I am majorly interested in mountains. All mountains: big or small! But some mountains are more massive than others, and this is a series about some of Earth’s most significant summits. I’m no mountaineer (yet!), so these features focus on towering but trekkable peaks. My major mountains include some of the tallest peaks in a given geographic region. Some we hiked, some we ran and all we enjoyed. Adventure away on these major mountains!
In China
We climbed our first 5000 meter peak in China in the summer of 2017! Mount Siguniang has four peaks, of which two are bona fide mountaineering targets and one that has scarcely been climbed. We climbed the lowest and most trekkable of the peaks, older sister DaFeng (大姑娘峰) at 5,025 meters.
In Ecuador
Our most recent serious summit was this serious summit: it’s Rucu Pichincha! At 4696 meters, it’s not among the highest of Ecuador’s Andean summits. But it sure is beautiful, and proximity to Quito makes this an easy access, DIY adventure. Our sunny-weather climb capped off a spectacular 2022.
In Japan
*Coming soon!*
In Korea
In a land of many mountains, a trio special summits stand out: these are South Korea’s ‘Big 3’! There’s Hallasan (한라산) at 1,947m – the highest mountain in the country, the only volcano and the reason for Jeju island’s very existence. On the mainland, 1,915m Jirisan (지리산) is the highest peak, set in the country’s largest national park. Seoraksan’s (설악산) 1,708m summit towers dramatically over the sea in another splendid national park.
Of course, there are many, many more mountains in Korea – consider checking out more of these 120 awesome peaks!
In Malaysia
*Coming soon!*
In the Philippines
Mt. Apo is the highest and most prominent peak in the Philippines! At 2,954m, Apo Sandawa towers over Davao City on Mindanao Island in the south of the country. Our ascent took place during this very memorable eponymous race!
In the US
The USA is a paradise for major mountains! Magical Mt. Whitney, at 4,421 meters (14,505 feet) is the highest peak we’ve climbed on our own. And there are many more majestic peaks, both on the mainland…and beyond!
In Vietnam
*Coming soon!*