Driving south from Reno, NV, on US Highway 395, you'll see a foothill that looks like a chunk was torn out of it. The hill is Slide Mountain; a block slide occurred: a single large mass of material gave way and slid downslope. You're more likely to encounter a fall when hiking or climbing, where rocks and boulders detach from a cliff or steep slope and roll downhill.

Landslides can and do happen in all 50 states of the U.S., and kill between 25 and 50 people each year. Major landslides and mudslides have killed hundreds to thousands of people in countries including Mexico, India, and China when slides hit populated villages. If a landslide occurs in the backcountry, it can still kill, but is less likely to if you're prepared.

To survive a landslide, you need to know where they're likely to occur, warning signs and what to do if one happens. Landslides are most common in areas where fires have destroyed ground-gripping vegetation, areas where there's lots of water, from quick snow melt or heavy rains, and areas of volcanic activity - which includes areas around hot springs and steam vents as well as actual volcanoes. Some warning signs are seepages of water in usually dry areas, new fissures in slopes or boulders, or boulders appearing farther apart or closer together.

Your first warning is an increasingly loud rumbling followed by a trickle of rocks falling around you. The rocks will be followed by more and larger material, so get out of the way. Move sideways as far and quickly as possible, then roll yourself into a small ball and hold your pack over your head. If you're the first to notice the fall, shout loudly to your party. Once the fall stops, keep calling out until your group members find each other.

If you're climbing, always wear a helmet. If you're hiking, wear sturdy boots, carry a durable and solid backpack, and carry along a jacket. Even if it's not cold, the jacket can be used to help prevent shock if someone in your party is injured.

"Spelunking" refers to the outdoor activity of exploring caves and caverns, either for fun or research. In the 2003 adventure called The Core, however, a team of specialists take spelunking to the ultimate level by drilling down to the very center of the Earth.

A secret government experiment has caused the planet's molten core to stop its natural rotation, which affects the Earth's electromagnetic field. Without this protective energy layer, people with pacemakers start dropping dead, birds fly off-course and the Sun's rays start burning people and buildings to a crisp.

The quickest way to get the core moving again is by sending a submersible ship through the layers of rock and molten lava and then detonating a series of nuclear warheads. In order to survive the heat, Dr. Ed "Brazz" Brazzleton (*Delroy Lindo*) creates a substance that he calls "unobtanium," which resists extreme temperatures and pressure. The good doctor also has a laser drill capable of drilling through the toughest rock.

In a ship outfitted with Dr. Brazzleton's inventions, the team, led by Commander Robert Iverson (*Bruce Greenwood*), drills through the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. As the first humans to go deep below the surface of the Earth, they see amazing things, such as huge diamonds formed from the tremendous heat and pressure. The deeper they drill, however, the greater the danger becomes.

An entertaining scientific fantasy, The Core takes cave exploration to new depths. It also shows what could theoretically happen if the Earth's electromagnetic field did start to erode. In one early scene, for instance, Major Rebecca Childs (*Hilary Swank*) has to find a safe place to land a space shuttle when magnetic interference wipes out her guidance system.

The Core does get a little grisly at times, showing in graphic detail what happens when unfiltered solar radiation hits the Earth. Even the best sunscreens can't help you when nothing stands between your face and the rays of the Sun.

A fun, but sometimes unbelievable adventure, The Core is one way to heat up a night of movie watching at home.

If you think earthquakes only happen in California, think again. It's true that most earthquakes happen west of the Rockies, and California has had plenty, but Alaska has had the most in recent history. But looking farther back, the most earthquakes have occurred in the central U.S., and the worst earthquake in U.S. history was along the New Madrid fault in Missouri over three months in 1811-1812. The effects were felt over 2 million square miles, and three quakes registered over an 8 on the Richter scale.

While geologists are working towards it, they still can't predict when or where an earthquake will strike. They do know that if a quake has hit an area in the past, it will happen again. So, it's possible that you'll encounter an earthquake when you're out hiking, camping, boating, or even skiing.

The first warning you'll have is a feeling of rolling ground, then the real shaking starts. Find the nearest open space, something treeless and not downhill from a rocky slope, and stay there. Most injuries outdoors, just like indoors, come from falling debris and in your case, that means trees, rocks, and even snow. Earthquakes can trigger some phenomenal avalanches. Curl up into a fetal position to make yourself a smaller target.

