What is the easiest volcano to climb? The easiest volcano to climb for most people is Kilauea on Hawaii’s Big Island. Can you hike active volcanoes? Yes, it is possible to hike active volcanoes, but it requires great caution and preparation. Only certain active volcanoes are open for hiking, usually, ones with consistent lava flows that have designated trails. Hiking should only be done with an experienced guide and tour group. A guided volcano climb gives you the exhilaration of summiting a mountain with the thrill of geothermal activity. Some come with an element of risk from the activity below and others are dormant with no significant dangers to hikers.
The volcanoes listed range from challenging ascents to easier hikes that any fit traveler can conquer.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
In the U.S., the impressive Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with two active volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Kilauea), requires at least a half-day visit, and a full day (or even two) is better. At 13,679 ft, Mauna Loa is the largest subaerial volcano in the world. The hike to the summit is quite strenuous. You need permits, which you can get through the national park website. Apply months in advance as spots are limited. Most people do the hike in 4 days – 2 days up, 1 day summiting, 1 day descending. Be prepared for cold temperatures near the summit.
Of the two volcanoes, Kilauea is much more accessible and active—it’s erupted continuously since 1983. Easier hike than Mauna Loa, but still moderately strenuous. You can hike at night to see Halemaʻumaʻu Crater glowing. Or hike during day for views. Takes 3-5 hours round trip. Mauna Loa is for the committed outdoors enthusiast with its challenging backpacker trails to the summit.
Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Cotopaxi, Ecuador is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. It’s a three-hour drive from Quito and best suited for experienced climbers. The mountain was closed to climbers after a major eruption in 2015 but is now reopened. Climb Cotopaxi’s summit in two days. The climb can take up to seven hours and should be done at night to avoid the sun melting ice and snow at the top. Ecuador tours combined with Galapagos expedition trips are one of the most popular trips currently being booked.
Mount Kazbek, Georgia
Mount Kazbek, Georgia, is a dormant stratovolcano. It lies on the border between Russia and Georgia in the Kazbegi National Park. It’s about 1000 kilometers from Tbilisi, with villages and local accommodations at the foot of the mountain. The regular way most climbers scale it, from the Georgian side, is not too challenging, but because of its altitude and the need to acclimatize, ascent expeditions can take four days.
Mount Damavand, Iran
Mount Damavand, Iran is the highest volcano in Asia and quite strenuous with seven hours up and five hours down. There are warm mineral springs at its base; a good way to relax after a strenuous climb.
Mount Kenya, Africa
Mount Kenya, is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa. It doesn’t look like the classic volcano, due to its age and how long it’s been dormant. The three high peaks of Mount Kenya can all be climbed. To trek to Point Lenana you just have to be in good hiking shape. You do need technical mountaineering abilities to climb the Nelion or Batian. Extra care should be taken with the altitude to avoid rising too high, too quickly.
Mount Pico, Azores, Portugal
Mount Pico, Azores, Portugal is the perfect volcano, rising 2351 meters on the Ilha do Pico. The trail up the mountain begins at Cabeco das Cabras with 45 marker posts on the way up so climbers can track their progress. The mountain is not very high, but quite challenging. It is very steep and the weather can change dramatically and quickly. Good fitness is definitely a bonus. If there is snow at the top, crampons are needed or the help of a guide. There is a deep crater at the top, an awesome sight to look down into.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is Africa’s highest mountain. This dormant volcano is comprised of three volcanic cones. It’s quite challenging a mountain to climb and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The high altitude and rapid ascent catch the unprepared climber. The trip takes five days and must be done with a guide. A variety of route options are available, all with incredible views of the plains of East Africa. Tour company, G Adventures has some great trips for hiking Mt Kilmanjaro including the Machame, Marangu, Lemosho and Rongai routes.
Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
Mount Rinjani, Indonesia is the second highest volcano in Indonesia. The volcanoes of Indonesia are very active. Rinjani is on Indonesia’s Lombok Island, east of Bali. It takes two days but the ascent is rapid on steep and slippery trails. It’s a tough hike to the crater rim, but the view is incredible with Lake Segara below, lush green valleys, and Mount Barujari, an active volcano on the edge of the lake.
Mount Ijen, Indonesia
Mount Ijen, Indonesia is a very active volcano. The 2799 meter peak in East Java is the site of a Sulphur mine and is frequently closed to climbers because of the noxious gases. Treks take about three days and you might have to hike wearing a gas mask. Ijen features the world’s largest hyper-acid lake. The night views are amazing as a blue fire burns the gases emerging from the volcano. Early morning trips to watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo, Ijen, and other peaks can be enjoyed by anyone.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand in the central north island is considered to be one of the best day hikes in the world. Tongariro is an active volcano and sits on the northern end of the Tongariro National Park. Mount Ngauruhoe, aka Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings, rises perfectly amid the moon-like landscape of the trekking route. Fit, fast hikers enjoy the two-hour detour up steep scree to scale Mount Ngauruhoe. The peak is scary to the local Maori people and the New Zealand Department of Conservation asks hikers to respect that and not climb the volcano itself. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a worthwhile trek on its own, with bright turquoise lakes, barren cratered landscapes, and dense forest.
Mount Acatenango, Guatemala
Mount Acatenango, Guatemala is a challenging two-day climb. Fuego, the neighbor of Acatenango is continuing erupting and a show of lava from your camp at night. Parts of the climb are a scrabble over scree and can be tough going. The weather can turn and visibility can go. This climb should always be done with a guide. The view from the chain of active volcanoes, dubbed the Ring of Fire, is spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
Respect the volcano – conditions can change quickly on these active climbs. If you are looking for something closer to home and better suited for beginners, check out our post Top 10 Hiking Trails You Can Take Your Mother On.
Other blogs that may interest you include Costa Rica’s Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and Volcanoes as well as Travel Destinations with the Best Hiking Trails.
