We all have dreams, and some of our dreams are dumb, unrealistic, dangerous, expensive, uncomfortable, and have only been accomplished by around 300 people.  When I say some of us have crazy dreams, I am of course referring to myself, and the dream I am referring to is climbing the 7 Summits.

You may not have heard of the 7 Summits, and to be fair only a few hundred people in human history have ever done it so it’s not really a hugely popular thing, but I bet you’ve heard of some parts of it.  

Everyone knows Mt Everest.  Many have probably heard of at least one of Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Denali, or Mt Elbrus, but the collective accomplishment of summiting all is not a widely circulated concept.

Enter the 7 Summits.  The 7 Summits are each of the highest mountain peaks on the 7 continents of the world.  Climbing them all means you have climbed the 7 Summits, a feat putting you in rarified air (quite literally) among climbers.

Obviously this is not an easy task, and it’s not something that will happen quickly or easily, but it’s a lifelong goal that I hope to one day accomplish.  

If you’re intrigued, curious, or straight freaked out, keep reading for more of the specifics!

Always be sure to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when in the outdoors!

Africa: Mt Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 19,341

Interesting Facts:

Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world

The fastest climb of Kilimanjaro took 5 hours 38 minutes and 40 seconds

About 25,000 people attempt the climb up Mt Kilimanjaro each year

About Mt Kilimanjaro:

Located in East Africa in the country of Tanzania, Mt Kilimanjaro towers over the African Savannah.  The mountain rises dramatically from the surrounding plains, and can be seen from every direction as there are no nearby surrounding mountains.

While it is not the lowest peak of the 7 Summits, it is arguable the easiest to attain.  Kilimanjaro requires no technical skills, and no snow or ice climbing.  All it takes to climb Kili is an iron will and the perseverance to climb to well over 3 miles above sea level.

Climbers need only walk up the mountain.  There are no ropes required.  There is no rock climbing required.  What is required is hours and days of slogging uphill, at times up ungodly steep slopes through volcanic ash that means for every 2 steps you go up, you sink down one.

Route Descriptions:

There are many different routes used to climb Kilimanjaro, and each will give you a different experience.  Some require more time.  Some require more effort.  Some are long and some are short.  Some are crowded and some are deserted.

By far the most popular two routes to the summit are the Machame Route and the Marangu Route.  Together, these two routes account for about 85% of the traffic on Kilimanjaro.  

Some of the less crowded routes include the Northern Circuit, the Lemosho Route, the Rongai Route, and the Shira Route.

The route you climb will depend on how much time you have and the experience you want.  It is best to spend more time than you might think you need on the ascent.  19,000 feet is nothing to sneeze at, and the more time you have to acclimatize the better, and the more likely you are to succeed in summiting.  Ideally, you would want closer to 10 days rather than the usual minimum of 5.

For a busy route with the most developed infrastructure, the best choice is the Marangu Route.  You can expect to sleep indoors with bunk style dorms.  Other routes may require tenting every night, but you won’t have to deal with the same level of crowds.

When To Climb:

While Kilimanjaro is close to the equator, and does not experience the same 4 seasons as locations further north or south, there are still peak seasons to climb.  Ideally, you want to climb during the dry seasons, which last from December to March and late June through October.  These will be the busiest times, so if you want fewer crowds other times of the year will work though the weather may not be as nice.

How to Climb:

Any attempt at summiting Kilimanjaro requires a guide.  You cannot climb it independently!

My plan:

My plan for the 7 Summits includes Kilimanjaro as my first mountain.  To me it seems the least intimidating even though it’s not the lowest in elevation.  There is no technical climbing involved, and no extra gear required, so I think I can approach it without any extra training or required knowledge. 

My goal is to climb Kilimanjaro by the time I’m 30, so hopefully I’ll make the summit in the next few years!

