Want to Climb a Mountain? Six Easy Mountains to Climb in The United States

Updated: May 1, 2022

There are thousands of mountains around North America (and the world) that offer the sweet reward of a mountain summit without guides, technical climbing experience, or oxygen tanks. In fact, many mountain hikes are nothing more than a well-marked steep trail of switchbacks and the occasional ridgeline scramble.

Before I hop into this list of easy mountains to climb, there are a few important notes to cover. 

1. "Easy mountain" does not mean "easy hike." None of these mentioned on the list are considered an "easy hike." Please make sure you are properly equipped and are confident in your physical fitness abilities before attempting any mountain on the list. 
2. If you are planning to hike somewhere without cell service, which is often when climbing mountains, it's vital to invest in an emergency beacon. We use the Garmin InReach Mini. 
3. Always plan to summit in the morning. In many locations mentioned on the list, afternoon storms are quite common. In mountain climbing, become familiar with an "alpine start," which means starting well before sunrise to ensure a safe summit before afternoon storms have a chance to build. Because these mountains listed aren't incredibly difficult, you shouldn't need to start anytime before 5 am. 

If standing on a summit piques your interest, here are relatively easy mountain climbs to add to your list:

Easy Mountains to Climb (Updated 2022)

1. Mount Mansfield, Vermont

Technically, it’s the highest point in Vermont, but the approach is relatively easy. Start at the Sunset Ridge trail and follow a path up 2600 ft over 3.3 miles. A majority of this hike happens above the treeline, allowing for a fun and scenic hike across a ridgeline to the summit. For beginner hikers, allow 4-5 hours.

A few hours drive is Mount Washington, the highest point in New Hampshire. Tie the two together for an epic summit weekend. 

2. Guadalupe Peak, Texas

Another state high-point, Guadalupe Peak, rises high above Texan salt fields. From the parking lot, follow the well-marked trail for just over four miles to the summit. Elevation gain will be just over 3,000 feet, which means it’ll be a challenging, yet rewarding feat for a beginner.

Before leaving for the mountain make sure you have ample water. The peak is surrounded by a dry and desolate desert.

3. Cloud Peak, Wyoming 

If you're looking for a summit that also requires a bit of backcountry and route navigating, head for Cloud Peak in Wyoming's Big Horn Mountains. It's also Wyoming's easiest '13er' in the state. The round-trip trek is around 21-25 miles, making it the perfect summit to bag while spending the weekend in the backcountry. Unlike all other Wyoming 13ers, this range also does not have the common threat of Grizzly Bears.

The most common approach to Cloud Peak starts at West Tensleep Trail (map marker: https://goo.gl/maps/PUm4Y64ZC762eLvUA). Most weekend hikers opt to pitch their tent near Mistymoon Lake near the 6.5-mile marker*. From there, the summit day push adds an additional 10ish miles round-trip from basecamp. The trail heading toward the summit can often get ambiguous. Follow cairn sets and have a GPS marked on the summit. Once on the ridgeline, it will be an easy traverse with a light scramble to the summit. 

*Please note: There is a 500-foot camping rule at Mistymoon Lake. Please do not pitch your tent within the estimated range. There were multiple people disobeying the rules. Campfires are also not allowed. 

4. Half Dome, California

The 'Half Dome' in California remains an easy, yet dramatic, peak.  The dome is one of the world’s most recognizable icons, and standing on top comes with deserved bragging-rights. The 18 miles round-trip hike follows a well-marked trail past numerous waterfalls and high above Yosemite Valley. When you stand on the summit, you’ll look 4,500 feet below to where your hike began in the early hours of the morning. Allow 8-14 hours, depending on hiking speed and health. (pack lots of water!)

Here's a beginner's guide to hiking the Half Dome. 

5. Mount Olympus, Utah

Perhaps one of my favorite summits we've done in the United States, Mount Olympus towers over the surrounding Salt Lake City area at 9026ft. From down in the metro sprawl you can often pick out the elevated peak 4000ft above the valley floor. The hike is short (7 miles RT) but steep, gaining over 1000/ft per mile on the 3.75 mile ascent. The hardest section sits just below the summit and is considered a class 3 scramble. When we took the summit in spring 2017, there was a foot of fresh snow the last thousand feet. Although the scramble was icy, we still summited without issue and therefore enjoyed the peak in complete solitude. 

Mount Olympus is an easy mountain to climb in terms of accessibility and is great training for steep hikes and elevation gain. 4,000ft is no joke, and this summit is the perfect space to play safely (with cell service) and build up your mountain resume. 

7. Camelback Peak, Arizona 

Located within the Pheonix metro area, Camelback is a well-known and heavily-trafficked hike with grand rewards. Many local trail runners and hikers use the mountain for daily workouts. It's another great mountain to train for elevation gain without having to worry about route-finding, permits, or even camping. The route gains roughly 1250 feet over 1.42 miles, making it a steep but easy summit perfect for beginners. Yet for being so easily accessible, the summit offers sweeping views of paradise valley and the distant superstition mountains. If you hike up around Christmas...you might even find a decorated tree on top. 

Don't forget the water!