April 19, 2024

5 Activities You Can Only Do In the Mountains

There’s nothing quite like the panoramic mountain view that can make us feel humbled in the presence of nature. If you are an adventurist at heart and enjoy pushing your boundaries, the mountains will provide you with never-ending challenges.  

Here are the seven activities you can only do in the mountains to fill your time between captivating sunrises and sunsets:

1. Ice climbing

2. Caving

3. Elk hunting

4. Rafting

5. Hiking

Ready for an adventure? Let’s go!

1. Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is, as you can probably imagine, a lot like rock climbing but on icy surfaces. This exciting activity is physically very demanding and is not for the faint-hearted. Some of the best locations in the world for ice climbing are:

Cogne, Italy is one of the Alps’ most popular ice climbing spots with more than 150 frozen waterfalls and different-level climbing routes.
Colorado, USA offers both frozen waterfalls and manmade ice parks.
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia is another Alps jewel with a large number of waterfalls and routes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced climbers.
Rjuakn, Norway is one of the top ice-climbing destinations in Northern Europe. Besides 150 icy waterfalls, this destination also has an artificial wall for ice climbing.

If you decide to take on this challenge, safety should be your number one concern. So, make sure you hire a qualified guide to take all the necessary safety precautions.

2. Caving

If you like exploring underground worlds and admiring geological wonders, then caving might just be the activity for you. As the word implies, caving is all about going through caves, working your way around dark and narrow passages.

Some of the best world destinations for this thrilling activity are:

Eisriesenwelt, Austria  – located inside the Hochkogel mountain, is a 26-mile-long limestone and ice cave. It is open for visitors every year from May to October but you will have to take mental pictures as cameras are not allowed in this cave.
Carlsbad Cavern, USA – located in the Guadalupe mountains in New Mexico, Carlsbad Cavern is a true American treasure. It has a massive limestone chamber where you can set up camp or even enjoy a lovely meal.

Some caves you are allowed to explore on your own, but the more treacherous ones will require you to go only with a skilled and licensed guide.

3. Elk Hunting

Elks inhabit the North American mountains and are one of the most sought-after species in the big hunting game. These animals cover great distances with mind-blowing speed. So going after elks is the ultimate hunting challenge.

If you decide to engage in elk hunting, be prepared for long “up the hill, down the hill” walks. You should also prepare the right firearm and the right, heavy ammunition like 140-grain 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, as these animals are massive and can weigh as much as 700 pounds.

4. Rafting

Can you picture yourself on a rubber raft, fighting against the force of water while enjoying the beautiful nature scenery at the same time? If your answer is yes, pack up your bags and go rafting to one of the following destinations:

Chilko River, Bidwell, British Columbia, USA – rafting in these waters can be a very exciting but dangerous activity, as the Chilko River is full of treacherous deep holes that can take you off your rubber raft in seconds.
Colorado River, Cataract Canyon. Utah, USA – the Colorado river is one of the best rivers for rafting with two big adrenalin-rush drops.
Karnali River, God’s House, Nepal – rafting on the Karnali River involves fighting against significant waves and overcoming big holes. All the while, you can enjoy the scenery of the beautiful lush greenery and towering Himalayan peaks.

When on a rafting adventure, don’t forget to put on your safety gear (life jacket, helmet, etc.), no matter how good of a swimmer you are.  

5. Hicking

If you are not a fan of blood-rushing physical activities but rather enjoy long, peaceful walks, then hiking is your sport. Hiking through the mountain trails is not only stress relieving but is also good for your overall physical and mental well-being.

Some of the best mountain hikes in the world are:

The King’s Trail, Norway offers the “edge-of-the-world” experience. Here you can also witness the famous Aurora Borealis and enjoy the colorful Arctic landscape.
West Maroon Pass from Crested Butte to Aspen, USA is an 11-mile hike that offers the best hiking experience in wildflower season (mid-June to late July). Here you can feast your eyes on colorful flowers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, river crossings, and more.
Mount Greylock via Bellows Loop Trail, Massachusetts, USA is the inspiration behind Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick”. Here you will climb a 2,260-foot incline to reach a peak where you will be able to see as far as 90 miles away.  

Hiking is a great combination of light physical activity and remarkably beautiful views. To ensure you don’t get lost in these vast landscapes, find a local guide to help you go through the hike safely.

Closing Thoughts

From climbing the icy walls, fighting the force of the water, and going after wild animals to soothing walks through beautiful landscapes, the mountains have it all.

Choose the mountain activity that best matches your nature and go conquer those peaks!  

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