Dangerous mountains earn their well deserved reputations after climbers challenge their summits and fail miserably. Mount Vesuvius, on the other hand, has claimed the lives of thousands of people who never set foot on its slopes, and the mountain shows no sign of giving up its murderous ways.

In 79 A.D., during one of the greatest natural disasters ever recorded, Vesuvius erupted, covering the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum with lava and volcanic ash. The preserved ruins of Pompeii have since given historians an unprecedented look at life two millennia ago, including grisly plaster casts of people covered by ash. Nearly 2,000 years later, Vesuvius is still hungry, though, and casts its ominous shadow over Naples, an Italian city filled with millions of people. Even though the last recorded eruption was in 1944, this volcano still could turn deadly at any time.

Despite its lethal reputation, Mount Vesuvius attracts quite a few tourists and climbers each year. If you want to tackle a real killer of a mountain, the best option is to fly into Naples and find accommodations in that city. From there, you can drive or take a bus to Mount Vesuvius National Park. There's plenty to see and do around the mountain, but if you want to get a good look at the crater, there are trails leading up to the rim. These trails don't require a lot of technical skill, but you will be doing quite a bit of walking up to the summit. For that, you definitely need a good pair of hiking shoes such as the Five Ten Guide Tennie, which provide good foot support on long hikes.

Because Vesuvius is an active volcano, the Italian government does have an action plan in case of an eruption. Unfortunately, the plan assumes that the residents and tourists will have plenty of warning before the volcanic ash starts to fly once again. If your timing is bad when you summit Mount Vesuvius, you might get a really, really good look at an eruption.

Sources:
http://geology.com/volcanoes/vesuvius/
http://www.nsa.naples.navy.mil/disasterprep/vesuvius.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28032-2004Oct12.html

When Mother Nature does something big, she does it up right, as is the case with Annapurna. Rising 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) into the air, this gorgeous mountain has a name that translates as "Goddess of the Harvests" or "The Provider." Like other climbing destinations, though, the natural beauty masks some real dangers. Located in Central Nepal, Annapurna has several peaks, the most well-known being Annapurna I and Annapurna II. Attempting to climb either peak would provide enough of a challenge for one lifetime. Suffice it to say, this is not a casual Sunday afternoon climb with your friends but a full-fledged expedition.

If you want to tackle the tenth highest mountain in the world, good physical conditioning is a requirement, not an option. Summitpost.org reported that in fall 1999, 120 expeditions attempted to summit Annapurna, but 54 of the climbers in those groups did not make it back.With any mountain that exceeds 8,000 meters, the combined threat of altitude sickness and hypothermia can become a painful reality. Peakware.com recommends planning an expedition for either April or May.

When packing up the tents, foodstuffs, boots and crampons, don't neglect your eyes when going for the summit of Annapurna. To give yourself a clear, clean field of vision, snow goggles such as the Spy Optic's Soldier are an excellent addition to your gear. The Soldier helps prevent fogging and provides 100 percent protection from UV radiation.

When planning any type of expedition in the Nepal region, all good things come from Kathmandu, the capital city. Experienced climbers who have tackled Annapurna have found plenty of tour guides and other help in this Nepalese city.

Back in the 1970's, Bob Seger sang, "That's why I'm going to Katmandu. Up to the mountains where I'm going to." If you want to be like Bob, head to Annapurna I or II, but make sure you are truly ready for what "The Provider" has to offer.

Sources:
http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=13
http://www.yetizone.com/
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150258/annapurna-i.html

Every mountain climber loves a challenge, but the real payoff is when you reach the summit of a mountain and are rewarded with a gorgeous view. Although Wheeler Peak in New Mexico is not the most challenging mountain to climb, the view from the summit is well worth your day of climbing.

Part of the Sangre de Cristo Range, Wheeler Peak is the highest mountain in New Mexico and is climbed every day by excited visitors. This peak is particularly unique because the tree line extends above 12,500 feet, which is a rarity even in the southern United States.

Wheeler Peak is also one of the highest mountains in the U.S. to constitute a day hike. Most climbers reach the summit in fewer than five hours and make it down well before nightfall. This means that you can take a vacation to New Mexico and fit several climbs in during your trip rather than having to come back to try a new route or peak.