Cost:

$1,000-$4,000 (or more depending on route and services)

Europe: Mt Elbrus

Elevation: 18,510 feet

Interesting Facts:

In Greek mythology, Zeus chained Prometheus to Mt Elbrus for stealing fire and giving it to humans

Mt Elbrus has 2 peaks: the lower eastern peak and the higher western peak

Mt Elbrus is covered by 22 glaciers

About Mt Elbrus:

Located in southern Russia near the border with Georgia, the country not the state, Mt Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe.  While many don’t think of this region of the world when they picture Europe, it is technically still in Europe, although very close to Asia!

Elbrus is one of the lower peaks of the 7 Summits, and is arguably the easiest or second easiest along with Kilimanjaro.  It is also one of the most accessible, and does not require as much time to climb as many of the other 7 Summits.

Route Descriptions:

The route up Mt Elbrus is pretty straightforward.  There is really one way up the mountain, straight up the side!  The mountain is covered in snow, and is gradual enough to simply walk up, so that’s what you do to climb it!

The main camp that climbers stay at is located at about 13,000 feet, and the classic lodging is in a series of huts made from old containers.  New huts are being added, but the idea remains the same!

From the camp at about 13,000 feet, climbers will usually ascend a couple thousand feet the day before their summit attempt, and then return down to the huts for the night.  The morning of their summit attempt, most climbers will take a snow vehicle back up to this point and reach the summit from there.

It sounds like cheating, but everyone does it, and if you’ve hiked to that point already it’s all good!

From there, it’s a long day of slogging uphill to the summit, then an even longer descent back down to the huts.

When To Climb

Being located in the northern hemisphere, Elbrus does experience the standard 4 seasons most of us are used to.  With that taken into consideration, the best time to climb is summer, particularly July and August.  It can be climbed earlier or later, but there will be more snow at lower elevations, and the weather may be worse.

How to Climb

There are guided climbs of Elbrus, and many will summit as a part of a guided group, but it is possible to climb Elbrus independently if you choose.

My plan:

My plan is to make Elbrus the second of my 7 Summits after Kilimanjaro.  I would like to do it in the next 5-7 years, and considering it doesn’t take that long, and is relatively low and accessible, I think Elbrus is an attainable goal fairly soon!

Cost:

Self Guided: $500 or less (depends on how much support you need)

Guided: $1,000-$5,000 depending on quality of guiding company and additional excursions 

North America: Denali

Elevation: 20,310 feet

Interesting Facts:

In clear weather, Denali is visible from over 200 miles away

The mountain used to be called Mt McKinley, though the native name has always been Denali

Wood frogs freeze themselves solid to survive winter on and around Denali

About Denali:

The first peak in this article to get above the absurd number of 20,000 feet, Denali is the highest peak in North America.  I feel like the best way to describe Denali is simply as massive.  Like it’s really big, not just tall but wide too.

Denali is the first peak on this list that requires a true alpine mountaineering expedition.  This is not a mountain you can climb in a few days, or a week, or two weeks.  Expeditions to summit Denali will take weeks.  This is a serious mountain.

Denali is an extremely challenging mountain to climb, and arguably poses one of the biggest challenges of all the 7 Summits.  It’s one of the higher peaks at over 20,000 feet, it’s extremely cold, it’s extremely remote, and it requires a long approach.  

Route Descriptions:

Generally taking a minimum of 17 or 18 days, this climb is a serious undertaking.  Located in the Alaska Range, the route up Denali is not really a hike.  It’s a true mountaineering expedition requiring glacier travel, and weeks in the snow.

The route starts at base camp, and from there you will spend the following days slowly dragging yourself up thousands of vertical feet.  There are 5 camps to get to after base camp, so your days will consist of climbing up to the next camp, and resting once you have gotten there.

Waking up on summit day, you will already be above 17,000 feet but there is still another 3,000 feet of climbing to go!  This will be a brutally tough slog up to the summit!  From the summit, you will descend back down to your camp at 17,000 feet.  Expect 12 to 14 hours on the move on summit day!

