27 Best Mountains To Climb In North America For Beginners (23 Countries)

North America has some of the most challenging alpine climbs. Many of the mountains in Canada and US’s Alaska are technical peaks for the seasoned mountaineer.

Fortunately, not all is lost if you are a beginner just starting out. There are plenty of high peaks that even beginners can climb.

In the article, I have put together 27 of the highest peaks you can conquer in North America.

For more of the highest climbs around the world, check out:

• 56 Highest Mountains To Climb in the US for Beginners
• 56 Highest Mountains To Climb in Europe for Beginners
• 74 Highest Mountains To Climb in Asia for Beginners
• 20 Highest Mountains To Climb in South America for Beginners
• 18 Highest Mountains To Climb in Africa for Beginners

Before We Start…

Just a few things to note before jumping right into the list. It will be helpful for you to first understand a bit about some of the terminology used in the list. These are also terminology that you may have seen from other sources.

Thousanders

In North America, the elevations of the mountains are typically referred to in meters. They are usually referred to as n-thousanders.

• Six-thousanders: at least 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) but less than 7,000 meters
• Five-thousanders: at least 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) but less than 6,000 meters
• Four-thousanders: at least 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) but less than 5,000 meters (16,404 feet)
• Three-thousanders: at least 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) but less than 4,000 meters
• Two-thousanders: at least 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) but less than 3,000 meters
• One-thousanders: at least 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) but less than 2,000 meters

An exception to this would be the US. In the US, the elevations of the mountains are typically referred to in feet.

• 14er or fourteener: at least 14,000 feet (4,267 meters)
• 13er: at least 13,000 (3,962 meters) but less than 14,000 feet (4,267 meters)
• 12er: at least 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) but less than 13,000 (3,962 meters)
• 11er: at least 11,000 feet (3,352 meters) but less than 12,000 feet (3,657 meters)

What Is Summitpost?

I have provided a SummitPost link for each of the listed climbs below.

SummitPost is an online library of climbing information for mountains around the world.

The information is provided by a community of climbers. It can be a useful starting point to learn more about the mountains and climbs. However, do note that not all information is fully kept up to date or complete. It will be good to do additional research before your climbs.

Since it is a community-driven initiative, it will be great if you could highlight any errors or outdated information. You can do so in the comments section of the respective pages.

There are also other similar communities such as The Outbound Collective.

Rating Systems

There are many rating systems that grades the difficulty of a climb.

There are a few grading systems used in this list:

Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)

• This is the grading system used widely in the US to rate the difficulty of a climb.
• Class 1 and 2 climbs are suitable for beginners.  
• Beginners can attempt Class 3 climbs with a guide.
• Read more about YDS here.

International French Adjectival System (IFAS) aka Alpine Rating System

• This is the grading system used in Europe for climbing in alpine conditions.
• F and PD climbs can be suitable for beginners if the routes do not have any snow or ice.
• Beginners can attempt F and PD climbs in snowy or icy terrains with a guide.
• Read more about IFAS here.

Canadian Winter Commitment Grade System

• This is the grading system used in Canada for climbing in alpine conditions.
• Beginners can attempt Grade I climbs with a guide or after some lessons or training.
• Read more about the Canadian Winter Commitment Grade System here.

Difference Between Elevation And Elevation Gain

You may notice that the list below states both the elevation and elevation gained.

The elevation measures to the height of the summit above sea level.

The elevation gained is the difference in height from the start of the trail to the summit.

The elevation gained might be different between routes. This depends on the trailheads which may be at different points on the mountains.

Climbing Season Vs Best Time To Climb

For each of the climbs listed below, I have included the climbing season as well as the best time to climb.

Beginners should stick to the duration listed under the best time to climb.

Though climbing is still possible for the rest of the year, it is more suitable for experienced climbers.

The conditions are harsher and the climb’s difficulty rating also increases. Non-technical climbs can often turn into technical ones.

List Of The Highest Beginner Mountains To Climb In North America

The highest mountain in North America is Mount McKinley (Denali) in Alaska. It stands at a height of 20,310 feet (6190 meters). Mount McKinley is the third highest mountain among the Seven Summits (after Mount Everest and Aconcagua).

Antigua and Barbuda

There are no high mountains to climb in Antigua and Barbuda.

The highest peak in Antigua and Barbuda is Mount Obama at 402 meters (1,319 feet). It is formerly known as Boggy Peak. It is now named after former US president Barack Obama.

Bahamas

There are no high mountains to climb in the Bahamas.

The highest peak in the Bahamas is Mount Alvernia at 63 meters (207 feet). It is also known as Como Hill. You can find a monastery on the summit called The Hermitage.

Barbados

There are no high mountains to climb in Barbados.

The highest peak in Barbados is Mount Hillaby at 343 meters (1,125 feet).

Belize

The highest peak in Belize is a one-thousander.

