above. But reaching the peak is much harder. The weather is snowy, and the trails are slippery and steep. Depending on your group’s pace, it also takes at least three to five days to reach the peak.
If it’s your first time climbing this mountain, we suggest you bring an experienced mountaineer with you who has climbed the peak dozens of times. Furthermore, make sure to prepare snow gear with you, because you will be experiencing a lot of snow.
Mount McKinley (Denali)
Skill: Expert
Last on this list is Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in the US and the most strenuous climb you’ll ever make.
Mount Mckinley is more than 19,000 feet above sea level, making it the tallest mountain in the US and tallest worldwide. The climb is filled with snow all year round, mixed with slippery slopes. Some of it will require you to climb near the cliff’s edge, which is a breathtaking experience in itself. However, it’s not for the faint of heart, and only the most experienced mountaineers dare to climb this challenge.
There are many ways you can climb Mount McKinley. You can start by booking an all-inclusive trip to Alaska if you want some additional salmon to bring back home apart from your remarkable journey up to the peak of Mount McKinley. It’s a worthwhile trip to do just because of the value you can get out of it. You should consider hiring a registered mountaineer to help you out. Usually, climbs up the peak come in groups because of the challenge ahead. It’s never wise for you to do this climb alone.
These mountains will test your mantle and the knowledge you’ve learned throughout your years of climbing. But reaching the top of these peaks is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences you’ll ever have in your entire life.
