Best Mountains for Beginners

Climbing mountains isn’t meant for everybody. But you don’t have to be everybody if you start with small steps. Sure it might seem like something only people with years of experience can do. While that is true, it only applies to a few very dangerous mountains. For beginners, there are a ton of other great choices that can even launch you on your own journey to becoming a hiking expert. There are also several scenic locations if you are specifically into rock climbing.

Before you make a choice, you should know that climbing isn’t unsophisticated either. Even for relatively easy ascents like Mount Fuji, you can be faced with several challenges, including rapid elevations, extreme and sudden weather changes, and long, strenuous trekking. For once, physical fitness is a must in any mountain climb. Also, you need to know what to take with you and how to select the best equipment. It is something you definitely need to think about before attempting to start a climb.

Are you ready to take on summits all over the world to start your climbing career? Start slow and low, with these beginner-level mountains that can still give you a taste of what climbing an expert-level mountain feels like.

The bikingbro.com has some great tips for bikers and cyclists, so here are some of the best mountains for beginners:

1. Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and one of the Seven Summits in the world, but don’t get too overwhelmed – even an 8-year old and an 85-year old can climb it. At 19,336 feet, the mountain is an excellentchoice to overcome the fear of heights with its eight different routes to reach the summit. Around 16,500 people climb to its peak every year, so don’t expect solitude on the trail. Plus, Kilimanjaro will take you to six ecological zones and will give you the chance to see how your body will react at high altitudes without risking too much. This will be beneficial for you if you are going to get serious about climbing.

Although you can pick any time for climbing the mountain, there are certain times of the year when the weather is a lot more pleasant. It would be perfect if you were to visit the mountain anytime from January to March or from June till October. Aside from the weather, the routes aren’t as crowded, which gives you the space to enjoy your adventure in isolation.

2. Mount Fuji, Japan

Fuji is one of the most climbed mountains in the world. It is notable for having only one peak, rising at about 12,388 feet above Japan’s capital. If you are physically fit, you can climb it for about eight hours up and down. Fuji is a great training ground for aspiring mountaineers to experience the stamina needed for climbing mountains without the technical terrain found in most mountains.

The trails here are also ideal for a trouble-free ascent. There are several mountain huts which can provide food and overnight stays. The trip is also very accommodating for bikers, consisting of tracks that lead straight up to the peak. For the best mountain bikes, under $200, visit Probikeninja.

3. Sandakphu, Nepali border

If you want a perfect introduction to the Himalayas, consider climbing Sandakphu. At 11,941 feet above sea level, you will not need a lot of gear to surmount this beast. The best part comes when you reach the summit; you will be able to witness a majestic sight: a view of four of the five highest peaks in the world, including Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga.

Your journey will include passing through the forest surrounding the mountain. The trails of Sandakphu are famous for their easy-to-follow tracks and well-marked directions. It is also a must from the authorities for a guide to accompany you, which means that your experience will be as flawless as possible. The mountain has delightful weather during most times of the year.

4. Mount Baker, United States

Mount Baker is one of the best training peaks in the world due to its high but manageable elevations and distances. The 10,781-foot summit is encased by 12 glaciers with more ice than any other glaciated mountains in the Cascades. It offers a stunning view of the neighboring waters and forestry.

If you are a fan of hiking during a fancy snowfall, Mount Baker is the perfect spot. It is one of the top places in the world with the most snowfall. You can sign up for tour programs that will take you around the mountain and back in 2 days. Or, if you want to test your limit and keep on moving, you can choose simpler routes that will bring you to the top within 10 hours.

5. Island Peak, Nepal

Island Peak is the most popular “trekking peak” in Nepal, as it is the easiest among 6,000-meter summits. You can climb it in one day, but if you are not in a hurry, you can choose to climb it in two days. Island Peak needs an alpine start and some gear like ice axes and crampons. Some Island Peak guides include a trek to Everest Base Camp in their itineraries.

For novices, it is recommended to go slow to acclimatize yourself to the low levels of oxygen. Be sure to protect yourself from bug bites, if you decide to camp and sleep for the night.

6. Breithorn, Switzerland

The Western summit of Breithorn may be a popular 4,000-meter peak in the Alps because of a cable car service that takes climbers less than 300 meters below the summit. From that point, you can head across and up a glacier, wherein you would need the use of ice axes and crampons.

The ideal time for you to climb the mountain will be during the hottest months of the year. This is because even during the summers, it is mostly below freezing point on the mountain. The air on the mountain is as clear as you could wish for. Though it’s a short climb, the experience you will gain from the snow climbing and high altitude will make it a good start for your mountaineering career.

Mount Hood, United States7. Mount Hood, United States

Mount Hood is one of the glaciated volcanic peaks in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The summit is a good training ground for those who want to learn how to conquer the biggest mountains in the world and to gain the skill required in climbing 8,000-meter peaks. When at the southeastern face of the mountain, be sure to put on your over the glasses goggles before you begin skiing..

8.  Pico de Orizaba, Mexico

A beautiful mountain located to the South East of Mexico City.  It stands at 18,490 feet and is the highest mountain in Mexico and is one of the taller ones on our list. It does have regular glacial snow coverage, which can be a great experience without being too challenging. You will spend several days at the lower elevations getting acclimated before heading to the summit over a one to two-day hike.

It is certainly one of the more formidable climbs in our list, so you will need to make sure you have the correct hiking gear. It is better to have some experience with heights before the climb, as the oxygen levels on the top are about half the normal.

9. Tofana di Rozes, Italy

The Dolomites’ Tofana di Rozes stands at 10,581 feet tall. The actual climb is about 4,000 feet from the start of the trail to the summit. There is also some rock climbing involved through “via ferrata.”  This is basically a built-in system of ladders, rungs, and cables to help the climber make the ascent, which is great for new climbers.  You can summit Tofana di Rozes in five to six hours. There are several trails with difficulty levels ranging from beginner to expert.

If you prefer walking, go for the simplest routes. However, if you are feeling a bit of a daredevil, you can opt for paths with via ferratas. They are excellent for getting your spirits up and keeping you safe at the same time.  In fact, these protected routes can even allow children to surmount the mountain easily. Lastly, for the toughest experience, the south side involves intense rock climbing and is definitely not recommended for beginners.

10.  Pikes Peak, United States

Pikes Peak, mountain, snow-capped

Located in colorful Colorado, Pikes Peak stretches to 14,114 feet.  You can easily hike on it upon the existing trails that don’t require any extended skills.  One plus is that when you get to the top, you have the option to hop on a cog railway, relax back and enjoy your snacks until the car drops off you.  The hike is about 13 miles, and you will gain around 7,400 feet in altitude.

The trails here are simple and straight-forward. Instead of excessive vegetation, the path is mostly of a rocky formation and is excellent for starters who are looking for a moderate hiking experience. This is a classic, 4 – 6 hours trek. Once at the top, you can visit the Pikes Peak Summit House, which features a humble gift shop, a restroom, and food that will refresh you up before you begin your way down again.