The dangerous part of climbing Wheeler Peak is the almost universal chance for rainfall. Many climbers get halfway up the mountain only to see thunderheads forming above, necessitating a descent before reaching the summit. Others climb regardless of the rain, but this is never a good idea if thunder or lightening is detected.

Since Wheeler Peak isn't a technical climb, it is possible to make a light trek to the summit. A small backpack is necessary to carry things like food, water and rope, but you won't need to haul any heavy gear.

Remember that it might be quite warm in the valley before you climb Wheeler Peak, but the temperature will likely drop several degrees by the time you reach the summit. A parka in your backpack, such as the Spiewak Yeager Jacket, will make the cold more tolerable.

And if you are looking for the most demanding route up Wheeler Peak, try the path that goes through Williams Lake. This isn't quite as beautiful as other routes, but will require more technical skill for advanced climbers.

Typically, the most difficult aspect of taking on a dangerous mountain is the height. Lose your concentration or footing for just a moment, and you may find that it's a really long way down with a very sudden (and fatal) stop at the bottom.

Reaching a height of 10,278 feet, Cerro Torre in the Patagonia region of Argentina offers the double whammy of height and extreme weather conditions, which can include snow, rain and powerful winds. SummitPost.org reports that climbs on Cerro Torre may take as long as eight days to complete.

The unpredictable weather conditions mean that you need to dress properly before setting one foot on Cerro Torre. One recommended piece of clothing is the R1 Flash Pullover, which is made, appropriately enough, by a company called Patagonia. By itself, the R1 is good in moderate temperatures, but it also can be used as one of many layers when the temperatures start to tumble.

If the height and the weather don't discourage you from climbing Cerro Torre, some of the local conditions might prove hazardous to your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends talking to your primary care physician to make sure you are protected against such diseases as rabies, yellow fever and typhoid before heading to Argentina.

The U.S. State Department Web site also recommends making sure your medical insurance will cover a health emergency in a foreign land. Without adequate medical or travel insurance, your climb up Cerro Torre could turn out to be extremely expensive.

Because you will be leaving the United States, you will have to get your paperwork in order, including a current passport. You can obtain a free climbing permit, but members of your party have to pay a small fee to enter Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, the National Park which serves as the home of Cerro Torre.

With bad weather and the very real possibility of disease, Patagonia's Cerro Torre ranks quite high among the most dangerous mountains to climb. Plan carefully, dress warmly and make sure you have all your shots.

Sources:
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152103/cerro-torre.html
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1130.html

Mention Australia to the average person and they probably will think of three things: kangaroos, koalas and Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee, the rugged outdoorsman played by comedian Paul Hogan in a popular series of films. The Dundee character, who lived in Australia's Northern Territory, earned his nickname after allegedly surviving a crocodile attack.

For climbers, the Northern Territory offers something more enticing than a wisecracking crocodile fighter, namely the destination called Mount Uluru. Also known as Ayers Rock, this mountain attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of whom are bound and determined to climb to the top of this unique formation.

Located in Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park, Ayers Rock is just 986 feet, but the climb to the top is fairly steep, even for a veteran climber. Though it looks like an easy mountain to tackle from the ground, some people have died from heart failure during the climb.

Besides the physical challenges, there are other roadblocks that could interfere with your plans to visit Mount Uluru. The Anangu people are the owners and guardians of this rock formation, and they consider it sacred. They have posted signs asking tourists to please keep off the mountain.

Despite the expressed wishes of the Anangu, there are no laws preventing you from climbing Ayers Rock. It's not uncommon to see enthusiasts heading up Uluru, but the decision to climb is up to you and your conscience.

If Ayers Rock is too strong for you to resist, make sure to invest in a good pair of climbing shoes, such as Boreal Ace. With a pair of Aces on your feet, you should be able to reach the top and get a bird's-eye view of the Northern Territory.

Australia is a land of natural wonders, not the least of which is the beautiful Mount Uluru. You may not see Paul Hogan tossing another "shrimp on the Barbie," but for those who take their chances on Ayers Rock, the experience can be memorable.

Sources:

http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/climbing-ayers-rock-uluru.html
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/

In 1923, when asked about his desire to climb Mount Everest, George Leigh Mallory answered simply "Because it's there." Dedicated mountaineers like Mallory feel strangely drawn to certain peaks, and in the case of Eiger, you almost can hear the mountain whispering "Do you feel lucky? Well, do you, punk?" at you as you stare at it.