There will be aftershocks, so stay put. If you're hiking along the coast, though, know earthquakes often trigger tsunamis, so move inland and up, then find open space. When the movement stops, check yourself and the rest of your party for injuries, and treat what you can with your first aid kit.

Wear sturdy but comfortable boots like these new Ledge boots from Timberland. Sick of your old pack? This Ultimatum Gear backpack from Nike is brand new, and along with pockets for everything, it has Max Air straps to take the weight off your shoulders. This waterproof watch from Freestyle has an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass.

Know the history of the area you're hiking, travel prepared, and you can survive even an earthquake in the backcountry.

Even the most experienced climbers can use a little inspiration when heading to the summit, which is where these mountain-themed songs on your iPod can help:

"Rocky Top" (Sung by Lynn Anderson)
One of seven official state songs of Tennessee, this Felice and Beaudleaux Bryant collaboration talks about a peak on Thunderhead Mountain, which is located in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (Sung by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell)
Written by legendary songwriters Nikolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the singer of this song is telling the one he loves that there's not a mountain high enough to keep him away when she truly needs him.

"Rocky Mountain High" (Sung by John Denver)
One of the two official Colorado State Songs, Denver sings about the joy he feels when he is up in the mountains, a sentiment echoed by countless climbers and hikers. Initially, concerned government officials thought Denver was talking about another kind of "natural high," one that still is illegal in the United States.

"High Hopes" (Sung by Frank Sinatra)
Halfway to the summit, you may be wondering why you are climbing such rocky terrain. This little tune, sung by the "Chairman of the Board" himself, celebrates the joys of doing seemingly impossible tasks, such as climbing a mountain.

"On Top of Old Smoky" (Sung by the Weavers)
This folk ballad refers to a certain mountain, but experts can't agree which one it is. Some people believe the lyrics refer to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The singer talks about losing the love of his life on the top of the mountain to another man because he acted too slowly.

And just to remind you what might happen if your foot slips:

"Free Fallin'" (Sung by Tom Petty)
Because you don't want to "free fall out into nothin'," always remember to pack a good pair of crampon compatible boots along with your iPod. Without them, you may, as Petty sings, "leave this world for a while."

For many of us, the word "Niagara" is synonymous with "big". You've got Niagara Falls, of course, but the mountain climbers among us will be more impressed with Niagara Peak. It might not be the highest point in the country, but it's nothing to sneeze at.

This 13er (13,786 feet, to be exact) is located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, not far from several other ambitious summits. The triangular shape of Niagara Peak combined with the beautiful view climbers enjoy at the top make it a pleasurable climb as well as technical.

Both the approach and the face of Niagara Peak are rocky and pitted, making for slow climbing if you aren't used to the terrain. A pair of sturdy hiking boots with high ankles for extra support and a set of thick gloves are absolutely essential for this climb.

Additionally, make sure you check the weather before you attempt to climb Niagara Peak. The weather here is unpredictable, offering snowfall and rain on the unlikeliest of days. The last thing you want is to get stuck on the side of a treacherous mountain with thunder ringing in your ears.

The great thing about climbing Niagara Peak, however, is that you're within close proximity of several other summits. For example, many expert climbers traverse both Niagara Peak and Jones Mountain on the same hike. There are also a few unnamed peaks in the vicinity that you might want to try if you're feeling adventurous.

There are two basic approaches to Niagara Peak. The most difficult is to approach via the saddle between Niagara and Jones, which is marked by heavy tundra and often difficult to cross in the early winter. However, you can also approach on the northeast side directly opposite Jones, which offers a sheer face but less brush on the ground to deal with.

In addition to the amazing climb offered at Niagara Peak, there is also some beautiful hiking to be done in this region. Abandoned mines, beautiful woods and a few scattered streams and ponds make for lots of wildlife, and you can easily spend an entire week exploring on foot or horseback.

The Kaweah Range of the Sierra Nevadas is home to numerous magnificent summits, but none so high as Red Kaweah. It is one of 250 popular peaks in the Sierra Nevadas and is considered a worthy challenge for many California climbers. If one thing characterizes the Red Kaweah, it's rocks. Big rocks, small rocks, every shape and size of rock, which can make the ascent somewhat difficult even if it weren't for other technical challenges. The area is surrounded by varying degrees of arroyos and the approach is almost as difficult as the climb itself.

