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.

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.