1. Victoria Peak (1,124 meters / 3,688 feet)

• The highest peak in Belize.
• It is named after Queen Vicotria.
• Gorgeous climb through the tropical rainforest.
• Although it is a non-technical climb, the mountain is in a remote location and there are no marked trails. A guide is required for all climbs.
• SummitPost page

Canada

The highest peak in Canada is a five-thousander, Mount Logan. It stands at 5,959 meters (19,551 feet). Don’t confuse it with the Mount Logan in Washington, USA!

Canada has 5 five-thousanders and 14 four-thousanders. All of them are very inaccessible. They are also challenging technical climbs that are not suitable for beginners.

Here are some of the highest peaks in Canada suitable for beginners:

2. Mount Temple (3,543 meters / 11,624 feet)

• The most visible peak in the Lake Louise area.
• Ranked 11 out of 54 on the list of the Canadian Rockies 11,000 footers.
• Was the first peak to be climbed in the Canadian Rockies 11,000 footers.
• One of the toughest climb on this list. Beginners MUST climb with a guide.
• SummitPost page  

3. Mount Brazeau (3,525 meters / 11,565 feet)

• Ranked 21 out of 54 on the list of the Canadian Rockies 11,000 footers.
• One of the toughest climb on this list. Beginners MUST climb with a guide.
• SummitPost page
• Blog article

4. Mount Willingdon (3,373 meters / 11,066 feet)

• Ranked 44 out of 54 on the list of the Canadian Rockies 11,000 footers.
• One of the toughest climb on this list. Beginners MUST climb with a guide.
• SummitPost page
• Blog article

Costa Rica

The highest peak in Costa Rica is a three-thousander.

5. Mount Chirripó (3,821 meters / 12,536 feet)

• The highest peak in Costa Rica.
• 360 views over the lakes, valleys and the sea.
• Passes through unique ecosystems such as the premontane forest and cloud forest.
• Many of Costa Rica’s highest peaks are in the vicinity.
• SummitPost page
• The Outbound Collective

6. Volcán Irazu (3,432 meters / 11,260 feet)

• The highest volcano in Costa Rica.
• There is a road leading to the summit. There are only short hikes at the summit.
• SummitPost page

7. Cerro Kamuk (3,549 meters / 11,644 feet)

• The 8th highest peak in Costa Rica. One of the highest peaks outside of the Mount Chirripó region.
• A much more remote climb than Mount Chirripó.
• Although it is a non-technical climb, the mountain is in a remote location and there are no marked trails. Beginners should climb with a guide.  
• Information about the climb.

Cuba

The highest peak in Cuba is a one-thousander.

8. Pico Turquino (1,974 meters / 6,476 feet)

• The highest peak in Cuba.
• Sits in the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra. The national park is home to many endangered species. This includes the smallest toad in the world.
• SummitPost page
• Blog article

Dominica

The highest peak in Dominica is a one-thousander.

9. Morne Diablotin (1,447 meters / 4,747 feet)

• The highest peak in Dominica.
• A rather “dirty” climb. You might need to wade through ankle to knee deep mud during the climb. You will also need to climb through tree roots and logs.
• SummitPost page
• The Outbound Collective

Dominican Republic

The highest peak in the Dominican Republic is a three-thousander.

Other than Pico Duarte, there is very little information about the other peaks in the Dominican Republic.

10. Pico Duarte (3,098 meters / 10,164 feet)

• Formerly known as Pico Trujillo.
• The highest peak in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean.
• Pico Duarte has a twin summit that is only 2 meters (6.5 feet) shorter — La Pelona.
• Unlike many of the mountains in the area, Pico Duarte is not a volcanic mountain.
• All climbers must hire a guide.
• SummitPost page

El Salvador

The highest peak in El Salvador is a two-thousander.

11. Cerro El Pital ( 2,730 meters / 8,957 feet)

• The highest peak in El Salvador.
• Views of the surrounding countries, Guatemala and Honduras.
• SummitPost page

Grenada

There are no high mountains to climb in Grenada.

The highest peak in Grenada is Mount Saint Catherine at 840 meters (2,756 feet).

Guatemala

The highest peak in Guatemala is a four-thousander. Guatemala has 2 four-thousanders.

12. Volcán Tajumulco (4,202 meters / 13,786 feet)

• The highest peak in Guatemala and Central America.
• Views of Mexico and Guatemala.
• Although it is a non-technical climb, the trail is not well marked. Beginners should climb with a guide.
• SummitPost page

13. Volcán Tacaná (4,110 meters / 13,484 feet)

• Located on the border of Guatemala and Mexico.
• The second highest peak in Guatemala and Central America.
• Views of the volcanos in Guatemala and Mexico.
• The climb is shorter from Guatemala than from Mexico. But the trail in Mexico is more accessible nearby towns.
• SummitPost page

14. Volcán Acatenango (3,976 meters / 13,045 feet)

• The third highest peak in Guatemala.
• A dormant volcano. It last erupted in 1972.
• Has a twin volcano to the south, Volcan Fuego. You can climb both peaks in the same trip.
• Overlooks the historic capital city of Antigua.
• SummitPost page
• The Outbound Collective

Haiti

The highest peak in Haiti is a two-thousander.