As far as the face of Red Kaweah, rubble is encountered at every turn and sure footholds are never a guarantee. Make sure you give foot and hand placement serious consideration when climbing this mounting, paying close attention to areas of loose rock.

The best time to climb Red Kaweah is between June and September when residual snow from the winter is at a minimum and rainfall is less frequent. The Kaweahs are all fairly busy during the summer months, however, so you might want to wait until September if you prefer climbing in solitude. Although some people do climb Red Kaweah as a day hike, overnights are far more fun and give you an opportunity to explore the rest of the range. Camping is available in several spots around Red Kaweah, so make sure to bring your sleeping bag and perhaps a comfortable tent. Note, however, that permits are required to spend the night around Red Kaweah.

There are several lakes, streams and other bodies of water near Red Kaweah, which makes the scenery beautiful regardless of the time of year. Climbing on the east face, for example, requires some rappelling and grants a gorgeous view of the rest of the Kaweah range.

Experienced climbers can also consider blazing new trails up Red Kaweah. There are several undocumented routes that have been attempted by veteran climbers and although this type of trailblazing can be dangerous, it is worthwhile for the avid summit collector. Don't forget to watch out for coyotes and bears, both of which are prevalent in the area.

One of the most important things you'll learn when taking on that next outdoor challenge is the art of layering. Layering with lightweight jackets, tees, and hoodies helps you stay comfortable during inclement weather and gives you options if things start to heat up. Whether you're hitting the campsite in the tropical rainforest or gearing up for an ice fishing trip in the mountain tundra, layering up with an all-weather jacket can help you make the most of your outdoor adventure and stay cool, calm and comfortable no matter what nature throws at you.

The Columbia Waypoint II Shell fits the bill with its ultra-performance shell that keeps you warm and dry no matter what the forecast has in store. The jacket is designed with a waterproof shell and extra seams to keep water out. The sleeves have adjustable cuffs for extra protection, and the drawcord adjustable hem means you can look forward to a custom fit. You'll also find small zippers in the underarm area; these help you stay cool without having to take off the entire jacket and it works as a venting system that circulates extra air - any time you need it.

The jacket is made with a recycled polyester blend with Shangri-La ripstop and Omni-Tech fabrics. This gives you an extra layer of protection and keeps you dry even when you're sweating it out in the humid rainforest or jungle. The jacket sizes run large, so you'll have plenty of space to layer with fleece jackets underneath, a lightweight sweatshirt or even a button down flannel shirt or top. A stow-away hood keeps you looking sharp when you don't need to hide from the wind, and the simple, clean-cut design is a great addition to any outdoor wardrobe.

One of the most innovative features of the Columbia Waypoint II Shell is the interchangeable liner; you can switch out the liner with most 3-point Columbia Interchange System liners to use it in almost any type of environment. Plus, this versatile piece is easy to clean; just throw it in the washing machine for a cold rinse and tumble dry on low to freshen it up in a flash.

Eagle Mountain is one of the most elusive highpoint peaks in the United States, not because it is the hardest to climb or because it is concealed by some sort of mystical camouflage spell either. Rather, Eagle Mountain in Minnesota is difficult to summit because most people think they've hit the top before they actually arrive.

Eagle Mountain is one of those peaks where the summit plateau tricks your eyes. The actual summit isn't reached until you find the plaque, so climbing this mountain can sometimes seem like a particularly cruel scavenger hunt. Not only that, but the journey to the Eagle Mountain trail head brings you across the path of several bogs, a type wetland that usually has a starring role in horror movies rather than in picturesque mountain villages. Fortunately, wooden bridges help prospective climbers pass the bogs to get to the good part.

Although Eagle Mountain reaches an elevation of only 2,301 feet, the actual climb is little over three miles, most of which is forested. Unlike many other mountain peaks, however, the most difficult part of the climb is in the first 1,000 feet, where woods and rocks can impede your journey. If you'd like to camp out at Eagle Mountain, you'll find a perfectly serviceable campsite at the neighboring Whale Lake, which is not, despite popular misconception, shaped like a whale. You'll also need to register at the trail head before you start your climb, so make sure to bring proper identification.

