There are some of the most challenging alpine climbs in North America. For seasoned mountaineers, many of Canada’s and Alaska’s mountains are technical peaks. To know about 74 best mountains to climb in Asia, check out this article!
It is not all lost if you are just starting out as a beginner. Even beginners can climb many of the high peaks.
Our article includes 27 peaks you can climb in North America that are among the highest.

This map given above is highlighting the highest peaks in each North American country that are suitable for beginners to climb.
Here is what we need to know before we begin
Before we get to the list, a few things to note. In order to understand some of this list’s terminology, you will need to understand a bit about it first. Similarly, you may have seen this terminology in another source.
Thousanders
In South America, the elevations of the mountains are usually measured in meters and they are usually referred to as n-thousanders.
Six-thousanders are the tallest mountains in South America.
- Six-thousander: a height of at least 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) and less than 7,000 meters
- Five-thousanders: they are generally more than 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) but less than 6,000 meters
- Four-thousanders: 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) but fewer than 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).
- Three-thousander: at least 3,000 m (9,842 ft) but less than 4,000 m
- Two-Thousander: Over 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) but under 3,000 meters
- A one-thousander is at least 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) but less than 2,000 meters tall
What Is Summitpost?
There is a SummitPost link listed for each climb below.
SummitPost is an online resource that provides climbing information for mountains around the world.
An online community of climbers provides the information. You can use it as a starting point to learn more about mountains and climbs. It should be noted, however, that not all the information tracked is complete or up-to-date. You should do additional research before your climbs.
As this is a community-driven project, it would be great if you could highlight any errors or outdated information. Please do so in the comments section of the respective pages.
Rating Systems
It is possible to find many rating systems that grades the difficulty of a climb.
This list uses a few grading system:
YDS (Yosemite Decimal System)
- In the US, this grading system is widely used to rate the difficulty of climbs.
- Climbs in classes 1 and 2 are suitable for beginners.
- As a beginner, you can attempt climbs of Class 3 with a guide.
International French Adjectival System (IFAS) or Alpine Rating System
- Climbers in alpine conditions use this grading system in Europe.
- It is possible to climb F and PD routes for beginners if there is no snow or ice on the routes.
- With a guide, beginners can attempt F and PD climbs in snowy or icy terrain.
Grading system for Canadian winter commitments
- This is the grading system used for climbing in alpine conditions in Canada.
- With the help of a guide or following a few lessons, beginners can attempt Grade 1 climbs.
Elevation vs Elevation Gain
As you can see, the list below includes both the elevation and elevation gained.
Elevation refers to the height of the summit above sea level.
Gained elevation is the difference in height between the start of the trail and the summit.
The elevation gained may differ between routes. Depending on where the trailheads are located on the mountains, this can vary.
Climbing Season and Best Time to Climb
Listed below are a few climbs and the best climbing time for each. Climbers should stick to the duration listed under the best time to climb. Climbing is still possible for the rest of the year, but it is more suitable for experienced climbers. In addition to harsher conditions, the climb’s difficulty rating increases. Often, non-technical climbs turn into technical ones.
List Of The Highest Beginner Mountains To Climb In North America

Mount McKinley (Denali) in Alaska is the highest mountain in North America. It has a height of 20,310 feet (6190 meters). The highest mountain in the Seven Summits (after Mount Everest and Aconcagua) is Mount McKinley.
Belize
One-thousanders are the highest peaks in Belize.
1. Victoria Peak
- It is the highest point in Belize.
- It was named after Queen Vicotria.
- Beautiful climb through the tropical rainforest.
- There is no marked trail up the mountain and it is in a remote location. For all climbs, a guide is required.
- SummitPost page
Elevation (meters) | 1,124 |
Elevation (feet) | 3,688 |
Popular Routes | Victoria Peak Trail |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,106 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 3,629 |
Distance (kilometers) | 54 |
Distance (miles) | 34 |
Climbing Season | Feb to May |
Best Time | Feb to May |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | A guide is required |
Canada
Mount Logan, a five-thousander, is the highest peak in Canada. Its height is 5,959 meters (19,551 feet). Mount Logan in the United States should not be confused with that in Washington!
