If you're looking to summit challenging peaks around the world, some names that might crop up include Everest, Kilimanjaro, or Mont Blanc. However, some of the best hikes in the world lie closer to home. The tallest mountain in North America is Mt. Denali , in Alaska. This world-class mountaineering epic is also why it's one of the most dangerous mountains in the world , claiming the lives of intrepid mountaineers each year.
However, if you're looking for a slightly less deadly, not-so-remote option in the U.S., there's a challenging peak that you could consider. As the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney in California is a popular proving ground for serious adventurers. Sometimes referred to as the "Poor Man's Everest", Mt. Whitney welcomes hikers and climbers from aro