University Peak, located in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve stands as one of the prominent peaks in the state. Nestled within the vast wilderness of Alaska, this mountain offers a challenging ascent, breathtaking scenery, and an opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the region. There are thirteeners in the Sierra Nevada, and University Peak is one of them. The University of California provided the inspiration for its naming. It is situated on the Sierra crest between Mount Gould, which is located to the north, and Mount Bradley, which is located to the south. It is on the border of Tulare County and Inyo County where both counties meet. The John Muir Wilderness encompasses the east face of the mountain, while Kings Canyon National Park protects the mountain's western face. The nearest trailhead to University Peak is Onion Valley. The least technical route that leads to the summit is an off-trail hike up the south slopes. It provides access to a wide variety of various routes, ranging from straightforward scrambles to technical rock climbs. Key Features: Elevation: University Peak soars to an impressive height of 14,470 feet (4,397 meters). This elevation places it among the towering peaks of the Wrangell Mountains, which are part of the broader Saint Elias Mountains range. Location: Situated in the remote wilderness of southeastern Alaska, University Peak is part of the Wrangell Mountains. It is surrounded by a pristine landscape of glaciers, valleys, and other peaks, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities and Attractions: Mountaineering: University Peak offers a challenging ascent for experienced mountaineers. Its steep and icy slopes, as well as its remote location, add to the allure of this mountain. Climbers are drawn to the technical skills required to conquer this formidable peak. Scenic Beauty: Even for those who
University Peak, located in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve stands as one of the prominent peaks in the state. Nestled within the vast wilderness of Alaska, this mountain offers a challenging ascent, breathtaking scenery, and an opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the region. There are thirteeners in the Sierra Nevada, and
Forbidden Peak, situated in the North Cascades of Washington state, is a captivating and challenging mountain renowned for its jagged ridges, rugged beauty, and excellent alpine climbing opportunities. With its remote location and striking features, Forbidden Peak beckons climbers and adventurers seeking an extraordinary mountaineering experience. For good reason, this is one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the entirety of the Cascade range. The routes are tidy and traditional, and the rock quality is satisfactory in comparison to other alpine climbing areas. The landscape that surrounds the peak is quite beautiful, and the vantage points there are hard to surpass. A quote from the Nelson guide notes that "there is no easy way off Forbidden Peak; it is one of the most difficult descents in the range." Bring supplies with you, but don't let this put you off. It's not as bad as it sounds, and it's absolutely worth it. Forbidden Peak is covered in volume II of Beckey's guide. The first volume of Nelson and Potterfield's Selected Climbs in the Cascades has information on all three direct ridge routes: the West Direct, the North Direct, and the East Direct. Key Features: Elevation: Forbidden Peak reaches an elevation of 8,815 feet (2,687 meters) above sea level. While not as towering as some of its neighboring peaks, its technical difficulty and stunning surroundings make it a coveted destination for climbers. Location: This peak is part of the North Cascades, an extensive mountain range known for its pristine wilderness and dramatic terrain. Forbidden Peak is situated in the Boston Basin, providing a stunning backdrop for those exploring the region. Activities and Attractions: Mountaineering: Forbidden Peak is a magnet for mountaineers and alpinists due to its technical routes and alpine climbing challenges. The West Ridge and the West Ridge-Couloir are among
Forbidden Peak, situated in the North Cascades of Washington state, is a captivating and challenging mountain renowned for its jagged ridges, rugged beauty, and excellent alpine climbing opportunities. With its remote location and striking features, Forbidden Peak beckons climbers and adventurers seeking an extraordinary mountaineering experience. For good reason, this is one of the most
Grand Teton, a towering monolith in the Teton Range of Wyoming, is an iconic peak known for its striking beauty and challenging mountaineering opportunities. As the tallest mountain in the Teton Range, it lures climbers and outdoor enthusiasts with its rugged terrain, breathtaking vistas, and a unique blend of natural splendor and adventure. American Grand Teton National Park is located in northeastern Wyoming. It covers 310,000 acres (1,300 km2) and contains the key peaks of the 40-mile (64 km) Teton Range and much of Jackson Hole's northern parts. Grand Teton National Park lies 10 miles (16 km) south of Yellowstone National Park via the National Park Service-managed John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. These three protected regions form the almost 18-million-acre (73,000-square-kilometer) Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the world's biggest intact mid-latitude temperate ecosystems, with bordering national forests. Nomadic hunter-gatherer Paleo-Indians began moving into the Grand Teton region during warmer months to find food and supplies at least 11,000 years ago. The first explorers met eastern Shoshone in the early 19th century. Fur trading enterprises competed for beaver pelts in the area between 1810 and 1840. After Yellowstone's discovery, U.S. government excursions to the region began in the mid-19th century, and the first white residents arrived in Jackson Hole in the 1880s. Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929 to safeguard the Teton Range's key peaks after late-19th-century efforts. The valley of Jackson Hole was privately owned until the 1930s when environmentalists led by John D. Rockefeller Jr. began buying land for the national park. In 1943, much of Jackson Hole was declared a national monument despite public sentiment and numerous Congressional attempts to reverse the protections. After the monument was disbanded in 1950, most of the area became Grand Teton National Park. Teton National Park is named after