Eagle Mountain is also one of those peaks that can be summitted all year round. Snow makes the going difficult in the dead of winter, but a pair of hardy snow boots will get the job done. Regardless of the time of year, you'll want a warm, flexible jacket, especially if your climb will extend into the evening.

Eagle Mountain is lots of fun and a great way to get in shape for more dangerous hikes. In fact, the local climbing enthusiasts often summit this mountain every week before they head out in search of bigger challenges.

The Adirondack Wilderness area of New York draws thousands of people each year for agri-tourism, fishing, hunting and - you guessed it! - mountain climbing. There are several mountains in this area, each of which poses unique challenges.

The highpoint of New York is a rugged and heavily forested peak called Mount Marcy, and although it doesn't rival the height of mountains in the west, it is still a main attraction. Mount Marcy is an excellent climb for beginner and advanced climbers alike. There are several routes to the peak, ranging from easy to technically difficult, so amateurs can try different routes in a progression until they get comfortable.

Unlike many of the other state highpoints in the U.S., Mount Marcy is extremely dense, with only the top few hundred feet relatively clear of trees. This makes for a beautiful and somewhat sheltered climb, allowing you to focus on your hands and feet rather than the surrounding vistas. The peak of Mount Marcy, by contrast, is very sandy with scattered rocky outcroppings, which means that footing can be shaky. If you're going to climb this mountain, make sure to wear a pair of boots with adequate ankle support.

Also popular on Mount Marcy is skiing and snowboarding, both of which are available from October through mid-March. If you'll be visiting New York during the winter, it might be safer to try snowboarding and leave your climbing activities for warmer months. All of Mount Marcy routes can be completed in a single day, so you don't have to worry about camping if you're going to make this climb. However, it is important to grab a map on your way out so you know where to find the trailhead; climbers have gotten lost on the mountain, and the forest makes it more difficult to get your bearings.

You'll also want to be careful of wildlife on Mount Marcy. Poisonous plants, black bears, coyotes and wolves are found in this area, and you might not hear them coming if they approach under the cover of trees.

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

The New River Gorge in West Virginia isn't just a scenic river with miles of beautiful vistas and excellent white water rafting. It is also one of the most interesting and diverse places to climb in the United States. Officially designated as the New River Gorge National River, this area encompasses 63,000 acres and offers more than 1,400 available routes to climbers.

Unlike many other assemblages of climbs in the world, New River Gorge is almost exclusively catered toward expert climbers, with most of the cliffs in the 5.10 to 5.12 range. In other words, the amateur and timid need not apply. Most of the cliffs in the New River Gorge are constructed entirely of rigid sandstone; crack and face routes abound throughout the region. The sheer faces of the cliffs combined with the obstacles to climbers make this a formidable opponent indeed.

You must have a permit to use motorized drills in the New River Gorge National River area, and you'll need to purchase a guidebook on your way in so you can find the most appropriate climbs. There are also guide services operating in the area, and this is often the best route for newcomers to the region. The climbing season extends from April through November, though your best bet is to visit New River Gorge between May and June or during the month of September. The weather is best during these months and you won't have to deal with the same volume of traffic.

You'll want to bring a couple of dry bags just in case, as the New Gorge River area has a carry-in, carry-out policy, and rain is not uncommon among the cliffs. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen if you're climbing during the summer months and don't attempt a climb that scares you.

For those who aren't necessarily confident climbers, there are other activities in the New River Gorge area. From white water rafting to fishing to hiking and cycling, there are numerous ways to spend a few days without ever approaching boredom.

Some of the most treacherous climbs in the United States involve not only steep grades and technical difficulties but also serious climbs that require significant endurance to cross. Granite Peak in the Rockies' Beartooth Range of Montana is one such example, providing not only an advanced-level climb, but also quite a trek before you can start slinging ropes.

There are only two approaches to Granite Peak, both of which entail arduous trails followed by a stint across what is known as Froze-To-Death Plateau. This, in addition to the climb itself, is the main reason why most people who climb Granite Peak make it an overnighter. Although it is possible to make it in a day, the strain on the human body is enormous.

