There are plenty of places to go mountain climbing in the United States, but few are as beautiful - or as treacherous - as California. The Sierra Nevada range is chocked-full of mountains that range from rocky to grassy and from tall to broad, and Mount Williamson is the second highest of them all.

Standing at an elevation of 14,389 feet, most people climb Mount Williamson via the west side route from Shepherd's Pass. Unfortunately, the access routes to Mount Williamson are often closed, and early summer is about the only time this mountain is accessible to the general public.

Many of the mountains I've written about in the past are difficult because of their rocky faces or particularly icy routes toward the summit. Mount Williamson is different, however, in that the ascent isn't particularly treacherous. It is the sheer length of the climb that makes this mountain worth a notch on your belt.

First, the winding, forest-flanked trail that leads to the mountain is just over 11 miles long, which means that many climbers are exhausted by the time they even begin their ascent. The trip up gains about 8,000 feet total, which decreases oxygen supply and really puts pressure on those leg muscles. It isn't for the faint of heart.

You'll also have to make it across the treacherous Williamson Bowl, which is carved by numerous glaciers that remain difficult to traverse through the late spring. The mountainside itself will seem like a picnic after what you endured to make it there, but always remember that you have to go back after you've descended the mountain.

Since much of your climb to and up Mount Williamson will not be shaded by trees or other vegetation, sun exposure is an important consideration. Make sure that you bring sufficient sun block for your entire party, and you might want to bring a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from sun and wind.

The Ugg Crochet Cowboy Hat is an excellent choice for women, while the Greg Norman Straw Hat is a great pick for men.

You'll also want to bring along a tent and a sleeping bag for camping at Anvil, and an ice pick or axe if you plant to be climbing during the early part of the year.

Although there are plenty of mountains to climb in the United States, experienced and adventurous climbers might prefer to leave the U.S. behind in favor of foreign conquests. One of the most treacherous obstacles is the Eiger, which is located in the Swiss Alps and has claimed 60 lives since 1935.

Eiger's most difficult challenge lies in the Nordwand, or the north face, of the mountain, which is also the most popular goal for modern climbers. Although it isn't as technically complicated as many of the other Alpine faces, a considerable amount of yearly rock fall and ice makes it dangerous.

In fact, the Nordwand is often called the Mordwand by locals, which translates as "murder wall." This certainly isn't the climb for beginners seeking experience.

Because the number of deaths due to climbing and rock fall has increased significantly in the last couple of decades, climbing Eiger isn't always the brightest idea. You should have significant climbing experience before attempting this type of climb, and you should be capable of carrying sufficient equipment to get out of a tight situation.

It is also important to note that most people prefer to climb Eiger during the winter months, because a hardened shell of ice decreases the chances of injury by rock fall. The elevation and the general climate of this area are treacherous in itself, so you'll need to be prepared for winter emergencies. Your first aid kit should include everything from matches to moleskin to EMT sheers, just in case something goes wrong.

Before you decide to climb Eiger, make sure that you've chosen the most ideal weather conditions for your trek, preferably a high-pressure system with little chance for precipitation. If you don't live in the area, you can use the Internet for research, or you can contact a local outfitter to keep you posted.

Eiger is certainly one of the most exciting climbs in the world, despite the fact that there are numerous peaks far more technically difficult. If you attempt this climb, it is always best to do so with someone more experienced than yourself.

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.