Climbing mountains and canyons during any season is a challenge, but it is particularly difficult when you add winter ice to the mix. Ice climbing has gained significant popularity in the U.S. and abroad in recent years, and Hyalite Canyon in Bozeman, MT, is one of the most challenging locations for ice climbing.

Ice climbing, for the uninitiated, is the practice of climbing, not the rocky faces of mountains and canyons, but instead scaling frozen waterfalls and other natural ice formations. These are usually up against the sides of a rock formation and present unique challenges.

When climbing at Hyalite Canyon, you'll need an ice axe to create footholds on the sheer, icy face of your obstacle. The Grivel Alp Monster is a good choice, because it features a posterior hammer, anti-clip saw and a lightweight, rubber shaft. It won't add much weight but will get the job done.

You might also need to invest in a pair of high-quality mountaineering boots with good ankle support. Make sure that you are dressed for frigid weather, including hats and gloves, to ensure the most enjoyable experience.

In Hyalite Canyon, there are a number of ice climbing routes, some of which are already equipped with ice screws and rope set-ups. Some of the more difficult routes feature very thin ice and shouldn't be attempted unless you are a professional.

Additionally, it is a good idea to check with the Hyalite Canyon authorities before you head to Montana for a climb. Some seasons, the ice formations do not appear until late winter, depending on local temperatures and rainfall. Some might not be available when you arrive due to too much climbing or because of perceived dangers created by ice climbing tools.

If you are interested in visiting Hyalite Canyon during other seasons, or if you aren't too sure about ice climbing, there are plenty of things to do in this area during the spring, summer and fall. Mountains and ridges in Bozeman, present numerous possibilities for the avid climber and some are open all year.

You might also want to hook up with an outfitter if you've decided to try ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon. Having a professional who knows the area in your corner is invaluable.

Climbing is a sport that attracts people from all walks of life, especially those who enjoy the challenges and thrills of reaching the top of a particularly difficult summit. The Berwyn Mountains are, however, one of the few climbing destinations in the world that would attract someone like Fox Mulder from television's "The X-Files."

Located in Wales, the Berwyn Mountain Range is the site of an incident that has been referred to as the "British Roswell." On January 23, 1974, witnesses in the surrounding area said they saw and felt a disc-like craft crash into the mountains.

Like the reported alien landing at Roswell, NM, the truth behind what really crashed into the Welsh mountains remains shrouded in mystery to this day. Many UFO enthusiasts are convinced that the British government confiscated an alien spaceship, but officials have dismissed such theories.

Even without visitors from another world, the Berwyn Range is a great, if somewhat challenging destination for climbing enthusiasts. Reaching a height of 2,723 ft., this area also plays host to the Berwyn Mountain Walk, which attracts both climbers and runners.

Because it isn't as high as other peaks, Berwyn might seem safe, but appearances in this case can be deceiving. Mist and low cloud cover can make your climb more difficult, as can the thick heather that covers the ground. This isn't a walk in the park, so you do need to be in good physical shape before tackling Berwyn.

The organizers of the Mountain Walk also are quick to point out that the weather can become pretty severe on the way to the top. Good protection is key to surviving Berwyn, so it may be time to invest in a sturdy Cloudveil Koven Plus Jacket. This gear can keep you warm and dry if climbing conditions suddenly turn unfavorable.

While not high on the list of dangerous mountains, the Berwyn Range does offer some serious challenges for both novice and experienced climbers. As Fox Mulder always points out, the truth is out there and it may just be at the top of these mountains.

Sources:
http://www.dangerousmountains.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berwyn_Mountains
http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/155328/the-berwyn-range.html
http://snowdonia.org.uk/

Mountains get classified as dangerous for a number of reasons, not the least of which are their height and extreme weather conditions. Some climbing destinations are formed from the eruptions of active or dormant volcanoes or contain such hazards as buried landmines or large falling rocks.

Pennsylvania's Wopsononock Mountain holds the distinction, however, of being a peak that serves as the home for a famous ghost. According to the web site Pennsylvania Mountains of Attractions, an apparition known as the "The White Lady" occasionally appears on Wopsononock, which also is affectionately called "Wopsy Mountain."

