- Hawaii's volcanoes
Hawaii is known for its beach resorts, but it offers some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the U.S. One reason that novices might find the 50th state attractive is because they can easily have a high altitude experience. Hawaii's Mauna Kea, if measured from its undersea base, is the tallest mountain, base to summit, on Earth. At over 13,000 feet above sea level, it is still of impressive height using more-common altitude measurements. Summit-seekers can drive up to the Onizuka Visitor's Center at 9,000 feet and then take a six-mile trail to the top. This hike allows novices to get some experience trekking at a reasonably high altitude. Of course, it is also possible to drive directly to the summit. Another option, perhaps more attractive in terms of scenery, is found on the island of Maui. The Haleakala Volcano is home to richly colored landscapes that have been created over the centuries by volcanic activity. This mountain sits at 10,000 feet above sea level and can be tackled without any prior climbing experience.
2. New Zealand's Southern Alps
New Zealand has some amazing mountain ranges. The country’s Southern Alps are the perfect place for beginning climbers who want to challenge themselves so that they can progress to more demanding climbs. Conditions can be intense here, with harsh weather possible year round, especially in the winter. Most climbs require technical know-how, so these mountains are a good place to come if you want to progress quickly and are willing to pay for instructors or guides to show you the ropes, in all meanings of the phrase. Like climbing in Scotland in winter, hitting the slopes in New Zealand is a good option for people who want to put in the effort to improve their mountaineering skills.
3. Mount Washington, N.H.
When the weather is bad and the winds are high, Mount Washington is not a place for novice climbers — or anyone for that matter. Known for its quickly changing conditions and high winds, this can be a challenging place to climb. But, if conditions are right, Mount Washington is a great place for beginners. Trails of eight to 11 miles lead to the summit, so there are several options for people without rock climbing or alpine skills who want to hike and scramble up Washington. These trails are not for the faint of heart (they rise in altitude quickly), but they offer a chance to have a real mountain experience without having to learn to use ropes, crampons and other tools of the trade. More-serious climbers tackle the mountain in wintertime, when the conditions can mimic those of much taller mountains. Doing this, however, requires some knowledge of mountaineering, so novices will need a guide if they want to make a wintertime attempt to reach Washington's summit. (The smoke in this photo is coming from a Cog Railway train.)
4. Toubkal, Morocco
This Moroccan peak sits at over 13,000 feet above sea level. It is a challenging climb from a physical perspective, but not so much from a technical perspective. Because novices will require guides (and can even hire porters and pack mules if they want), a Toubkal climb can have an expedition-like feel. The trek is strenuous enough to challenge even fit climbers; in the winter, freezing conditions and ice require some mountaineering knowledge, such as the proper use of crampons. The unique dry, desert-like conditions make this peak an interesting one to climb for adventure-seekers who are looking for something that is out of the ordinary both in terms of scenery and location.
5. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
This peak in Sabah, Malaysia, is one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. It doesn't take any previous experience to make the two-day journey to the summit. The first day consists of a strenuous uphill hike along the trails of Kinabalu National Park. Climbers can overnight at furnished cabins before hitting the summit (ideally in time to see the sunrise). The adventure of getting to a summit is part of the attraction of Kinabalu, but this is also an amazing place to visit because of its diverse tropical flora and fauna. Trekkers heading up the mountain can experience tropical forests at lower elevations, and then see a gradual change to a different set of plants and animals as they reach higher elevations. Even though most people consider this an “easy” climb, it does take a decent level of fitness and also some time for proper acclimatization to the thinner air.
6. Boulder, Colo., Flatirons
Boulder, Colo., is one of the most well-known climbing destinations in the U.S. It stands out from Colorado's other mountain towns thanks to its climbing culture. One of the best climbing spots in Boulder frames the city skyline. Dubbed the Flatirons, these imposing slabs of rock offer a few kinds of climbing experiences. Novices who just want a taste of climbing without roping up can take some scrambling routes up the sides of the Flatirons, while other routes require ropes and basic climbing skills. Boulder also has climbing schools that can help prepare beginners to take on Flatirons-like climbs, while others take advantage of Boulder's proximity to the Rockies to offer hands-on alpine experiences for those who eventually want to reach some snow-capped Rocky Mountain summits.
7. Scottish Highlands
People who don't want to learn the fundamentals of climbing can engage in the sport of hillwalking in the Scottish Highlands, which involves trekking and scrambling to the top of some of the Highlands' less extreme peaks. In the winter, the snow-covered mountains present climbing challenges similar to those of much higher peaks. Of course, the biggest non-climbing-related reason to visit this part of the UK is to appreciate the amazing panoramas. The rugged landscapes that characterize Scotland are beautiful and best appreciated from the Highlands' summits.
8. Krabi, Thailand
Thailand's south is a beach-lover's paradise, and Krabi is one of its most popular destinations. This seaside province in the Andaman Sea boasts stunning beaches and some of the best rock climbing in Southeast Asia. The unique limestone rock formations that sit near the sea draw experienced climbers from around the world. However, there are also plenty of routes for novice climbers. Krabi has some climbing schools that are low priced compared to those in Europe and the U.S. Once they master the basics, climbers can move on to moderately difficult rock formations or try free climbing over water. The best aspect of learning to climb in Krabi is that novice climbers can also go to the beach, trek in the jungle or enjoy some diving or kayaking after spending time on the rocks.