Volcanic Ascents: Climbing Active Volcanoes Around the World¶

Volcanic mountains offer some of the most dramatic and dangerous climbing on Earth. From Kilimanjaro's dying glaciers to Cotopaxi's perfect cone, from Japan's sacred Fuji to Indonesia's lethal Merapi, this guide explores the unique challenges of climbing active and dormant volcanoes worldwide.

Introduction¶

Volcanoes as Mountains¶

Africa — Kilimanjaro's Disappearing Glaciers¶

The Shrinking Ice Cap¶

Climate Change on the Summit¶

South America — The Avenue of Volcanoes¶

Cotopaxi — The Perfect Cone¶

Chimborazo — Farthest Point from Earth's Center¶

Asia — Sacred Fire Mountains¶

Mount Fuji — Japan's Spiritual Climb¶

Mount Merapi — Indonesia's Most Dangerous¶

Mount Rinjani — Crater Lake Summit¶

Europe — Mediterranean Volcanoes¶

Mount Etna — Europe's Tallest Active Volcano¶

Stromboli — The Lighthouse of the Mediterranean¶

Volcanic Hazards for Climbers¶

Toxic Gases¶

Lava Bombs and Pyroclastic Flows¶

Unstable Terrain¶

The Allure of Volcanic Climbing¶