Local legends vary slightly on what the beautiful ghost is looking for and why she's hanging around this particular mountain. One variation of the story says that her husband was killed while traveling on the treacherous mountain road. Other people believe that the White Lady is seeking her baby, which reportedly was thrown from a horse-drawn carriage near the dangerous curve called Devil's Elbow.

Though this tale sounds like something you'd hear around the campfire at summer camp, some drivers claim that they gave a ride to an attractive woman who was standing near Devil's Elbow on Wopsy Mountain Road. The White Lady always disappears, though, before the car leaves the mountain.

Even if you don't believe in ghosts or the supernatural, Wopsononock, which is a part of the Allegheny Mountain Range, is a great vacation spot for families and climbing enthusiasts. At the top lies Wopsy Lookout, which gives visitors a breathtaking, panoramic view on a clear day. If you pack your camera in a Mountainsmith Beacon bag, it'll stay safe and secure as you look for the White Lady.

Wopsy Lookout also has the notorious reputation of being a "Lover's Leap." It's difficult to tell if couples actually have jumped off the edge of the cliff or if this is just another part of the Wopsy Mountain legend.

Wopsononock doesn't offer a lot of great climbing opportunities, but the legend of the White Lady makes it an attractive place to head, especially for aspiring ghost hunters.

Sources:

http://www.pennsylvania-mountains-of-attractions.com/whiteladyofwopsy.html

The next time you are in Boulder, Colorado, you might want to check out Eldorado Canyon. "Eldo" is one of the most challenging mountain-climbing experiences in the U.S., featuring plenty of crags, cracks and sheer faces.

Located just outside Boulder, Eldorado Canyon draws thousands of climbing enthusiasts each year from every corner of the world. It isn't that the climb is all that difficult, though routes range from baby beginner to extremely advanced, rather, the complexity of the routes and the confusing nature of the canyon present unique challenges.

In fact, most people require guides if they are going to climb in Eldorado Canyon. It is easy to get lost and wind up on a route that is too difficult for your experience, and you shouldn't try to determine pitch grade without a guide or guidebook.

As far as routes, you'll have your pick once you start your climb at Eldorado Canyon. There are more than 500 ways to scale this beautiful canyon, starting with 5.6 climbs such as Wind Ridge and 5.8 climbs like The Bastille Crack.

If you're really feeling adventurous, try the Iron Monkey, a recently-added 5.14 climb that is sure to get your blood pumping. However, make sure you know your strength and your abilities before you try some of the more treacherous climbs.

This climb is particularly difficult in the height of summer, when humidity adds to the oppressive heat. The rock face becomes slick and therefore difficult to navigate, so make sure you bring a pair of high quality gloves. You'll also need a harness with plenty of gear loops, such as the Black Diamond Alpine Bod harness.

To get to Eldorado Canyon from Boulder, hope on CO Hwy 93 South, then head west on Eldorado Springs Drive, which is just past the city limits of Boulder.

Colorado is one of the best places in the world to go when you need a good climb, and Eldorado is just one option among many. Although you are unlikely to get bored here, check out some of the other areas around Boulder for different challenges.

For some mountain climbers, altitude is everything, which is why so many attempt to climb Cho Oyu every year. Cho Oyu is located on the border between Tibet and Nepal, with an elevation of 8,201 meters. Although it is considered one of the easier of the 8,000-meter peaks, this is not a climb you want to take lightly.

Unlike many of the other mountains you might attempt to climb, the obstacles with Cho Oyu will begin long before you throw on your climbing gear. The requirements of the Chinese authorities have become more stringent over the years, and several permits are required to begin the climb.

Some climbers make it all the way to Tibet, only to discover that they can't climb Cho Oyu at all. Talk about a wasted trip! If you're going to initiate this climb, make sure your paperwork is in order and go through an experienced outfitter with the necessary knowledge to make sure your trek happens.

The other major problem with climbing Cho Oyu is the altitude. Ice, snow and debris aren't as much of a concern as with other mountains, but altitude sickness is common once you've crested 25,000 feet. This is particularly true if you climb in the late fall when the temperatures drop precipitously.