When To Climb:

The main climbing season on Denali is from May to July, with most trips beginning in May and June.  Alaska obviously is extremely far north, and that plays a major factor in the timing of your climb.  Obviously the Alaska winter is brutal, and starting early will yield much colder temperatures, but you also don’t want to be too late as it can get surprisingly hot, and the snow conditions can degrade, providing further challenges.

How to Climb:

The vast majority of people reading this article will need to hire a professional climbing guide to summit Denali.  It’s about a 3 week outing to 20,000 feet.  Don’t be dumb and try to do something beyond what you are capable of.  The logistics of setting up camps and carrying food and gear up to 17,000 feet is beyond what anyone is capable of doing alone.

My plan:

My hope is to climb Denali by the time I am 40.  I plan on making this my first true high altitude mountaineering expedition.  Some of the hardest climbs on this list require the type of climbing that you will find on Denali, so I think it makes sense to do Denali first, as it is closer to home, cheaper, and the timing works better with my job.

Cost:

$7,000-$11,000 depending on the guiding service

Australia/Oceania: Puncak Jaya

Elevation: 16,024 feet

Interesting Facts:

While Puncak Jaya is not in Australia, it is on Guinea which is a part of the Australian continent, and is used for the purposes of my 7 Summits (mainland Australia has a much easier option)

Puncak Jaya is also commonly referred to as the Carstensz Pyramid, named for an early Dutch explorer

Only about 500 people have ever climbed Puncak Jaya (Kilimanjaro sees 25,000 attempt it each year)

About Puncak Jaya:

Likely the most obscure peak of the 7 Summits, Puncak Jaya is certainly a mysterious mountain.  While it is the lowest peak on the list, it is arguably the most inaccessible.  

Located in the depths of the Indonesian rainforest, even getting within sight of the mountain requires a massive undertaking.  Accessing the mountain requires a flight into a tiny local airport with an earthen runway, followed by a 5 day hike through dense rainforest, just to get close to the mountain.

Not only will you be dealing with dense rainforest, climbers can expect rapidly changing weather throughout the year, and should expect rain every day, which can become snow higher on the mountain.  If that’s not enough, there have historically been dangerous with aggressive and violent native tribes that have made the area dangerous, though that danger seems to have dissipated.

Puncak Jaya is the lowest of the 7 Summits, but it is the most technically difficult.  Climbing requires advanced rock climbing skills, as most of climber’s summit day will be spent rock climbing in technical harnesses.  These technical challenges along with the environmental difficulties make this mountain a challenge for even the best mountaineers.

Route Descriptions:

While the traditional hike into base camp to access the mountain is long and dangerous, many outfitters now offer helicopter rides to base camp.  This eliminates the 5+ day slog through the jungle, and avoids the risk of being kidnapped by a local tribe!

From base camp, there are no advanced camps like on Denali or other higher peaks, so you are able to go for the summit strait away.  The climb is basically vertical, and almost immediately after base camp you will be climbing in technical terrain.

Most people will start climbing very early in the morning, something like 2 am.  Climbing in the dark seems scary, but it might be good so you can see all the huge drops!  The ascent includes vertical climbing, knife edge ridges, and an epic wire bridge crossing where you will stand on a single metal wire to cross a ravine!

When To Climb:

Since Puncak Jaya is located in the tropics, there really is not a defined climbing season.  You can pretty much climb it at any time of the year, but don’t expect good weather!  This is a rainforest, and even though you’ll be way up high, that doesn’t mean it won’t rain!

How to Climb:

Good luck climbing this mountain without a guide.  You definitely need a guide to climb this mountain, unless you want to try and survive in the rainforests of Indonesia by yourself with hostile locals around!

My plan:

Puncak Jaya is not a mountain that is high on my list to get done soon, but ideally I would like to climb it by 40.  Since it can be climbed at any time of year, and doesn’t require a months long expedition, I could make the summit without major changes to my life and career.  However, I definitely need to improve my rock climbing skills before thinking about this mountain!

