Eight Mountains to Climb If You’re Looking for a Safer Adventure
In 2018, over 800 people climbed Mount Everest. There are many more who would like to climb a mountain, but aren’t exactly ready for that kind of challenge (understandably). Everyone has to start somewhere, so below are eight of the world’s easiest mountains to climb.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji, a popular tourist destination in Japan, is known to many travelers. What they may not know, however, is that it doesn’t take much experience to make their way up the mountain, which is accessible via a well-maintained trail. Travelers begin their hike at an elevation of 7,545 feet and eventually top out at 12,388 feet.
The whole climb takes the average person around eight hours to complete – not too bad!
Ben Macdui, Scotland
Ben Macdui is the second tallest mountain in Scotland and is part of the Cairngorms mountain range. The peak stands at a height of 4,295 feet. The key elements to being able to climb Ben Macdui are to 1) be in good shape and 2) have some degree of navigational skills. From there, you just need to climb!
The top of the mountain offers stunning views of the rest of the range.
Pikes Peak, United States
Hikers looking to test their limits should check out Pikes Peak. Located in Colorado‘s Rocky Mountains, it offers North American trekkers the chance to go as high as they can in the region without actually having to climb.
The 13-mile trek takes hikers up a total of 7,381 feet. The walk, which can be done in a day, is a good challenge, but doable for those in good condition. Once at the top, there are many options to get back down, including the cog railway and catching a ride from people who took their cars up to the summit.
Monte Bronzone, Italy
Monte Bronzone isn’t one of the more popular mountains in Europe, but it has plenty to offer. From the town of Dasio, Italy, adventurers can trek up the 1,434-meter summit. Once there, they’re treated to amazing views of the surrounding villages.
Be warned, not everything can be seen in a day. The area around the mountain also features waterfalls and gigantic caves, which are definitely worth exploring if you have the time!
Half Dome, United States
The Half Dome is a large granite rock formation found in Yosemite National Park, in Mariposa County, California. A 16-mile hike up large stairs and cables gets adventurers to the top of the 2,694-meter summit.
Just because people want to take on the Half Dome, however, doesn’t guarantee they’ll get the chance. The range is so popular that hikers must have a permit, which is awarded through a lottery system.
Island Peak, Nepal
Island Peak in Nepal does require some mountaineering skills to make it up to the top. Despite that, the mountain has been called “the world’s easiest 20,000-foot peak.” It’s popular for adventurers who want to tackle bigger challenges in the future.
While there is plenty of hiking up the mountain, crampons and ice axes will also be necessary at some point.
Stony Bay Peak, New Zealand
Stony Bay Peak is located in the coastal New Zealand town of Akaroa, and the hike up the 806-meter mountain isn’t all that difficult. The climb takes most people approximately five hours, and once complete, visitors get panoramic views of the Banks Peninsula. Also native to the area are magpies that are drawn close by shiny objects.
Mount Meru, Tanzania
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Many adventurers head to Tanzania, so they can climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. For those who may not feel ready for that kind of challenge, there is another option: Mount Meru. It stands at 4,566 meters, and one of its coolest aspects is the large number of wild animals that appear along its trails.
For this reason, however, all climbers utilize tour guides who are armed. Wild animals are known to be unpredictable and, as such, dangerous.