Rising Above The Rest
Some people will do anything for an adrenaline rush, and that includes climbing massive—and potentially deadly—mountains. While most people can easily name the highest mountain in the world, that's where their knowledge stops. Let's get into some of these mammoth monuments across Asia and America.
1. Mount Everest
You definitely already knew this, but, in case you didn't, Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth. Clocking in at 29,032 feet, Everest is as tall as twenty Empire State Buildings. Recent years have generated much discussion about the ethics of recreational Everest treks when it comes to safety and littering.
2. K2
While Everest is the highest, K2 might be the most difficult. At 28, 251 ft, K2's weather and instability make it the more difficulty climb. If you're wondering why it doesn't have a name like the others, it was nicknamed K2 during a British survey, as its remote location meant the locals did not have a name for it.
Maria Ly from San Francisco, USA on Wikimedia
3. Kangchenjunga
Straddling the border between India and Nepal, Kanchenjunga was believed to be the highest mountain in the world until 1852. This wasn't because we didn't know Everest existed, but because of an error in calculations. At 28,169 feet it ranks #3 on this list.
4. Lhotse
Lhotse is sort of like a little sibling to Everest, as the two are connected by a massive massif, if you'll pardon the pun. Although, at 27,940 ft, it isn't that little. Lhotse is often climbed immediately after summiting Everest.
5. Makalu
If you asked us to draw a mountain, we'd probably draw something like Makalu's pryamid-shaped peak. Makalu's first ascent was notable because the entire team of mountaineers reached the summit as opposed to one or two. This is no small feat as Makalu is 27,838 ft/
6. Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu is often used as a test drive for Everest, as it's the easiest eight-thousander (those are peaks over 8k meters in mountaineering lingo). While Cho Oyu is high, it doesn't require a ton of technical mountaineering experience. Although we imagine you'd have to be extremely fit to climb 26,864 ft for fun!
7. Dhaulagiri
In comparison to Cho Oyu's popularity, Dhagulagiri is often overlooked by climbers. This is in part because it's difficult to access, and partly thanks to its intimidating facade. Dhaulagiri is 26,795 feet.
8. Manaslu
Looks can be deceiving in Manaslu's case. While this mountain certainly looks treacherous, it's actually quite an easy climb, all things considered, thanks to moderate slopes and valley glaciers. Manaslu is 26,781 feet.
9. Nanga Parbat
In comparison to Manaslu, Nanga Parbat is considered an extremely difficult climb with a terrifying fatality rate. The lush surroundings of Fairy Meadows provide a stark contrast to the reality of the trek. Nanga Parbat is 26,66 ft and growing; according to Guinness World Records, it grows 0.27 inches per year.
10. Annapurna
While Everest is the highest mountain in the world, and K2 is the most difficult, Annapurna is the deadliest. This 26,545 foot mountain has a thirst for blood and is prone to unpredictable avalanches. Nearly a third of all those who attempt the summit never come back down.
Now that we've covered some of the highest peaks internationally, let's look at a few close to home.
1. Denali
Just like how the highest mountains in the world are clustered around China, Nepal, and India, the highest mountains in America are all in Alaska (sorry, Mt. Whitney—you just missed out). Denali, previously known as Mount McKinley is the highest mountain North America. At 20,310 feet, it's 2/3 the size of Everest!
Denali National Park and Preserve on Wikimedia
2. Mount Saint Elias
Half in Canada, half in America, Mount Saint Elias is the second tallest mountain in either country. This peak has been used as a landmark for both Indigenous and European explorers around the Gulf of Alaska. At 18,009 feet, it's pretty hard to miss.
National Park Service, Alaska Region on Wikimedia
3. Mount Foraker
Almost directly above Denali's base camp is the third-highest peak in America. Mount Foraker clocks in at 17,400 ft. The Koyukon people of Lake Minchumina call this mountain "Denali's wife", which is kind of cute; climbing both could be a really intense honeymoon for a mountaineering couple.
4. Mount Bona
Mount Bona iasn't your average mountain; it's actually a dormant stratovolcano. In fact, at 16,550 feet, it's the highest volcano in the country. Mount Bona is almost entirely surrounded by breathtaking icefields.
5. Mount Blackburn
Another volcano (this time a shield volcano, if you remember your elementary school science lessons), Mount Blackburn is 16,390 feet high. This may sound like a walk in the park compared to some of these other peaks, but don't be fooled. The Wrangell Mountains have some of the harshest winters in the country.
6. Mount Sanford
Not too far from Mount Blackburn is our next tallest peak, Mount Sanford. Another volcano, Mount Sanford produces some activity, though not when anyone's been climbing it, thankfully. At 16,237 feet, this trek is considered relatively easy as it's basically a glacier all the way up.
7. Mount Fairweather
Moving into the Alaska panhandle, Mount Fairweather is 15,325 feet high. In Tlinglit mythology, this mountain used to be beside Saint Elias, but the two separated after a divorce! In contrast to its pleasant name, weather conditions are absolutely gnarly up there.
8. Mount Hubbard
Forgive us for saying this, but Mount Hubbard is somewhat unremarkable, as far as huge mountains go. The route to the summit is long, though not overly technical. Once you've reached 14,951 feet, you can enjoy the view of the charmingly-named Disenchantment Bay.
9. Mount Bear
At 14,831 feet, Mount Bear is nothing to sneeze at. Unfortunately, it doesn't see much traffic as it is is surrounded by more famous peaks such as Mount Bona and Canada's Mount Logan. Many summits of this peak are done via ski.
Mebbing at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
10. Mount Hunter
Ending this list on a high note is Mount Hunter with a height of 14,573 feet. Mount Hunter is sometimes called "Denali's Child", though it packs a fiercer punch than its parent. What Mount Hunter lacks in height, it makes up for in difficulty with corniced ridges and steep faces.