Cost:

$7,000-$20,000 depending on guiding service (especially local vs international) 

South America: Aconcagua

Elevation: 22,837 feet

Interesting Facts:

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the western and southern hemispheres, and the highest outside of Asia

Aconcagua is the highest trekking peak in the world (mountain you can walk up without technical skills)

The frozen mummies of child sacrifices have been found on the slopes of Aconcagua, likely left by the Inca

About Aconcagua:

The highest mountain in the world outside the massive ranges of Asia, Aconcagua is like a hulking giant towering over the America’s.  The mountain is massive, and while it is not a sharp needle scraping the sky like some mountains, its overall size and girth make it a sight to behold.

This roundedness has one very big advantage for would be climbers: you can simply walk to the top.  Unlike peaks of similar stature in Asia, Aconcagua requires no rock climbing, no ropes, and no glacier travel.

Thanks to the arid climate of much of this part of the Andes, which includes the Altiplano and Atacama Desert, the driest place in the world, there is not much for snow cover or glaciers.  There are glaciers on Aconcagua, but you will not have to cross any to make the summit.

Don’t be fooled, this is not an easy mountain to climb.  Outside of Everest, this is the highest mountain on this list.  If you are not prepared, the mountain will beat you, and even though technically the climb is easy, walking uphill at nearly 23,000 feet above sea level will not feel good!

Route Descriptions:

While there are a few different routes to the summit of Aconcagua, most climbers will use the creatively named Normal Route.  

From the Argentine city of Mendoza, would-be climbers drive 4 hours into the Andes to Puente del Inca and spend the night.  From here, the following day, the approach hike to the mountain begins.  The hike to base camp at just over 14,000 feet takes 3 days from this point.

From base camp, a pattern begins of climbing up one day, resting the next, and moving camp further up the mountain.  Beyond base camp, there are often 4 camps higher up the mountain that climbers will gradually move through, taking time to acclimatize between each one.

Finally on summit day, climbers have a hike that requires 3,000 feet or more of ascending followed by a huge descent back down the mountain.  Summiters can expect at least 9-12 hours on the move on summit day.  From here, the hike back out of the mountains will take a couple of days, and finally you will return to Mendoza and fly home.

When To Climb:

Aconcagua’s climbing season lasts from November to March, although the best weather and peak season is from mid-December to the end of January.  This is during the southern summer, and off season ascents are possible, but are usually only attempted by very experienced mountaineers.

How to Climb:

While the non technical nature of Aconcagua means that theoretically one could summit the mountain individually and without guides or support.  However, due to the remoteness and elevation, it is recommended to hire a guiding service. 

My plan:

While I have the technical skills to climb Aconcagua now, it is not a mountain I plan on climbing in the near future.  I want to gain more experience climbing high mountains before I try a mountain as lofty as Aconcagua.  It’s also a bit of a scheduling challenge because it must be climbed during the school year, which creates a challenge with my schedule.

Cost:

$4,000-$7,000 depending on quality of guide and route

Antarctica: Mt Vinson 

Elevation: 16,050 feet

Interesting Facts:

The average temperature on Vinson during summer is about -20, not including wind chill

Mt Vinson is located 750 miles from the South Pole

Mt Vinson was not discovered until 1958

About Mt Vinson:

By far the most isolated of the 7 Summits, Mt Vinson lies on a continent that very few will ever even visit, let alone climb on.  The expedition to Vinson is a major undertaking, and this is probably the most logistically challenging of all the 7 Summits.

It shouldn’t be surprising that this mountain is difficult to access.  The first time Vinson was ever even seen by humans was not until 1958!  

At just a bit over 16,000 feet high, this is one of the two lowest peaks on the list, but that does not mean it is an easy mountain to summit.  Additionally, the climb to the top is non-technical, meaning you do not need rock climbing expertise, it is essentially a walk to the top.

Despite the relatively low elevation and the non-technical nature of the climb, Vinson is a very rarely climbed mountain because it is so far out of the way.  There’s no reason to spend the time and money to come to this remote part of Antarctica unless your explicit goal is to complete the 7 Summits.