If you're going to be climbing Granite Peak, it is important that you are objective about your abilities. Novice climbers will quickly discover that Granite is not your average climb, and only advanced mountaineers should even consider it. Not only is the climb itself technical and challenging, but rock fall and frigid temperatures make this a climb for the dedicated outdoorsman.

Most people who climb Granite Peak camp out near Avalanche Lake, which falls a little bit short of your average Hilton Hotel. The valley in which campers choose to set up their tents and sleeping bags is littered with rocks and boulders, making comfort almost impossible.

It doesn't cost anything to climb Granite Peak, but you will need to pay for a permit if you want to cut trees for firewood. You should also obtain a Granite Peak quadrangle map, which will help you navigate your way up the mountain and through the trails. If you have any reservations about your ability to navigate, a better idea is to climb with a guide.

Climbers who attempt Granite Peak will need a comfortable pair of insulated hiking boots, as well as rope, a flashlight, a rappel device and slings. The best time to hike is between July and August, as other times of year are far too cold and the snowfall too deep for climbing conditions.

Looking for a new adventure? Get into the wild with outdoor movies. Movies with intense nature scenes can invoke that adventurous spirit and inspire us to explore new territory. Ever heard of the movie Cliffhanger with Sylvester Stallone?

In the movie Cliffhanger, Stallone's character does some serious mountain climbing to evade the villains. He uses amazing rock climbing skills to leap from cliff to cliff with ease. I'm not saying you should be leaping cliffs here, but perhaps you could try a little rock climbing. Whether you're normally the adventurous type or not, it could be interesting, as well as fun and exhilarating to learn a new skill such as rock climbing. The best bet for beginners is to take a class. Rock climbing is not a sport that you test out by yourself, and even if you're skilled, you'll still want to go in a group for safety purposes.

Just as in the movie, be sure you have the right gear. One thing that Stallone always has while rock climbing in Cliffhanger are trusty carabiners. Without carabiners, rock climbing would be quite dangerous, especially at the extremely high elevations Stallone faced in the movie. Key locking carabiners will help to secure a hold, making the climb safer. To get a good foothold, you also will want to wear the right footwear. Depending on the terrain, there will be a variety of choices. There are rock climbing shoes, as well as crampons.

Also needed, of course, will be a strong harness. Carabiners attach to these to secure the hold to the rocks. Other tools and accessories include an axe, a helmet, camming devices and gloves. The camming devices, along with the harness and carabiners, will help secure your position during climbing. Stability is very important in rock climbing.

Rock climbing can be quite an interesting to hobby to take on and is also a great way to exercise in a less mundane way than those daily workouts. Just remember to always be safe and follow the instructions of a professional. Also be sure to check with a doctor before starting or stopping any physical activities.

There's nothing like a terrifying statistic to get your blood pumping for your next mountain climbing adventure. The Annapurna peaks, of which there are six, have the single highest mortality rate among all the 8,000-meter mountains in the world. Most of the deaths and serious accidents occur on Annapurna I and Annapurna II.

If you are increasing your skills in mountain climbing and developing a healthy confidence, it might be time to branch out to new areas of the world, such as central Nepal. The Himalayas provide numerous exciting mountains to conquer, from the Annapurna peaks to the elusive K2.

If you don't think you are ready for the Annapurna peaks, you can start with Annapurna South, which is only 7,219 meters high. This peak is far less rocky than the others, and there are several routes that will accommodate an amateur climber. However, you do have to worry about extreme temperatures and rock fall regardless of which of these peaks you choose to summit.

When you are climbing any of the Annapurna peaks, you'll want to start in the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is the glacial basin that sits in the middle of all the mountains. Once considered a sacred land to natives, this area is now highly revered by locals and visitors alike and is home to a vibrant range of ecosystems that any nature lover will appreciate.

For your visit to the Annapurna peaks, make sure you bring along a pair of sturdy hiking boots and a warm sleeping bag for camping. Trekking through the mountains might constitute a day trip, but all mountain climbing will require at least one over nighter.

You should also know that climbing in the Annapurna peaks is highly regulated by the Nepal government. You'll need an entry visa, as well as trekking or climbing permits if this is your destination, so make sure you have everything you need in advance. This is why many mountain climbers hire guides who will cut through all the red tape for them.