Volcanic seven peaks of the world

Volcanic seven peaks of the world

We take a look at the volcanic Seven Peaks – the tallest volcanoes on each continent

The volcanic Seven Summits may not be coveted with the same vigor as the Seven Summits or even the Seven Second Summits, but the peaks still offer a worthy challenge

We have just returned from the Erta Ale volcano in Ethiopia, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Erta Ale may not be as sublime or as challenging as the following peaks, but it reminded us why we are in awe of volcanoes – active or not.

The challenge of climbing volcanoes is that they are often lonely mountains with higher ledges than mountains rooted in mountain ranges. On the other hand, the cone and crater of a volcano form a unique and often picturesque peak as opposed to one peak in a range of peers. Additionally, volcanoes tend to be more accessible and can often be climbed without any technical skills.

I've spoken before about my unlikely dream of climbing the Seven Summits. I'm not ready to reduce my dreams to something achievable like the volcanic Seven Peaks, but I still find them worth exploring.

The Volcanic Seven Peaks

Two of the volcanic Seven Summits are also members of the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on any continent. Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Elbrus in Russia, both formed volcanically, are also the highest peaks on their respective continents: Europe and Africa.

In addition, Ojos del Salado, on the Chilean-Argentina border, is the second highest peak in South America and a member of seven second peaks.

1. Assemble Sidley

Altitude: 4,285 m (14,058 feet) Location: Antarctica Range: Executive Committee Range

alt="volcanic seven peaks Sidley">7 Summits ClubOnly a handful of expeditions venture to Mount Sidley in Antarctica

Undiscovered until 1934 and unclimbed until 1990, Mount Sidley in Antarctica still lies obscure due to its position within the largest unclaimed territory on Earth. Even by Antarctic standards, this is a deeply remote part of the world.

The volcano was formed by a volatile eruption 4.7 million years ago and is located on a 900 km long stretch of Antarctica's Pacific coast, where a total of 18 major volcanoes protrude from the ice sheet.

It is little known in the mountaineering community, but a handful of expeditions venture there each year, including the specialist 7 Summits Club.

2. Mount Giluwe

Altitude: 4,368 m (14,331 ft) Location: Papua New Guinea, Oceania Area: Southern Highlands

alt="volcanic seven peaks Giluwe">Kaijankoski; CC BY-SA 2.0Mount Giluwe is located in the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea

Mount Giluwe is the second highest peak in Papua New Guinea and the second lowest of the seven volcanic peaks. The original volcano formed around 650,000 to 800,000 years ago. However, renewed eruptions around 220,000 to 300,000 years ago formed the modern shield-like mass of Mount Giluwe.

The hike to the summit is not as challenging as other mountains on this list. Most round trips to the summit typically last four days/three nights, and the small amount of time spent at relatively low altitude means acclimatization isn't a big factor.

3. Mount Damavand

Altitude: 5,610 m (18,406 ft) Location: Iran, Asia Range: Alborz

alt="volcanic seven peaks Damavand">Ninara; CC BY-SA 2.0Mount Damavand seen from Polur village

For once, an Asian mountain is not at the top of the list of summiteers. Likewise, the Asian representative on this list is not in the Himalayas. Instead, it is Mount Damavand in northern Iran that holds the title of Asia's tallest volcano.

Since the volcano is located just 66 km northeast of the capital Tehran, it is also considered a fairly accessible peak. There are at least 16 known routes to the summit with varying levels of difficulty. Some are challenging climbing routes, while most are just hard and arduous hikes with small climbing sections.

Most guided expeditions last around seven days, with one or two rest days for acclimatization.

4. Pico de Orizaba

Elevation: 5,636 m (18,491 ft) Location: Mexico, North America Range: Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belts

alt="Pico de Orizaba last erupted in the 19th century"> Pico de Orizaba last erupted in the 19th century

Pico de Orizaba is the highest mountain in Mexico and the third highest in North America. Located at the eastern end of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, the volcano is currently inactive but not extinct. the last eruption took place in the 19th century.

Height is an issue and some skills such as ice axes, crampons and rope work are required. However, the Pico de Orizaba is not considered a particularly difficult climb. Most climbs last almost a week and should include acclimatization and rest days.

5. Mount Elbrus

Altitude: 5,642 m (18,510 ft) Location: Russia, Europe Range: Caucasus

alt=“I recently climbed Elbrus as part of an eight-day climb to the western peak”>Atlas & BootsI recently climbed Elbrus as part of an eight-day climb to the western peak

A member of the Seven Summits, Elbrus is one of the more famous mountains on this list. Located in southern Russia near the border with Georgia, the twin peaks of Elbrus rise as watchtowers nearly 1,000 m (3,280 feet) above the surrounding peaks of the Caucasus.

The mountain's two peaks are dormant volcanic domes, making Elbrus a double-cone volcano. The higher west peak is 5,642 m (18,510 ft) high, while the lower east peak is 5,621 m (18,442 ft).

I recently climbed Elbrus as part of an eight-day West Peak climb with the 7 Summits Club. Some skills with ice axes, crampons and rope work are required.

• Besteigung des Elbrus: mein zweiter Siebengipfel
• Elbrus-Ausrüstungsliste: Alles, was Sie brauchen, um Europas höchsten Gipfel zu besteigen

6. Kilimanjaro

Altitude: 5,895 m (19,341 ft) Location: Tanzania, Africa Range: None – freestanding

alt=“Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world”>Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world

Another member of the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is probably the most famous member of the volcanic Seven Summits. Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, meaning it is not connected to a mountain range. I hiked there in 2010 and it was inspiring to say the least - it really sparked my love of high mountains.

Kilimanjaro is a beautiful mountain with countless landscapes and climates, each with its own flora and fauna. The climbs begin in dense and lush rainforest, followed by low-growth bushland. At around 4,000 m (13,100 ft) this gives way to a dry and rocky, almost moon-like landscape, before a very fine glacial scree finally forms on the summit day.

The most popular mountain on this list can be climbed in four days, but six to seven is more common, enjoyable and safe. We recommend G Adventures' various options.

• Besteigung des Kilimandscharo: Afrikas höchster Gipfel
• Training für den Kilimandscharo: 7 Tipps für einen erfolgreichen Gipfel

7. Ojos del Salado

Altitude: 6,893 m (22,615 ft) Location: Chile/Argentina, South America Range: Andes

alt="Ojos del Salado is the highest of the seven volcanic peaks">DreamtimeOjos del Salado is the highest of the seven volcanic peaks

Located on the Argentine-Chilean border, Ojos del Salado is the highest of the seven volcanic peaks. It is also the second highest mountain outside the Himalayas, second only to Aconcagua, 630 km (390 mi) further south, making it a member of the second seven peaks.

Due to its proximity to the Atacama Desert (the driest place on Earth), conditions on the mountain are fairly dry year-round. Still, expect snow on the slopes, as this can fall year-round due to the volcano's exposed slopes.

Ojos del Salado is by far the most demanding mountain on this list in terms of time, endurance and commitment. Expeditions usually last between 15 and 19 days.

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Cover photo: Kiril Rusev

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