Route Descriptions:

The route to the top of Mt Vinson starts a long ways away, on a totally different continent!  From either southern Chile or southern Argentina, climbers will fly across the turbulent Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica and land on a blue ice runway on Union Glacier.  From here, good weather allows another flight to base camp.

From base camp, climbers’ schedules become similar to other high elevation climbs: hike up to the next camp one day, rest the next, and move camp up the following.  Beyond base camp there are two advanced camps on the way to the summit.

On summit day, climbers will need to ascend about 3,600 feet to make the summit and descend back to high camp.  Since the Antarctic summer provides 24 hours of daylight, I don’t think there really is a set time that summit attempts begin.  The day after the summit is gained groups move back down to base camp.

From here, groups fly back across the Drake Passage to South America, and from there home to wherever that is!

When To Climb:

Mt Vinson is climbed during the Antarctic Summer and peak season is from November through January.  This is not a mountain that can be climbed during winter, and good luck getting to Antarctica during winter!

How to Climb:

This climb requires a guiding service that will arrange all logistics and travel.  You can’t just show up to base camp via car, so you need a group that will set up flights to Antarctica as well as transport the supplies and materials required for climbing in the frigid temperatures.

My plan:

I plan on making Mt Vinson one of my final climbs in my journey to the 7 Summits.  To me, it seems like an incredible place that would be a really special location to finish the achievement.  The remoteness and quiet to me would be an incredible way to finish the climbs compared to the often crowded camps around Everest and the other high peaks.  I also think Denali would be a perfect climb to do first: it’s very similar because it is non-technical, very cold, and Denali is actually more difficult.  Add in the fact that Vinson is second only to Everest in price and it makes sense to push it back in the schedule!

Cost:

About $43,000 (there aren’t a ton of different choices, so they’re all pretty similar!)

Asia: Mt Everest

Elevation: 29,031.7 feet

Interesting Facts:

Mt Everest is still getting taller!  It rises about 4 mm a year

Everest is the only of the 7 Summits to rise into the “death zone:” an area where there is so little oxygen humans cannot survive for more than a couple days

It generally takes about 10 weeks to climb Mt Everest

About Mt Everest:

The granddaddy of them all, the big one, the big mac, whatever you want to call it, Mt Everest is the highest mountain in the world, and the highest of the 7 Summits by a lot.  Everest is over 6,000 feet higher than the second highest of the 7 Summits, Aconcagua, and is hundreds of feet higher than the second highest peak in the world, K2.

The highpoint of the Himalaya Mountain Range, Everest is the crown of easily the greatest mountain range on earth.  Formed by the violent collision of the Indian Plate slamming into Asia, the Himalayas are the result of the great geologic forces on earth, and since India is still actively pushing into Asia, the mountains are actually still getting taller.

Everest is one of the “8000ers,” a set of mountains that rise over 8000 meters above sea level.  There are 14 8000ers on earth, and to demonstrate the scale of the Himalayas, 9 of the 14 8000ers are in the Himalaya, and the other 5 are in the neighboring range, the Karakorum.

Because of the massive scale of Everest, there are a whole new set of challenges that don’t even come up on the other mountains in this list.  Because climbers enter the death zone, the vast majority used bottled oxygen to keep moving.  Without it, climbers will die if they don’t descend quick enough. 

The distinct lack of oxygen combined with the freezing temperatures, the vicious winds, the dangerous ice and glacier travel, and the remoteness of the mountain combine for the biggest challenge of the 7 Summits.  Climbers often spend 2 months or more on location making the climb, not to mention months of training at home.

Everest is the ultimate challenge, the final frontier, and the ultimate mountaineering objective.

Route Descriptions:

There are multiple different routes up Everest, but the two most popular are the South Col and the Northeast Ridge

South Col:

The South Col is the primary route climbers take up Everest, and it was the route used for the first ascent of the mountain in 1953.  One of the most dangerous features of the South Col Route is the Khumbu Icefall and the Khumbu Glacier.  

