Climb Active Volcanoes

To help those who addicted to adventures, recently, a group of guys rounded up 15 hikeable volcanoes around the world that draw thrill-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and mountain climbing experts to their awe-inspiring peaks. Today JP would like to introduce 5 of them.

If you dare, just try. But no matter which volcano you plan to hike-whether it’s consistently quiet or continuously erupting-make sure you’re up to speed on its alert level before you leave for your trip, as trials may be temporarily closed due to strong gases, eruptions, and other volcanic activity.

No. 1 Mount Etna

Outside Italy's Catania sits the nearly 11,000-foot-tall Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Not only has Mount Etna been erupting longer than any other volcano in written history (its first was recorded in 425 B.C.), it also erupts more frequently than most in the world.

Despite its high activity, Mount Etna is fairly safe for nearby residents. To visit, drive or take a bus from Catania’s railway station to the parking lot at Rifugio Sapienza. You will then take a cable car to the station on Mount Etna; once you're there, you can hike along any number of trails to the top.

No.2 Pacaya

Pacaya is roughly a two-hour drive from Antigua and is only possible to climb with a guide. You can hire one at the visitor's center, or you can join a guided tour that leaves from Antigua. If the moderately steep hike seems too arduous, you also have the option to ride a horse to the top for 300 Quetzal (about $40). Don't forget to pack chocolate and graham crackers for the hike: Your guide will be handing you marshmallows to roast on the fumaroles.

No. 3 Mount Aso

At the center of Kyusho, Japan's third largest island, lies Mount Aso. Its caldera is one of the largest in the world, with a 16-mile diameter and an 80-mile circumference. Five volcanic peaks can be found in the caldera; one of them, Mount Nakadake, is an active volcano that has a summit reaching 4,900 feet.

You can reach the Nakadake Crater by taking a bus from JR Aso Station in Aso, Kumamoto, Japan to Asosan Nishi Station. The Ropeway service from the station to the crater is currently suspended, but it's only a 30-minute walk to get there. On the other hand, you can also drive to a parking lot next to the crater (but be prepared to pay a toll on the way).

No. 4 Mount Mayon

The most active volcano in the Philippines, Mount Mayon has erupted approximately 50 times since the 1600s, most recently in January 2018. The trek up the mountain isn't easy, with Trail Adventours ranking it a seven out of 10 in “trail difficulty” for the two-day journey (although you may wish to tack on an extra day). If you're up for the task, head on over to Legaspi in Albay Province; from there, you can take the BUYUHAN trail in Buyahan or the BUANG trail in Tabaco.

No. 5 Mount St. Helens

This 8,300-foot volcano in Washington state offers more than 200 miles of trails, where you'll find a wide variety of scenic points of interest among the rock and ash, including gorgeous waterfalls, lakes, and canyons, an emerging glacier, and otherworldly caves. There are trails for hikers of all skill levels, from the stroller and wheelchair-friendly Meta Lake loop to the 28-mile Loowit Trail. The hike to the summit is no easy feat, but as long as you have a permit, it's well within your reach – no technical skills required.

(Posted by Elizabeth Preske)