Can You Match These Mountains to the Correct Location?

Bambi Turner

Image: Rene Frederick/DigitalVision/Getty Images

About This Quiz

You've heard of Mt. Everest, K2 and Denali, but could you point out these peaks on a map? For as much as they loom large in history and geography, surprisingly few people can match some of the world's largest mountains to their location. Think you're one of them? Prove it with this quiz!

The world's mightiest mountains rise nearly 30,000 feet above sea level. Formed when shifting tectonic plates beneath the Earth's crust smash together or when volcanoes spew hot magma, these rocky peaks have proven irresistible to humans, who find themselves fascinated by their beauty, size and off-limits summits. Such is the human fascination with mountains that hundreds of thousands attempt to conquer these peaks each year, investing big money in guides, equipment and training, all to reach a higher point than any previous climber.

Sadly, even with modern technology in the form of the most advanced gear, supplemental oxygen and helicopter flights to base camps, hundreds die on these attempted summits, and a surprising number of their bodies are left behind on the mountain, too heavy to remove, where they serve as a warning to future climbers that the road ahead should not be underestimated.

Whether you're a climber, a nature lover or simply a geography buff, do you know where some of the most famous mountains are located? Find out with this quiz!

Mont Blanc is the tallest peak in the Alps, but do you know which two countries it's sandwiched between?

At 15,777 ft, Mont Blanc soars high above the border between Italy and France. The first people to reach the summit did so way back in 1786, and today more than 20,000 people complete this challenge each year. A 7-mile tunnel runs under the mountain, making it easy to bypass the mighty mountain.

Where can you find Denali, which was once known as Mt. McKinley?

At 20,310 ft, Alaska's Denali is the tallest mountain in North America. It was named in honor of President William McKinley from 1917 to 2015 until it was renamed Denali in honor of the local Koyukon people.

Where should you head to if you want to climb Mt. Everest, the world's tallest mountain?

Mount Everest towers 29,029 feet above the Nepal-China border. A famous expedition by George Mallory and Andrew Irvine in 1924 ended in mystery, and it wasn't until 1953 that climbers reach the summit of Everest for the first time.

Which island nation is home to Mount Fuji, a soaring volcano that hasn't erupted since the 1700s?

At 12,389 feet, Mount Fuji is Japan's tallest mountain. Though legend has it that local monks climbed to the top of Fuji as early as the 7th century, the first verified ascent was by a British diplomat in 1868.

Mount Logan is North America's second highest peak. Do you know where it's located?

Mount Logan is located in the Yukon Territory of Canada, close to the Alaska border. The second highest peak in North America, it was first conquered in 1957 when a team of climbers reached the summit. The mountain towers 19,551 feet above sea level.

Do you know where you can find the mighty K2, the world's tallest mountain after Everest?

Nicknamed Savage Mountain because it is so tough to climb - around 1 in 4 who attempt the summit die on the way up - K2 is located on the China-Pakistan border. The first ascent of K2 was in 1954, and only a few hundred more have achieved that feat since then.

Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe. Do you know what country it's located in?

Mount Elbrus is located in southern Russia, near the Georgia border. At 18,510 ft, it's the tallest peak in Europe and one of the Seven Summits. A team of climbers first reached the summit of this long-dormant volcano back in 1829.

Where can you visit Lhotse, the fourth highest of all the world's peaks?

Lhotse, which means "South Peak" in Tibetan, soars 27,940 ft over the Tibet-Nepal border. Located just a few miles from Mt. Everest, it was first conquered by a team of Swiss climbers in 1956.

Want to climb Mount Whitney? Head for this U.S. state, which is also home to Death Valley.

Mount Whitney is California's tallest peak, and also the tallest in the contiguous U.S. First conquered in 1873, it towers 14,505 ft over the Sierra Nevada Range.

Where can you go to take in the nearly perfect pyramid shape of the Matterhorn?