A total of five five-thousands exist in Canada, and 14 four-thousands. All of them are very difficult to reach. Additionally, they are challenging technical climbs that are not suitable for beginners.
Beginner-friendly summits in Canada include the following:
2. Mount Temple
- In the Lake Louise area, this is the most visible peak.
- Ranking 11th out of 54 11,000-footers in the Canadian Rockies.
- The first 11,000-foot peak in the Canadian Rockies.
- This is one of the toughest climbs on this list. It is imperative that beginners climb with a guide.
- SummitPost page
Elevation (meters) | 3,543 |
Elevation (feet) | 11,624 |
Popular Routes | Southwest ridge from Moraine Lake |
Rating | YDS Class 3 – 4 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,690 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 5,545 |
Distance (kilometers) | 17 |
Distance (miles) | 11 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Jul to Aug |
Snow And Ice | All year |
Climbing Permit Required | Park pass |
3. Mount Brazeau
- Awarded 21st place out of 54 on the list of Canadian Rockies 11,000 footers.
- As tough as any climb on this list. It is imperative that beginners climb with a guide.
- SummitPost page
- Blog article
Elevation (meters) | 3,525 |
Elevation (feet) | 11,565 |
Popular Routes | South glacier normal route |
Rating | YDS Class 2 Canadian Winter Commitment Grade IElevation Gain (meters)2,500Elevation Gain (feet)8,202Distance (kilometers)25Distance (miles)16Climbing SeasonAll yearBest TimeJun to SepSnow And IceAll yearClimbing Permit RequiredNo |
4. Mount Willingdon
- Ranked 44th out of 54 11,000-footers in the Canadian Rockies.
- This is one of the toughest climbs on this list. It is imperative that beginners climb with a guide.
- SummitPost page
- Blog article
Elevation (meters) | 3,373 |
Elevation (feet) | 11,066 |
Popular Routes | West Ridge from Mosquito Creek trailhead |
Rating | YDS Class 4 Canadian Winter Commitment Grade I |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 2,400 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 7,874 |
Distance (kilometers) | 40 |
Distance (miles) | 25 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Jul to Aug |
Snow And Ice | All year |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Bahamas
As for high mountains, there are none in the Bahamas. Bahamas’ highest mountain is Mount Alvernia (63 meters). Como Hill is also known as Como. On the summit, you’ll find a monastery called The Hermitage.
Costa Rica
Three-thousanders are the highest peaks in Costa Rica.
5. Mount Chirripó
- In Costa Rica, this is the highest point.
- A 360-degree view of the lakes, valleys, and sea.
- Experiences unique ecosystems, such as cloud forest and premontane forest.
- The area is home to many of Costa Rica’s highest peaks.
- SummitPost page
- The Outbound Collective

Elevation (meters) | 3,821 |
Elevation (feet) | 12,536 |
Popular Routes | Start from Parue National Chirripo ranger station |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,981 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 6,500 |
Distance (kilometers) | 19 |
Distance (miles) | 12 |
Climbing Season | Jun to Apr |
Best Time | Dec to Mar |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
6. Volcán Irazu
- Costa Rica’s highest volcano.
- The summit is reached by a road. The summit offers only brief hikes.
- SummitPost page
Elevation (meters) | 3,432 |
Elevation (feet) | 11,260 |
Popular Routes | Summit trail |
Rating | YDS Class 1 |
Elevation Gain | NA |
Distance (kilometers) | 1 |
Distance (miles) | 0.6 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Dec to Mar |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
7. Cerro Kamuk
- Located in Costa Rica, this peak is the eighth highest. Outside of Mount Chirripó, it is one of the highest peaks.
- Climbing Mount Chirripó is far less remote.
- Despite being a non-technical climb, it is located in a remote location and has no marked trails. You should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- Information about the climb.