Made famous by the 1975 Clint Eastwood thriller "The Eiger Sanction," this mountain is located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland and has a name that means "Ogre." One of the most challenging routes up Eiger is the north face, an area with such a high death toll that it rightfully earned the nickname of "Murder Wall."

When preparing to tackle Eiger, you won't need Dirty Harry's famous .44 Magnum, but with an elevation of 13,024 feet, you do need to be prepared for this one. Anyone wanting to climb up to the summit should have experience with walking on glaciers. Ice axes, crampons and mountaineering boots also are highly recommended pieces of equipment to have on hand.

Besides the infamous north face, there are several ways to reach Eiger's summit, including routes up the West Flank and the Mittellegi Ridge. You can get a good head start on your climb by taking the Jungfrau Railway, which lets you begin your ascent from a higher altitude. Alpine guides also are available to help you on the journey to Eiger and their knowledge and experience can be life saving at times.

Accommodations around Eiger range from simple huts to elegant hotels, depending on how much you want to spend. It's also possible to camp in and around Eiger before you start your climb.

Though you may not be hunting assassins like Clint Eastwood did in "The Eiger Sanction," this Swiss mountain offers plenty of challenges just by itself. A successful climb up the north face of Eiger could, in the words of Dirty Harry, really make your day.

Sources:
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150228/eiger.html#chapter_1
http://www.askoxford.com/worldofwords/quotations/quotefrom/mallory/?view=uk
http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=71

Located near the city of Telluride, Lizard Head Peak is one of the most dangerous climbs in Colorado.

Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking, challenging and dangerous climbs, not the least of which is Lizard Head Peak. Located in the San Juan Mountains, Lizard Head has a 13,113-foot summit and some experts think that climbing it is truly a rotten idea.

Created as the result of volcanic activity, Lizard Head Peak has been battered by the elements over time, resulting in what Summitpost.org calls "the epitome of rotten San Juan Rock." Summitpost also mentions the climbers who have seen the mountain crumble as they were climbing it, making falling rock a real danger to those at the base. Many experienced climbers recommend simply not attempting to reach the Lizard Head summit while others consider it a good training exercise for longer climbs.

The National Forest Service ban on "fixed anchors" also makes Lizard Head Peak even more difficult to tackle. As of June 1, 1998, any anchor bolt, piton or other safety device that can't be removed is illegal to use in the Lizard Head Wilderness. This, of course, has caused some heated debate between the government and climbers, but the ban remains in place.

If you do want to tackle Lizard Head Peak, the recommended climbing periods are summer and fall. It is possible to make the climb at other times of the year, but Colorado does have some pretty rough winters, which can make reaching the summit even more daunting. On the plus side, fees and permits are not required for the Lizard Head Wilderness.

Though Lizard Head is a tough climb, getting to the San Juan Mountain range isn't that difficult. If you aren't within driving distance, fly into Telluride Regional Airport and stay in one of the lodges or take a room at a local bed and breakfast. When you aren't climbing, Telluride also offers other diversions, including art galleries and fine restaurants.

Not recommended for novice climbers, Lizard Head Peak is daunting, dangerous and a definite adrenaline rush. If you want to make the climb, plan your trip well, don't climb alone and watch your footing on the summit.

Sources:
http://www.mountainmadness.com/namerica/lzrdhd.cfm http://www.13ers.com/peaks/SJR/photos_LizardHead.html http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152036/lizard-head.html http://www.telluride.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here/air.html http://www.americanalpineclub.org/pages/polst/31/11

Though both deadly and beautiful, Nanga Parbat attracts climbers every year.

Some of the most beautiful mountains in the world have proven to be the most dangerous, even for the most experienced of climbers. Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world, is a breathtaking and majestic destination that definitely has earned the nickname of "The Killer Mountain."

Located in Pakistan in the Himalaya Mountain Range, Nanga Parbat reaches a height of 26,658 feet (8,125 meters) and its name translates as "Naked Mountain" because of the lack of vegetation and snow on some of the steeper slopes.

The Killer Mountain claimed the lives of numerous adventurers until its streak was first broken in 1953. In that year, Hermann Buhl, as part of a German-Austrian expedition, made it to the summit after many of his fellow climbers found the mountain too challenging.

