The majesty of mountains has awed people for ages and has inspired many to unlock their secrets. Some peaks in particular have commanded so much attention that they are iconic. Their forms and their prominence make them both beautiful and famous, and if you’re a lover of the mountains, here are 15 you will want to see:
Denali
Perpetually clad in snow and ice, Denali is the highest peak in both Alaska and all of North America. It’s also the world’s tallest land-based mountain, rising about 18,000’ from its base to its summit, making it several thousand feet “taller” than Mt. Everest.
K2
The world’s second-highest mountain is also possibly its most spectacular. Visible from many miles away as you hike up the massive Baltoro Glacier in Pakistan to its base, the mountain only becomes more incredible as you get closer. K2 is also arguably the world’s most dangerous and difficult mountain to climb, and it has claimed many lives.
The Matterhorn
There are many Matterhorns out there, but the Matterhorn is the one located on the Swiss and Italian border. It’s one of the highest peaks in Europe, but its fame is due to its appearance. Ancient glaciers carved away four sheer sides all rising to a pointed summit, making it a true glacial horn. It resembles what many kids would come up with if asked to draw a mountain for a school project.
Kilimanjaro
A dormant volcano in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak. Because it has no other peaks around it, it truly dominates the plains it towers over. Despite how close it is to the Equator, the mountain remains snow-capped all year and even has a glacier.
Ama Dablam
Only two mountains outside Asia are higher than Ama Dablam (both are in South America), yet Nepal’s Ama Dablam is not even close to being the highest peak in Asia. However, its nickname, “The Matterhorn of the Himalayas,” makes it easy to guess why it’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful mountains.
Vinicunca
At 17,100’ in altitude, this Peruvian mountain pierces the sky, though like Ama Dablam it’s well down the list of its range’s highest peaks (the Andes). What makes Vinicuna so spectacular and unique is the colorful striping on it, which is why it’s also called Rainbow Mountain.
Mt. Cook
Aoraki in the native Maori, Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, and it’s found in the Southern Alps. At 12,218’, the highest of Cook’s three summits is not particularly high as mountains go. However, weather patterns and its far southern latitude make it glaciated and heavily snow-covered, and mountain climbers consider it to be a significant challenge.
Cerro Torre
Argentina’s Patagonia is home to several spectacular mountains, and this spire is many people’s choice as the standout. At not even 11,000’, altitude sickness is not an issue as it is for the world’s highest peaks, but Cerro Torre is considered one of the world’s hardest mountains to climb due to the challenging terrain and harsh weather.
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier, Tahoma to Native Americans, is the highest peak in Washington and the most glaciated peak in the U.S. outside Alaska. Like the other big Cascade Range peaks, Rainier is a volcano, and what concerns scientists is that an eruption is geologically likely.
Alpamayo
Alpamayo is part of the Cordillera Blanca, a range in the Peruvian Andes. Its slim, tall profile is reminiscent of the Matterhorn; that and its beautiful snow patterns make it an exceptionally majestic mountain.
The Grand Teton
“The Grand” is the highest peak in western Wyoming’s Teton Range by almost 1000’, and, as the cliche goes, it sticks out like a sore thumb. Like the Matterhorn and Ama Dablam, it has that classic mountain shape, though its geological story is different. The eastern face of the Tetons is quite impressive because there is little in the way of foothills between them and the valley floor, making them extremely steep.
Mount Shasta
Another Cascade Range volcano, Shasta, is the highest peak in Northern California. Its glaciers and permanent snowfields create year-round beauty, and the classic conical shape is impressive from every direction.
Kirkjufell
Only 1,520’, this Icelandic peak proves that bigger is not always better. Resembling a cone from some directions and a cathedral from others, the peak juts up its flat surroundings and draws all attention to it. A three-streamed waterfall nearby creates the perfect framing for photographers.
Mount Fuji
Like many other cone-shaped volcanoes, Fuji soars above virtually flat surroundings and dominates the scenery from wherever it’s visible. You’ve probably seen Fuki in countless films and pictures, but it will still awe you when you see it for real.
Mount Assiniboine
Situated on the border of British Columbia and Alberta, Mount Assiniboine is another glacial horn with steep sides forming a pyramid, so it’s not surprising that it’s often called the “Matterhorn of the Rockies.” One of the best places to view it is from Lake Magog, where it rises 5000’ above the waters.
15 Must-Dos on Your Next Trip to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border makes a lot of lists of the most beautiful places in America. There’s also a lot to do there, with a wide range of outdoor recreation, great dining, resorts, nightlife, and more. If it’s your first time going or if you’re going back, consider adding some of the following places to your itinerary.
15 Must-Dos on Your Next Trip to Lake Tahoe
The World’s 5 Friendliest and 5 Unfriendliest Cities
Some cities welcome visitors and want them to be there. Other cities are rude to visitors and would just as soon see you leave. It can be jarring to be in an unfriendly city, though some of the world’s most enticing cities rank high on the rudeness scale.
When you visit a friendly city, it’s much easier to soak in the culture and meet the locals. Rough Guides readers voted on the cities for their level of friendliness. According to Rough Guides, these are the world’s friendliest and unfriendliest cities.
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