Elevation (meters) | 3,549 |
Elevation (feet) | 11,644 |
Popular Routes | Start from Tres Colinas town |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain | Unknown |
Duration | 6 to 7 days (distance unknown) |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Dec to Mar |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda do not have high mountains to climb. Mount Obama, at 402 meters (1,319 feet), is Antigua and Barbuda’s highest peak. Boggy Peak was its former name. The park is now named after former US president Barack Obama.
Cuba
One-thousanders are the highest point in Cuba.
8. Pico Turquino
- Located in Cuba, this peak is the tallest in the country.
- The park is located in Sierra Maestra National Park and this park is home to a number of endangered species. The smallest toad in the world is included in this list.
- SummitPost page
- Blog article
Elevation (meters) | 1,974 |
Elevation (feet) | 6,476 |
Popular Routes | Start from Alto del Naranjo |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,023 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 3,356 |
Distance (kilometers) | 18 |
Distance (miles) | 11 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Oct to May |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Dominica
Dominica has a one-thousander as its highest peak.
9. Morne Diablotin
- It is the highest point in Dominica.
- Quite a “dirty” climb. During the climb, you may need to wade through ankle-to-knee-deep mud. There will also be stumps and roots to climb through.
- SummitPost page
- The Outbound Collective
Elevation (meters) | 1,447 |
Elevation (feet) | 4,747 |
Popular Routes | Start from Syndicate Estate |
Rating | YDS Class 3 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 868 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 2,847 |
Distance (kilometers) | 4 |
Distance (miles) | 2.4 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Jan to Apr |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic’s highest peak is a three-thousander.
There is very little information available about the other peaks in the Dominican Republic besides Pico Duarte.
10. Pico Duarte
- Previously known as Pico Trujillo.
- Pico Duarte is the highest point in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean.
- Pico Duarte has a twin summit, La Pelona, which is only 2 meters (6.5 feet) shorter.
- Pico Duarte is not a volcanic mountain, unlike most of the mountains in the area.
- A guide must be hired by every climber.
- SummitPost page

Elevation (meters) | 3,098 |
Elevation (feet) | 10,164 |
Popular Routes | La Ciénaga Route |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 2,275 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 7,464 |
Distance (kilometers) | 46 |
Distance (miles) | 29 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Dec to Mar |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | A guide is required |
El Salvador
El Salvador has a two-thousander as its highest peak.
11. Cerro El Pital
- El Salvador’s highest peak.
- A view of the surrounding countries, Guatemala and Honduras.
- SummitPost page
Elevation (meters) | 2,730 |
Elevation (feet) | 8,957 |
Popular Routes | Start from Rio Chiquito |
Rating | YDS Class 1 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 50 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 164 |
Distance (kilometers) | 0.3 |
Distance (miles) | 0.2 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | All year |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Barbados
Barbados does not have any mountains to climb. Mount Hillaby, at 343 meters (1,125 feet), is Barbados’ highest point.
Grenada
Grenada has no high mountains to climb.
Mount Saint Catherine, at 840 meters (2,756 feet), is Grenada’s highest point.
Haiti
Two-thousanders are the highest peaks in Haiti.
12. Pic la Selle
- Located in Haiti, this is the highest mountain.
- Rarely is the mountain climbed and there is very little information available online.
- Blog article
Honduras
Two-thousanders are the highest peaks in Honduras.
13. Cerro Las Minas
- Cerro Celaque is also it’s other name.
- Honduras’s highest mountain
- In addition to El Gallo and Guatemalillo, 2 nearby peaks can also be climbed on the same trip.
- SummitPost page
Elevation (meters) | 2,870 |
Elevation (feet) | 9,416 |
Popular Routes | Start from Gracias |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,670 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 5,479 |
Duration | 1 to 2 days (distance unknown) |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | All year |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Jamaica
Two-thousanders are the highest mountains in Jamaica.
14. Blue Mountain Peak
- There is one mountain in Jamaica that is higher than the rest.
- On a clear day, you can see the Blue Mountains and even Cuba.
- SummitPost page
- Blog article
Elevation (meters) | 2,256 |
Elevation (feet) | 7,402 |
Popular Routes | Start from Whitfield Hall |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,000 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 3,281 |
Distance (kilometers) | 10 |
Distance (miles) | 6 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Jan to Mar, Jun to Jul |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Guatemala
Four-thousanders are the tallest peaks in Guatemala. There are two four-thousanders in Guatemala.
