The Best Mountains to Visit

Stonehenge is a prehistoric site in Wiltshire, England. It features massive sarsen stones arranged in rings and trilithons. Visiting during summer offers the best weather for walking around the site. The stones align with the sun during solstices. Expect crowds during peak summer months. It is an open site with limited shelter from the wind.

The Okavango Delta forms where the Okavango River hits a tectonic trough in the Kalahari Desert. Water spreads across floodplains and islands. Visit between June and September to see the delta flooded. This is when wildlife gathers around the water. This is a remote environment. You will need to rely on local transport or guides to move between islands.

Whistler serves as a major hub for alpine skiing and snowboarding. It sits 125 kilometers north of Vancouver. Winter months provide the best snow for sports. Summer brings mountain bikers to the same trails. Prices are high during the peak ski season. The village is pedestrian only.

Lake Baikal sits in southern Siberia. It holds more water than any other freshwater lake by volume. Winter visits allow you to walk on the frozen surface. Summer is better for viewing the surrounding mountain landscape. Travel to this region requires significant planning. The infrastructure is not as developed as in Western European resorts.

The Itaipu Dam sits on the border of Brazil and Paraguay. It is a major source of energy for both countries. Summer months in the Southern Hemisphere offer clear skies for visiting. The scale of the water flow is the primary draw. Expect to spend time on guided tours to see the inner workings of the dam. It is a functional industrial site.

Uluru is a large sandstone formation in the Northern Territory. It is sacred to the Aṉangu people. Visit from May to September to avoid the extreme heat of the desert summer. The temperatures are manageable for walking during these months. It is isolated from major cities. You will need to fly or drive long distances to reach the park.

The Azores consist of nine volcanic islands. They sit far off the coast of Portugal. Summer is the best time for hiking and whale watching. The islands remain green throughout the year due to frequent rainfall. Public transport is limited. Renting a car is necessary to see the different volcanic craters.

Whitehaven Beach is a seven kilometer stretch of sand on Whitsunday Island. The sand is nearly pure silica. Visit between June and September for stable weather. The water is clear and warm during these months. There is no accommodation on the beach itself. You must stay on nearby islands or at Airlie Beach.

Lake Louise is a glacial lake fed by mountain runoff. It is located in the Canadian Rockies. Summer months provide access to high altitude hiking trails. The lake is often frozen and covered in snow until June. Parking is extremely difficult. Most people have to use the shuttle system to reach the lakefront.

Jasper contains glaciers, springs, and mountain ranges. It covers over 11,000 square kilometers. Summer is the primary season for exploring the park roads and trails. Winter is harsh and limits access to many areas. Wildlife encounters are common near the roads. Keep a safe distance from all animals.