Buhl had tackled Nanga Parbat from the north, ascending what is referred to as the Rakhiot Flank. In 1970, world famous climber Reinhold Messner and his brother Gunther ascended to the summit from the Rupal Face, but Gunther lost his life in an avalanche during the descent. Gunther Messner's remains were later recovered by another expedition in 2005, but the disappearance of Messner's younger brother led to some rather nasty accusations, which haunted the mountain climbing for decades after his initial success on Nanga Parbat.

Because it is one of 14 mountains in the world that tops 8,000 meters, Nanga Parbat continues to attract high altitude adventurers, even with its killer reputation. Despite the high cost of food and transportation these days, climbing Nanga Parbat actually is less expensive than ever before. In 2007, as part of the "Year of Tourism," the Pakistan government sliced the climbing royalties in half. You also don't need a trekking permit, but a visa is required to enter the country.

As is the case with any mountain as high as Nanga Parbat, climbers do need to take special precautions when mounting an expedition. The ideal time to make the attempt is between the months of June and September; the winters atop Nanga Parbat can be extremely harsh and treacherous.

In addition to extreme cold and illness, one of the leading causes of death above 7,000 feet is hypoxia, or oxygen starvation. Though Buhl made his solo ascent without supplemental oxygen, most climbers should bring extra bottles and tanks with them. Taking the time to acclimate your body to the high altitude also can greatly increase your chances of survival in the extremely thin air.

Though many have successfully reached the summit, Nanga Parbat's Mazeno Ridge has proven to be the most difficult route to tackle. If your determination is high and failure is not an option, Mazeno Ridge may be your next climbing destination.

Sources:
http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150276/nanga-parbat.html#chapter_4 http://www.tourism.gov.pk/destinations.html
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0405/excerpt2.html http://www.monterosa-nepal.com/pakistan/nanga-parbat-expedition.htm http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150276/nanga-parbat.html

Many adventurers believe that if they can conquer Mount Everest, one of the most daunting climbs in the world, they can tackle just about any hill or mountain that comes their way. Reaching a staggering height of 29,035 feet, Everest offers challenges unlike no other mountain in the world, which means reaching the summit gives you a lifetime membership
to a very exclusive club.

Long after Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to successfully reach the top on May 29, 1953, Everest continues to claim lives each year at the eye-opening rate of 1 death for every 10 attempts. Severe injuries always are among the factors to consider when climbing any mountain, but there are lots of ways to die on Everest, including sudden avalanches, hypothermia, pneumonia and infections.

A surprising number of Everest climbers are struck down by something as simple as a lack of oxygen, which causes a condition known as hypoxia. At altitudes above 7,000 feet, the atmosphere contains less oxygen and this makes your heart and lungs work a lot harder. Some symptoms of altitude sickness identified by the American Heart Association include
insomnia and swelling of the hands and feet; ignoring these warning signs has proved fatal for some climbers.

In a 2006 report, BBC News reported that Dr. Andrew Sutherland, who has served as a medical advisor on some Everest attempts, said that he was "shocked" at the amount of altitude-related sickness that's found among Everest climbers. With all the modern equipment and online resources available to climbers in the 21st-Century, many still neglect to account for the effects of thin air and sometimes don't make it back.

To combat altitude sickness, most climbers do spend time getting their bodies used to the lower oxygen content. Experienced climbers also carry oxygen tanks when climbing Everest. Without this extra air, climbing the entire 29,035 feet to Everest's summit could become a
slow, plodding and perhaps fatal undertaking.

Even with the threat of altitude sickness, a few climbers have successfully tackled Everest without benefit of supplemental oxygen tanks. In 1980, Reinhold Messner, considered by many to be one of the greatest climbers in the world, made a successful solo climb to the summit without extra oxygen, Sherpas or ladders, a method that's referred to as "fair means." For Messner, it was the man versus mountain....and Messner won.

In addition to injury, money and bureaucratic red tape can keep even an experienced climber from conquering Everest. Unlike a mountain or hill in a national park, an attempt at Everest can set you back about $25,000, with $10,000 going towards your permit fee. Climbing this
mountain takes more careful planning, preparation and work than any other mountain in the world.

For those who have the drive, determination and guts to make the attempt, though, Mount Everest sits patiently waiting.

Resources:

http://www.extremescience.com/HighestElevation.htm
BBC News: "Concern over Everest Death Rate": http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5281344.stm
http://www.mnteverest.net/history.html
High-altitude sickness: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4618
http://www.mounteverest.net/expguide/survivalrules.htm