15. Volcán Tajumulco
- Guatemala’s and Central America’s highest peak.
- Mexico and Guatemala viewed from the air.
- Despite being a non-technical climb, the trail is not well marked.
- You should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- SummitPost page

Elevation (meters) | 4,202 |
Elevation (feet) | 13,786 |
Popular Routes | Start from Tuichan town |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 762 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 2,500 |
Distance (kilometers) | 29 |
Distance (miles) | 18 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Nov to Apr |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
16. Volcán Tacaná
- Guatemala and Mexico share a border.
- Located in Guatemala and Central America, this peak is the second highest in the region.
- Views of Guatemalan and Mexican volcanoes.
- From Guatemala, the climb is shorter than from Mexico. Mexico’s trail, however, has better accessibility to nearby towns.
- SummitPost page
Elevation (meters) | 4,110 |
Elevation (feet) | 13,484 |
Popular Routes | Start from Sibinal town |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain | Unknown |
Duration | 1 to 2 days (distance unknown) |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Nov to Apr |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
17. Volcán Acatenango
- Guatemala’s third highest peak.
- An inactive volcano. Last time it erupted was in 1972.
- Volcan Fuego is its twin volcano to the south.
- Both peaks can be climbed in the same trip.
- Views the historic capital city of Antigua.
- SummitPost page
- The Outbound Collective
Elevation (meters) | 3,976 |
Elevation (feet) | 13,045 |
Popular Routes | Start from La Soledad |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,570 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 5150 |
Distance (kilometers) | 18 |
Distance (miles) | 11 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Nov to Apr |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Mexico
Mexican five-thousanders are the tallest mountains. Mexico has three five-thousanders.
18. Pico de Orizaba
- It is the highest point in Mexico and it is the third highest mountain in North America.
- At sunrise, the mountain casts a huge shadow over the flat plains in front of it.
- SummitPost page
- The Outbound Collective
Elevation (meters) | 5,636 |
Elevation (feet) | 18,491 |
Popular Routes | Start from Piedra Grande hut |
Rating | PD |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,376 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 4,514 |
Distance (kilometers) | 6 |
Distance (miles) | 4 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Nov to Mar |
Snow And Ice | All year |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Popocatepetl
- Located in Mexico, this peak is the second highest.
- Due to the melting glaciers, climbing has been prohibited since 1994.
19. Iztaccíhuatl
- Among all the peaks it is the third highest peak in Mexico.
- If viewed from either east or west, it looks like a sleeping beauty.
- SummitPost page
Elevation (meters) | 5,230 |
Elevation (feet) | 17,159 |
Popular Routes | La Arista del Sol route via La Joya trailhead |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,255 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 4,119 |
Distance (kilometers) | 14 |
Distance (miles) | 9 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Dec to Mar |
Snow And Ice | All year |
Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
20. Nevado de Toluca
- Located in Mexico, this peak is the fourth tallest.
- SummitPost page
- Blog article

Elevation (meters) | 4,691 |
Elevation (feet) | 15,390 |
Popular Routes | Nevado de Toluca trailhead |
Rating | YDS Class 3 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 691 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 2,267 |
Distance (kilometers) | 7 |
Distance (miles) | 4 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Nov to Mar |
Snow And Ice | All year |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
United States of America (USA)
Mount McKinley (Denali) is the highest point in the United States. Its height is 6,190 meters (20,310 feet).
Mount McKinley ranks third among the world’s 7 Summits, after Mount Everest and Aconcagua.
Alaska has the majority of the highest peaks in the United States. Located at high altitudes, these mountains have freezing temperatures and icy terrains. Beginners should not use them.
Some of them are as follows:
21. Mount Whitney
- The 11th highest peak in the United States. The highest peak in the contiguous United States.
- The highest peaks of the Sierras and a plateau in the desert (including Death Valley).