The tallest peak in the Alps at 14,692 ft, the Matterhorn is easily recognizable thanks to its perfect pyramid-like symmetry. Located between Switzerland and Italy, it a popular but dangerous climbing spot. More than 500 have died in the attempt, including four from the first team to reach the summit back in 1865.

Which nation is home to the 4,413 ft peak known as Ben Nevis?

Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands is the highest mountain in Great Britain. This is a fairly easy trip, and more than 100,000 people climb the mountain each year to take in the ruins of an observatory at the top and of course, the spectacular views.

Where can you visit Mount Kinabalu, a peak almost any fit person can ascend with little difficulty?

Located within the Crocker Range in Malaysian-run Borneo, Mount Kinabalu rises 13,435 ft into the sky. Despite its majestic height, it's a fairly easy climb and requires no professional equipment - just a guide to show you the way.

Which nation is home to Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth?

Mount Etna soars 10,912 ft above the Sicilian region of Italy. The highest peak in Italy outside of the Alps, it's known for plenty of activity, including an ashy eruption in 2018 that closed the local airports.

Pico de Orizaba is a mountain volcano that's been dormant for over a century. Do you know where this third-highest North American peak is located?

Pico de Orizaba rises 18,491 ft above Puebla and Veracruz in Mexico. The highest peak in Mexico and the third highest in North America, it was first climbed by a pair of U.S. soldiers, who reached the peak in 1842.

Mount Hood is located in the Cascades Range. Do you know which U.S. state proudly claims this peak?

Mount Hood towers 11,249 feet over northern Oregon. Situated just 50 miles east of Portland, it was first ascended in 1857 and is the highest point in the state.

Which country is home to Chimborazo, the highest peak located within sight of the equator?

Located within the Cordillera Occidental Range of the Andes, the 20,549 ft Chimborazo is the highest peak in Ecuador. While it's technically a volcano, it hasn't erupted since the 16th century.

Which country counts Mount Damavand as its highest peak?

Iran's tallest mountain at 18,403 ft, Mount Damavand is located just 40 miles from Tehran near the Caspian Sea. The mountain plays a major role in Persian mythology and is the highest volcano in Asia.

Which European country is home to the 9,573 ft Mount Olympus?

In Greek mythology, the Gods lived high up on Mount Olympus. The mountain contains 52 peaks, of which Mytikas is the highest, and climbers first reached the top in 1913.

On which continent can you find Ras Dashen, a peak in the Simien Mountains?

First ascended in 1841 by French soldiers, Ras Dashen is the highest mountain in Ethiopia. It's known for its rugged and steep terrain, and is Africa's 10th highest mountain.

Where in the Southern hemisphere is Aconcagua, one of the infamous Seven Summits?

The tallest mountain in the southern hemisphere, Aconcagua rises 22,837 feet above sea level in the Andes of Argentina. Despite its height, it's one of the easiest of the Seven Summits to climb and doesn't usually require supplemental oxygen.

Do you know which New England state draws visitors looking to ascend Mount Washington?

One of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi, Mount Washington is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Appalachian Trail crosses its summit, which is 6,288 ft above sea level.

Where can you find the 16,050 ft Mount Vinson, one of the Seven Summits?

Mount Vinson is the tallest peak on Antarctica, and climbers first reached the summit in the 1960s. Located just over 700 miles from the South Pole, Mount Vinson is named for Georgia Congressman Carl Vinson, who also has a class of Navy aircraft carriers named in his honor.

Where can you visit a dormant volcano named Mauna Kea, most of which is hidden below the ocean?

The highest peak in Hawaii, Mauna Kea rises 13,803 ft above sea level. If you could strip away all that water and measure from its base, it becomes the highest mountain on Earth at 33,000 ft tall.

Which continent is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the Seven Summits?

Mount Kilimanjaro is a 19,341 ft tall dormant volcano found in Tanzania. The tallest peak in Africa, it was the site of a 2014 cricket match, which was played on a rocky crater 18,800 feet above the ground.

Plenty of people have failed to reach the summit of Mount Robson. Do you know where this dangerous peak is located?