15. Pic la Selle (2,240 meters / 7,349 feet)

• The highest peak in Haiti.
• The mountain is rarely climbed. There is very limited information online.
• Blog article

Honduras

The highest peak in Honduras is a two-thousander.

16. Cerro Las Minas (2,870 meters / 9,416 feet)

• Also known as Cerro Celaque.
• The highest peak in Honduras.
• You can also climb 2 nearby peaks on the same trip — El Gallo and Guatemalillo.
• SummitPost page

Jamaica

The highest peak in Jamaica is a two-thousander.

17. Blue Mountain Peak (2,256 meters / 7,402 feet)

• The highest peak in Jamaica.
• Views of the Blue Mountain range and even Cuba on a clear day.
• SummitPost page
• Blog article

Mexico

The highest peak in Mexico is a five-thousander. Mexico has 3 five-thousanders.

18. Pico de Orizaba (5,636 meters / 18,491 feet)

• The highest peak in Mexico. The third highest peak in North America.
• A unique view at sunrise when the mountain casts a huge shadow over the surrounding flat plains.
• SummitPost page
• The Outbound Collective

Popocatepetl (5,500 meters / 18,045 feet)

• The second highest peak in Mexico.
• It is closed for climbing since 1994 due to the melting glaciers.

19. Iztaccíhuatl (5,230 meters / 17,159 feet)

• The third highest peak in Mexico.
• Looks like a “sleeping beauty” when viewed from the east or west.
• SummitPost page

20. Nevado de Toluca (4,691 meters / 15,390 feet)

• The fourth highest peak in Mexico.
• SummitPost page
• Blog article

Nicaragua

The highest peak in Nicaragua is a two-thousander.

21. Cerro Mogotón (2,107 meters / 6,913 feet)

• The highest peak in Nicaragua.
• There are old land mines in the area and there are no marked trails. Beginners should climb with a guide.
• SummitPost page
• Blog article

Panama

The highest peak in Panama is a three-thousander.

Other than Volcán Barú, there is very little information about the other peaks in Panama.

22. Volcán Barú (3,475 meters / 11,401 feet)

• The highest peak in Panama.
• The only location in the world with a view of both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans at the same time.
• SummitPost page

Saint Kitts and Nevis

The highest peak in Saint Kitts and Nevis is a one-thousander.

23. Mount Liamuiga (1,156 meters / 3,793 feet)

• Formerly known as Mount Misery.
• The highest peak in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
• You can even climb into the crater at the summit.
• Although it is a non-technical climb, the trail is not well marked. Beginners should climb with a guide.
• Blog article here and here.

Saint Lucia

There are no high mountains to climb in Saint Lucia.

The highest peak in Saint Lucia is Mount Gimie at 950 meters (3,117 feet).

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The highest peak in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a one-thousander.

24. La Soufrière (1,234 meters / 4,049 feet)

• The highest peak in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
• An active volcano. It last erupted in 1979.
• A pristine peak. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not as touristy as the other islands in the Caribbean.
• SummitPost page

Trinidad and Tobago

There are no high mountains to climb in Trinidad and Tobago.

The highest peak in Trinidad and Tobago is El Cerro del Aripo at 940 meters (3,084 feet).

United States of America (USA)

The highest peak in the US is Mount McKinley (Denali). It stands at 6,190 meters (20,310 feet).

Mount McKinley is one of the world’s 7 Summits, coming in third after Mount Everest and Aconcagua.

Most of the highest peaks in the US is found in Alaska. These mountains are in high altitudes and have freezing temperatures and icy terrains. They are not suitable for beginners.

US has many high peaks that beginners can get started with.

Here are a few of them:

25. Mount Whitney (4,421 meters / 14,505 feet)

• The 11th highest peak in the US. The highest peak in the contiguous US.
• Views of Sierra’s highest peaks and low lying desert plains (including Death Valley).
• SummitPost page
• National Park Service page

26. Mount Elbert (4,401 meters / 14,440 feet)

• The 14th highest peak in the US.
• The second highest peak in the contiguous United States.
• Views of Mount Massive (the second highest mountain in Colorado) and La Plata Peak.
• SummitPost page
• 14ers page

27. Mount Massive (4,396 meters / 14,421 feet)

• The 15th highest peak in the US.
• The third highest peak in the contiguous United States.
• Tougher class rating than Mount Elbert.
• SummitPost page
• Forest Service page

Can’t get enough? Check these out:

• 56 Highest Mountains To Climb in the US for Beginners
• 56 Highest Mountains To Climb in Europe for Beginners
• 74 Highest Mountains To Climb in Asia for Beginners
• 20 Highest Mountains To Climb in South America for Beginners
• 18 Highest Mountains To Climb in Africa for Beginners