- SummitPost page
- National Park Service page
Elevation (meters)4,421Elevation (feet)14,505Popular RouteMount Whitney TrailRatingYDS Class 1Elevation Gain (feet)6,960Elevation Gain (meters)2,121Distance (miles)22Distance (kilometers)35Climbing SeasonAll yearBest Time To ClimbJul to SepSnow And/ Or IceWinter to early summerPermit RequirementYes |
22. Mount Elbert
- The fourteenth highest peak in the United States.
- Two of the highest peaks in the continental United States.
- La Plata Peak and Mount Massive (the second highest mountain in Colorado).
- SummitPost page
- 14ers page
Elevation (meters) | 4,401 |
Elevation (feet) | 14,440 |
Popular Route | North Mount Elbert Trailhead |
Rating | YDS Class 1 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 4,700 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,433 |
Distance (miles) | 9.5 |
Distance (kilometers) | 15 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time To Climb | Jun to Sep |
Snow And/ Or Ice | Winter |
Permit Requirement | No |
23. Mount Massive
- It is the 15th highest peak in the United States.
- Three-quarters of the contiguous United States’ highest peak.
- Mount Elbert has a tougher class rating.
- SummitPost page
- Forest Service page
Elevation (meters) | 4,396 |
Elevation (feet) | 14,421 |
Popular Route | Mount Massive Trail |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 4,500 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,372 |
Distance (miles) | 14.5 |
Distance (kilometers) | 23 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time To Climb | Jun to Sep |
Snow And/ Or Ice | Winter |
Permit Requirement | Yes |
Nicaragua
Two-thousanders are the highest peaks in Nicaragua.
24. Cerro Mogotón
- Nicaragua’s highest peak.
- There are old land mines in this area, and there are no marked trails. You should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- SummitPost page
- Blog article
Elevation (meters) | 2,107 |
Elevation (feet) | 6,913 |
Popular Routes | Start from Frinca Las Brisas |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain | Unknown |
Duration | Half a day (distance unknown) |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | All year |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Panama
Panama’s highest peak is a three-thousander.
Other than Volcán Baru, little is known about the other peaks in Panama.
25. Volcán Barú
- Located in Panama, this peak is the highest in the country.
- The only location in the world where you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the same time.
- SummitPost page

Elevation (meters) | 3,475 |
Elevation (feet) | 11,401 |
Popular Routes | West route via Volcan town |
Rating | YDS Class 2 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,858 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 6,096 |
Distance (kilometers) | 28 |
Distance (miles) | 17 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Dec to Apr |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Saint Kitts and Nevis
One-thousander is the highest peak in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
26. Mount Liamuiga
- Previously known as Mount Misery.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis’ highest peak.
- The summit even has a crater you can climb into.
- Despite being a non-technical climb, the trail is not well marked. You should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- The blog posts can be found here and here.
Elevation (meters) | 1,156 |
Elevation (feet) | 3,793 |
Popular Routes | Start from Newton Ground village |
Rating | YDS Class 3 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 637 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 2,090 |
Distance (kilometers) | 7 |
Distance (miles) | 4 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | All year |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Saint Lucia
The mountains in Saint Lucia are not high enough to climb.
Mount Gimie is Saint Lucia’s tallest peak, reaching 950 meters (3,117 feet).
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
One-thousanders are the highest peaks in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
27. La Soufrière
- It is the highest point in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Volcanoes that are active. The last eruption occurred in 1979.
- It is a pristine peak. The Caribbean island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not as touristy as other islands.
- SummitPost page
Elevation (meters) | 1,234 |
Elevation (feet) | 4,049 |
Popular Routes | Rabacca Route (East Route) |
Rating | YDS Class 1 |
Elevation Gain (meters) | 411 |
Elevation Gain (feet) | 1,348 |
Distance (kilometers) | 11 |
Distance (miles) | 7 |
Climbing Season | All year |
Best Time | Jan to Apr |
Snow And Ice | No |
Climbing Permit Required | No |
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago has no high mountains to climb.
The highest point in Trinidad and Tobago is El Cerro del Aripo which lies at 940 meters (3,084 feet).