Measuring 12,972 ft above sea level, Mount Robson is located in the Rainbow Range of the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. Though a climber first reached the summit in 1913, only around 10 percent of climbers who attempt to match this feat today are successful.

Do you know where to find Mount Cook, which the local Maori people call Aoraki?

Mount Cook soars 12,218 over New Zealand and is the nation's highest peak. A team of local climbers was the first to reach the summit in 1894.

Which U.S. state is home to the 14,115 ft tall Pike's Peak?

Pike's Peak throws its mighty shadow over the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can drive to the top if you like, or if you want to do things the hard way, you can sign up for the Pike's Peak Marathon and run to the summit.

Which continent is home to the twin summits of the mighty Mt. Stanley?

Mt. Stanley is located in Congo and Uganda in Africa's Rwenzori Range. Climbers first reached the summit - actually a pair of twin summits - in 1906.

One of the Seven Summits, Mount Kosciuszko is part of the Snowy Mountains. What country is it located in?

Mount Kosciuszko is 7,310 ft and is the tallest peak in Australia. If you're determined to make your way up a mountain, this just might be the one; you can drive almost to the summit, then it's an easy stroll to the top.

Which island nation is home to the 16,024 ft Puncak Jaya?

Puncak Jaya is the tallest mountain in Oceania or Australasia. Situated on the island of Indonesia, it's one of the most technical of the Seven Summits, so only experienced climbers should attempt to reach the top.

Which U.S. state is home to the 14,179 ft Mt. Shasta, a volcano that's still active at times?

At more than 14,000 ft, Mount Shasta is the second highest peak in California. While still considered an active volcano, it only erupts every 700 years or so, and the last eruption took place two centuries in the past.

Mt. Makalu is famous for its nearly perfect pyramid shape. Do you know where this peak can be found?

At 27,838 ft above sea level, Mt. Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world. It was first conquered by a pair of French climbers in 1955 and is famous for its shape, which resembles a four-sided pyramid. The peak is located in the Himalayas between Nepal and Tibet.

Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in the Appalachians. Do you know which state it's located in?

Named for explorer Elisha Mitchell who fell to his death near the peak in 1857, Mount Mitchell is located in Yancy County, North Carolina. It rises 6,684 feet above sea level and is less than 20 miles from the town of Asheville.

So named because of its mile-long summit, do you know where to find Broad Peak?

The 12th highest mountain in the world at 26,414 ft, Broad Peak sits on the Pakistan/China border. Part of the Karakoram Range, it's best known for its very long summit, which stretches nearly a mile long.

Glacier Peak is called Dakobed by local tribes. Do you know were this mountain is located?

Visible from both Seattle and Vancouver on clear days, Glacier Peak in Washington State towers 10,525 ft above sea level. The first ascent of this icy peak was completed in 1898.

Kangchenjunga is the third highest peak on the planet. Where should you look on the map if you want to take a peek?

Kangchenjunga sits on the border between India and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, it was considered the highest mountain on Earth until the 1850s.

Mt. Baker is a volcano that last erupted in 1880. Can you name the state where it's located?

Mt. Baker is part of the North Cascade Range in Washington state. Though considered an active volcano, the 10,781 ft peak hasn't erupted since 1880.

Where can you find Gasherbrum I, also known as K5 or Hidden Peak?

The 11th highest peak on the planet, Gasherbrum I straddles the China/Pakistan border. Its name means "Beautiful Mountain" in the local dialect," and the summit is located 26,510 ft above sea level.

Which U.S. city is located close to Mount Rainier?

Mount Rainier soars 14,411 above Seattle in the Cascade Range. An active volcano, the local Native American tribes called it Tacoma or Tahoma.

Mount Ossa is the highest peak in Tasmania. Which country is it located in?

Mount Ossa rises 5,305 ft above sea level. It's the tallest mountain in the Tasmania region of Australia, and can be climbed in just a few hours if the weather is agreeable.

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