Layers are important to toughing out the differences in temperature from the start of the climb to the finish. For ladies, a lightweight hooded sweatshirt such as the North Face Oso is great to have on underneath your down suit, just in case the sun decides to peak out from behind the clouds. For men, try the Men's North Face SDS 1/4 Zip.

As far as preparation, you'll need to focus on any aerobic activity you can think of. Running stairs, joining a kickboxing class, purchasing aerobic exercises DVDs and whatever you can think of to increase your lung capacity and prepare your body for the assault of climbing Cho Oyu. Since the altitude deprives your muscles of precious oxygen, you can't prepare enough for this trek.

That said, most people who climb Cho Oyu call it a "rush," and claim that very few mountains are as exhilarating. Just don't forget your mother's timeless advice: Drink plenty of fluids.

Whenever I think of climbing, my mind always drifts to beautiful mountain peaks and long trails lined with every type of wildlife imaginable. For some climbers, however, it's all about the vertical.

At one time, El Capitan in Yosemite National Park was considered impossible to climb and for good reason. Each of the many routes to the top of El Capitan is long and treacherous, testing both the climber's skill and his endurance. Of course, it's also the ultimate adrenaline rush for people who enjoy looking at the world from the face of a rock.

Made of coarse granite and soaring 3,000 feet in the air, El Capitan is considered the Everest for big-wall climbing. Although I've seen it in person - on vacation when I was about ten - mere pictures of this monolith are sufficient to give me goose bumps.

The routes up El Capitan vary, but the most popular and most difficult is the Nose. It was first successfully climbed in 1958, and since then climbers from all over the world have aspired to reach the summit. This route usually takes two or three days to accomplish, though a few expert climbers have conquered it in just one.

A few of the routes, including the Nose, have been free climbed, but aids are definitely recommended. Unless you have significant experience (and a need for danger), ropes should accompany your expedition in Yosemite. A few climbers who thrive on challenges have raced up the Nose and other routes on El Capitan, but this is also not for an amateur.

In order to climb El Capitan, you'll access it from a trail in Yosemite. I recommend bringing along a light-weight and roomy pack, such as C.A.M.P. Rox, a 40-liter duffel with plenty of space.

I would also recommend becoming proficient at a few smaller big-wall climbs before attempting El Capitan. It might be exciting and adventurous, but it has also been the cause of many injuries over the years. If you have any qualms at all, go with an experienced guide who can "show you the ropes," as they say.

Mountain climbing isn't always as treacherous in the United States as it is overseas, but there is always the exception to the rule. Take, for instance, Mt. McKinley, which is located in Denali National Park in Alaska. McKinley is the highest peak in all of North America, and despite its unmistakable beauty, this mountain is one of the most dangerous climbs you could ever attempt.

The main issue with Mt. McKinley, of course, is the temperature. You expect freezing weather in Alaska, but the summits of this particular mountain go beyond mere frigidity. Temperatures of -50 degrees C are not unheard of, and the lowest recorded temperatures are far below that. In order to fair well on Mt. McKinley, you'll need to dress with the intention of keeping all your fingers and toes intact.

In addition to a heavy thermal coat, long underwear, a hat that protects your ears and thermal pants, you'll also want to protect your feet. This is probably the downfall of most climbers who attempt to ascend and wind up in a hospital.

The EuroSock Ascent Wool is a good choice because it provides warmth, ankle support and moisture management, while increasing circulation. Socks intended for skiing, snow-boarding and mountain-climbing are usually your best bet.

It is also important to remember that, when conquering America's highest peak, you have to deal with the nasty side effects of such high altitude. Altitude sickness is more common than you might imagine on Mt. McKinley, because climbers underestimate the need to prepare.

Before you leave, make sure you are able to tolerate the loss of oxygen and moisture in the air. On your hike, watch for signs of altitude sickness in both yourself and the people around you; if someone seems to be falling ill, an immediate descent is necessary. No one needs to die just because you want to be able to say you climbed Mt. McKinley.

Of course, the main summit of Mt. McKinley provides one of the most beautiful views in the world, and you'll have an opportunity to see enormous glaciers up close. Just be aware that preparation is needed to climb this particular mountain, so make plans before you start packing your gear.