With the very real possibility of high altitude sickness and hypothermia, Mother Nature makes some mountains potentially deadly for climbers. In addition to these natural hazards, Mount Llullaillaco, a dormant volcano, also has some hidden dangers that could literally cause you to go to pieces.

Llullaillaco, whose name translates as "murky water", is the fifth highest volcano in the world, with the last reported eruption occurring in the 19th Century. Located at the border of Chile and Argentina, this mountain also contains several antipersonnel mines, a leftover from an earlier conflict between the two countries surrounding it.

The peak has some real historical significance as well. In 1999, archaeologists found the well-preserved bodies of three young Inca children at the top. Scientists have determined that the youngsters, who have since been dubbed "The Children of Llullaillaco," were left there as a sacrifice to the gods 500 years ago.

With icy climbing conditions and the mines lurking on the mountain, you definitely should seek the help of local authorities before tackling Llullaillaco. On SummitPost.org, climber Fabrice Rimlinger recommends contacting the Chilean National Parks and Wildlife Service (CONAF) for guidance.

Though you can approach the mountain from either Chile or Argentina, Rimlinger also points out that there is no public transportation to Llullaillaco, which means that you will have to do quite a bit of driving before and after the climb. The camping facilities also are pretty basic, making this more of a rugged journey even for an experienced climber.

Reaching a height of 22,000 feet, climbing Llullaillaco also means conditioning your body for the thinner air as you approach the peak. To cross the ice fields and snow, you definitely will need an ice axe, crampons and some high-altitude boots.

With all the preparation it takes to reach the top, Mount Llullaillaco definitely is not for the casual climber. If you are willing to take the time to get ready, climbing this volcano is a unique experience. Always remember, though, that on Llullaillaco, stepping in the wrong spot can have explosive consequences.

Resources:

http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=1197
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/184475/llullaillaco.html
http://www.mundoandino.com/Chile/Llullaillaco
http://www.washintonpost.com/wp-srv/national/daily/april99/mummies07.htm

There's something about climbing a mountain that is considered the hardest, or the rockiest, or, in this case, the tallest. Mount Elbert
in Lake County, Colorado, is the highest Rocky Mountain peak, and is
one of the most popular mountains to climb in the United States.

Although
the easiest route up Mount Elbert is a fairly easy Class 2, there are
plenty of ways to make this climb more challenging, and the height
alone is enough to make it dangerous. Because of the elevation,
breathing can be very difficult if you manage to reach the summit, and
many people try yet fail every year.

Don't allow the gentle slope
of this mountain to fool you about difficulty, and don't assume that
you can pick out the Class 2 hike easily. Since most climbers attempt
Mount Elbert during the fall and winter months, it is best to
coordinate with an experienced outfitter at least for your first
excursion.

First, if you happen to decide to climb Mount Elbert
in the winter, you'll be dealing with quite a bit of snow.
Unfortunately, this presents a problem just getting to the foot of the
mountain, and even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you run the risk of
getting stuck in a snow bank. Plus, sheets of slippery ice formulate
along the side of the mountain, and a dusting of powdery snow can make
these treacherous areas difficult to spot.

Once you've climbed
above the tree line, you'll find that there is little in the way of
natural formations to grab as you ascend. Snowshoes and ice axes are
definitely recommended for this hike, and you'll want a high-quality
flashlight in case it gets dark while you're still on the mountain,
such as the Gerber RX700 Xenon Flashlight.

Also,
be aware that the snow below the tree line will begin to melt near the
early to mid-afternoon, so you might have some serious post-holing to
do on your descent. Only attempt this climb if you are in excellent
physical condition and prepared not only for going up, but also for
coming back down.

Mountains and canyons, much like anything else, can be deceiving. Some climbs look as though they should be easy, but prove very difficult, while others look like monstrosities and are fairly easy to scale. This is the case with the Stolen Chimney route in Utah's canyon country. The Stolen Chimney looks just like its name, a 250-foot rocky protrusion in the land, and it looks as treacherous as they come.

In actuality, the Stolen Chimney is only classified as a II climb, but since it looks like it might topple at any moment, and because of its craggy face, many climbers are scared to death of it. I know that I have no interest in climbing it any time in the future, and this is a classic example of why climbers shouldn't rely on ratings to choose their next targets.

When climbing the Stolen Chimney, it's important to make sure you have a healthy supply of nuts and at least one aider. Don't underestimate the possibility that the rocky surface will crumble underneath your fingers, so make sure you have plenty of grip before you try any ascensions on this climb.

To get there, you'll wind down a fairly good mile-long trail from the parking lot, but beware that this can take a while. You might want to wear tennis shoes or a different pair of comfortable hiking boots, such as the SalomonExit Peak Mid GTXs, from the ones you wear for the actual climb up the tower. This may prevent blisters and will keep your feet fresh and your circulation pumping.

The best part of climbing Stolen Chimney, of course, is the summit. Standing atop the tower, regardless of the time of day, gives you a beautifully unobstructed view of Utah canyon country. This is a fantastic reward after you've heaved yourself up the giant corkscrew tower, and many say it's worth the nerves you experience beforehand.

Stolen Chimney is located in the Fisher Towers area, approximately 20 miles northeast of Moab. And if this tower doesn't satisfy your thirst for treacherous climbs, you can also try the Titan, which is the largest of the towers in this area.

Idaho might be best known for its potatoes, but if you're getting ready to plan a vacation, you might consider this state for excellent climbing as well. Far from the potato fields, Seven Devils Mountains are home to some of the most rugged mountainsides in the world, and they present a unique challenge to the avid climber. Extending for nearly 40 miles along the Oregon border, the Seven Devils Mountains might make the perfect vacation.

Fortunately, this area of Idaho presents a unique opportunity for visitors, as there is far more to do than climb mountains. Several national and state parks are located within five miles of the range, some of which offer boating, kayaking, trails, cycling and horseback riding. When you're tired of high elevations and craggy mountainsides, you can take a break and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

For more experienced climbers, there are several mountains in Seven Devils that will test your skills and endurance. Devil's Tooth, for example, is nearly 8,000 feet in elevation and has two summits, one of which is far more difficult to reach than the other. If you'd like to try the steepest side, you'll need to be able to ferret out the most reasonable approach, which means that technical climbers will have the most success.

The Tower of Babel is another popular peak in Seven Devils Mountains, and is accessed from Sheep Lake. The mountain rises just over 9,000 feet in elevation, presenting almost limitless paths that jump from one rocky ledge to the next, presenting an almost spiral pattern that can be discerned from the ground.

You'll find Class 1 hikes in Seven Devils Mountains as well as Class 5 hikes, but it is important that you know the area before you set out for a climb. The rock faces of the mountains aren't always entirely stable, and taking a child on too difficult a hike could prove very dangerous. There are brochures and guides available all around Sheep Lake, Idaho, so make sure you check with the experts before you set out in the morning for some exercise.

If you get the chance, you should also visit Hells Canyon, which is the the deepest river gorge in the United States and extends all the way to Snake River. It is a glorious sight from numerous mountains in the range, and you can head off into the Wilderness from there.