Grand Teton, a towering monolith in the Teton Range of Wyoming, is an iconic peak known for its striking beauty and challenging mountaineering opportunities. As the tallest mountain in the Teton Range, it lures climbers and outdoor enthusiasts with its rugged terrain, breathtaking vistas, and a unique blend of natural splendor and adventure. American Grand
Mount Wrangell, one of the highest and most active volcanoes in North America, commands attention in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. This towering stratovolcano, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is a symbol of the rugged, untamed wilderness that defines Alaska's landscape. Constructed atop the ashes of a mid-Pleistocene volcano, modern Mount Wrangell has had small phreatic eruptions in 1884 and eruptions as far back as 750,000 years ago. At the top of Wrangell's wide peak, the shield volcano has an ice-filled crater measuring 2.5 by 3.7 miles (4 by 6 km) in diameter. It appears that subsidence, not massive explosive eruptions, created the caldera. Three tiny craters round the caldera, and they frequently exhibit fumarolic activity with steam plumes that are occasionally visible from a distance. The west peak rises to 14,013 feet (4,271 meters), whereas the main top is located on the caldera's north side. The peak area stretches approximately 2 by 5 miles (3 by 8 km) at an elevation of above 13,000 feet (4,000 m). Rising over 1,000 feet (300 m) above the northwest flank of Wrangell, 13,009-foot (3,965 m) Mount Zanetti is a massive cinder cone and the source of several lava flows. An icefield that covers nearly all of Mount Wrangell is a yearly feature. Nabesna Glacier, the source of the Nabesna River, is the biggest glacier on Wrangell. Dadina Glacier, Copper Glacier, Chichokna Glacier, Chetaslina Glacier, and Cheshnina Glacier are some of the other glaciers on Mount Wrangell. Read also about the glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro The Wrangell range's first high volcano to be climbed was Wrangell. An aircraft fitted with skis may visit its top. With its remarkable geology, glacial features, and ongoing volcanic activity, Mount Wrangell is a magnet for scientists, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Key Features:
Mount Wrangell, one of the highest and most active volcanoes in North America, commands attention in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. This towering stratovolcano, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is a symbol of the rugged, untamed wilderness that defines Alaska’s landscape. Constructed atop the ashes of a mid-Pleistocene volcano, modern Mount
Mount Shuksan stands as the iconic face of the rugged North Cascades in Washington, boasting its picturesque north face, a sight often featured on calendars and souvenirs. It holds a unique place among the non-volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range, offering a reminder that the northern reaches of this range host more than just massive snowy domes like nearby Mount Baker. While Washington boasts nine or ten non-volcanic peaks soaring over 9,000 feet (depending on how you count), Mount Shuksan holds a middle position in terms of both elevation and climbing challenge. Many of these peaks remain unfamiliar to the general public, concealed in a labyrinth of high, rugged peaks far from roads. In contrast, Mount Shuksan reigns majestically over the Mount Baker ski area and the terminus of the Mount Baker Highway. It stands as a commanding presence near one of the most popular high-country trailheads and recreational areas in the Cascades. Of the 9,000-footers in the region, only Mount Stuart near I-90 comes close to the visibility and fame of Mount Shuksan. This mountain is a massive expanse of ridges, pinnacles, and glaciers, forming what seems like its own sub-range. While the rugged north side of the peak has earned its fame, the easiest route to the summit follows the vast Sulphide Glacier from the south. However, this journey commences a considerable distance from the Mount Baker Highway. The Sulphide Glacier reaches right up to the 700-foot-high jagged summit pyramid, which is an easy scramble over steep, loose rock. In early season, the Sulphide Glacier offers a fantastic skiing experience. The most popular northern route is the Fisher Chimneys route, a winding path that weaves through the north and west slopes of the peak. This route can be a challenge to navigate but primarily involves Class 3 climbing
Mount Shuksan stands as the iconic face of the rugged North Cascades in Washington, boasting its picturesque north face, a sight often featured on calendars and souvenirs. It holds a unique place among the non-volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range, offering a reminder that the northern reaches of this range host more than just massive