This is one of the areas where many climbers have died while attempting a climb of Everest as the ice is unstable, and avalanches are common and can be extremely dangerous.  The glacier must be crossed, and it provides risks each time climbers have to enter it.

Because of the danger of the Khumbu Glacier and possible avalanches, this is actually not the route I would take if I were to climb Everest.  I would climb via the Northeast Ridge.

Northeast Ridge:

The Northeast Ridge Route actually approaches from the Tibetan side in China.  Because of the political situation in Tibet, this route has been closed periodically over the years, and therefore has seen less traffic than the more famous southern route.

The Northeast Ridge route avoids the dangers of the Khumbu Icefall and Glacier, but the climb itself may actually be more difficult.  Arguably the most technically challenging feature of the South Col Route is the Hillary Step (which appears to be gone since an earthquake in 2015).  On the Northeast Ridge, there are a series of technical challenges referred to as the Steps.

The Steps are a series of rock features that require climbers to rope in due to extreme exposure and potential fall danger.  They can also cause delays during busy climbing periods due to the bottlenecks they create.

The crux of the Northeast Ridge Route is the Second Step which features a 10 foot rock slab  followed by the Chinese Ladder: a roughly 30 foot high, nearly vertical ladder.  

With ropes, none of these features are necessarily that dangerous, but the real issue is when traffic increases to a degree that causes long backups which can deplete your oxygen, leave you exposed in cold and bad weather, and lead to exhaustion, frostbite, and hypothermia. 

When To Climb:

There are two seasons when climbing Everest is even possible: spring and autumn.  The climate of Everest is largely dictated by the monsoons that come north through India, and the often violent weather rules out climbing in the northern summer.

Spring is generally the main climbing season, with many expeditions starting in April and making the summit in late May or June.  This is when the large majority of most ascents takes place, and is the most crowded time on Everest.  Fall is another possible climbing season.  Weather is generally pretty good, but fewer expeditions go out in autumn.

While winter ascents have been done, the average temperature at the summit falls to -33 degrees, and winds of up to 170 miles per hour pummel the mountain.

How to Climb:

While a brave few do climb Everest without going through an official guiding service, the vast majority of climbers will hire a guide complete with porters, cooks, and potentially mules to lighten the load.  There are many different guiding companies to choose from, and anyone trying Everest should use a guiding service unless you are supremely confident and have extensive experience on peaks over 8000 meters.

My plan:

I want Everest to be either my last peak of the 7 Summits or the second last.  It is the most dangerous and requires the highest skill level, so I would like time to gain experience with high elevation peaks and the skills required to climb them.  

Climbing Everest is also extremely expensive, and it’s definitely not in the budget at the moment!  

Overall, I figure that I should save the best for last, so to me it makes sense to save Everest and Vinson as my last two of the 7 Summits to climb!

Cost:

$45,000-$100,000+ (depends wildly based on support and guiding companies)

Always follow basic trail etiquette when on trail!

If you’re still reading, you probably think I’m crazier than you thought when you started.  And to be honest, that’s pretty fair.  This is a wild, crazy, dangerous, expensive, and dumb idea that I want to do.  Nonetheless, it’s something I want to do.

There is something that calls us to mountains.  I think sometimes it’s as simple as looking at something and thinking to yourself, I wonder what it’s like at the top.  Or, I wonder what the views like.  Or, can I do this?

I don’t know why I want to climb the 7 Summits.  Maybe I want to prove to myself that I can.  Maybe I want to prove to others that I can.  Maybe I just want to explore and discover new places.  Maybe I just want a challenge and this was the thing I found and set my mind on.

Whatever the reason, it’s not only a dream of mine, it’s a goal.  I have concrete steps I am taking in pursuit of this goal, and each year I am trying to expand my skill set in hopes of eventually being able to not only try it, but to feel confident in attempting the highest peaks in the world.