Top 10 Climbs

Top 10 Climbs - Travel - National Geographic: "Climbs"

From the National Geographic book The 10 Best of Everything

1. Mount Khuiten, Mongolia

   In Mongolia, it’s easy for a traveler to be quickly swept away by the endless green steppes, the heartiness of the Kazakh nomads, and the rolling landscapes that define the Altai Mountains. This makes the trek to Mount Khuiten as enjoyable and scenic as the climb itself.
   The mountain straddles the corners of Russia, China and Mongolia. To reach it, trekkers must cross a golden, vast, and barren landscape that is one of the last remote regions on Earth. This remarkable journey is enhanced by the gentle hospitality of the Kazakh nomads.

2. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

   Flat-topped Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain. Located on Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya, the mountain is made up of three extinct volcanoes, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The highest peak, Uhuru, is 19,340 feet (5,899 meters) high.
   Reaching the top of Kilimanjaro is exhilarating. Take the Machame Route up so you can see the region’s wonderful animals and birds. Then you’ll begin the trek across the Shira Plateau through the Grand Barranco Canyon and on to the top. If all goes as planned, you’ll reach Stella Point with a chance to continue around Kibo’s rim to Uhuru.

3. The Andes, Peru

   The Inca Trail is an in-depth journey through a variety of ecosystems, from plains to desert to tropical cloud forests. You’ll pass views of snowcapped mountains and rushing rivers. The highlight is Machu Picchu, the famed lost city of the Inca that was discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Then continue your trek to what was the heart and soul of the Inca Empire, Cusco.

4. Mount Everest, Nepal

   Rising 29,035 feet (8,856 meters) above sea level, Everest is the highest mountain on Earth. For decades, reaching the top of this giant has been considered one of the greatest mountaineering achievements. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay accomplished this feat in 1953 when they approached the peak along the South Col route. Since then, more than 2,000 others have made ascents through South Col. It is, by far, the most successfully climbed route on the mountain.

5. The Matterhorn, Switzerland

   Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Matterhorn is the most recognized mountain on the European continent. In the shape of a roughly chiseled rock pyramid, this peak serves as a defining geographical landmark. For many climbers, ascending the Matterhorn, the birthplace of the sport of mountaineering, represents a return to the purist traditions of climbing.
   
   
   From the National Geographic book The 10 Best of Everything

   1. Mount Khuiten, Mongolia

      In Mongolia, it’s easy for a traveler to be quickly swept away by the endless green steppes, the heartiness of the Kazakh nomads, and the rolling landscapes that define the Altai Mountains. This makes the trek to Mount Khuiten as enjoyable and scenic as the climb itself.
      The mountain straddles the corners of Russia, China and Mongolia. To reach it, trekkers must cross a golden, vast, and barren landscape that is one of the last remote regions on Earth. This remarkable journey is enhanced by the gentle hospitality of the Kazakh nomads.

   2. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

      Flat-topped Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain. Located on Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya, the mountain is made up of three extinct volcanoes, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The highest peak, Uhuru, is 19,340 feet (5,899 meters) high.
      Reaching the top of Kilimanjaro is exhilarating. Take the Machame Route up so you can see the region’s wonderful animals and birds. Then you’ll begin the trek across the Shira Plateau through the Grand Barranco Canyon and on to the top. If all goes as planned, you’ll reach Stella Point with a chance to continue around Kibo’s rim to Uhuru.

   3. The Andes, Peru

      The Inca Trail is an in-depth journey through a variety of ecosystems, from plains to desert to tropical cloud forests. You’ll pass views of snowcapped mountains and rushing rivers. The highlight is Machu Picchu, the famed lost city of the Inca that was discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Then continue your trek to what was the heart and soul of the Inca Empire, Cusco.

   4. Mount Everest, Nepal

      Rising 29,035 feet (8,856 meters) above sea level, Everest is the highest mountain on Earth. For decades, reaching the top of this giant has been considered one of the greatest mountaineering achievements. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay accomplished this feat in 1953 when they approached the peak along the South Col route. Since then, more than 2,000 others have made ascents through South Col. It is, by far, the most successfully climbed route on the mountain.

   5. The Matterhorn, Switzerland

      Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Matterhorn is the most recognized mountain on the European continent. In the shape of a roughly chiseled rock pyramid, this peak serves as a defining geographical landmark. For many climbers, ascending the Matterhorn, the birthplace of the sport of mountaineering, represents a return to the purist traditions of climbing.
   1. Mount Elbrus, Russia

      Dynamic in both region and terrain, Mount Elbrus stands as a watchtower in the Caucasus Mountains between Europe and Asia. Elbrus is a large, double-coned volcano, whose summits vary by about 65 feet (20 meters). For the climber with moderate skills, the highest mountain in Europe has great appeal because it presents a strenuous, yet rewarding climb. The mountain’s location affords visitors excellent opportunities to see the region’s large melting pot of ethnic groups, such as Turkish, Georgian, Azeri, and Russian.

   2. Cilaltépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, Mexico

      In the heart of Mexico, about 800 miles (1,287 kilometers) south of the United States border, Citlaltépetl and and Iztaccíhuatl are the third and seventh highest mountains respectively in North America. The first is 18,406 feet (5,614 meters) tall, while the second is 17,159 feet (5,233 meters) tall. Ascents of these two volcanoes are by far the most attractive climbs in Mexico. From a distance, it’s easy to see how Iztaccíhuatl or “white woman” got its name; the snowcapped peaks look like the head, breasts, and feet of a sleeping woman.

   3. Denali, Alaska

      Mount McKinley, also called Denali in Athabascan, in Denali National Park, Alaska, at 20,320 feet (6,194 meters) is the highest mountain in North America. This massif needs no explanation as to why it should be climbed. From its base to its apex, it rises nearly 18,000 feet (5,490 meters), an elevation gain unsurpassed anywhere in the world. No other mountain offers such breathtaking and diverse views each day of an ascent.
      Mount McKinley’s tremendous size and beauty create a magnetism that continually draws climbers from around the world. Choice months for attempting Denali are May and June, before the threats of avalanches and open crevasses become too severe. The mountain provides an unforgettable experience, touching the psyche of all mountaineers who have undertaken its challenges.

   4. Annapurna, Nepal

      In terms of sheer geological and cultural diversity, a trek to Nepal’s Annapurna region is unbeatable. By circumnavigating the giant Himalaya, you’ll see everything from lush bamboo forests to arid high mountain landscapes. Most visitors here climb over the famous Thorung La (17,599 feet; 5,368 meters). The hike into this glorious mountain pass rewards one with spectacular blazes of orange as the sun rises, casting the white Himalayan peaks in a fiery glow.

   5. Damavand, Iran

      The Elburz Mountains stand huge and stunning as they lean against the Caspian Sea northeast of Tehran. Damavand’s peaks range in altitude from 18,400 feet (5,612 meters) to more than 19,000 feet (5,795 meters). Steam rises from the hot springs and fumaroles that pockmark this dormant volcano, and two small glaciers provide dazzling views.

10 of Ontario's Best Hiking Trails

10 of Ontario's Best Hiking Trails - AOL Travel Canada: "10 of Ontario's Best Hiking Trails
Source: explore Magazine

Ontario is a hiker's paradise with thousands of kms of trails. (iStock)

1. High Falls Trail

Petroglyphs Provincial Park

(near Peterborough), 16 km return

Not surprisingly, most people head to Petroglyphs to check out the Aboriginal rock carvings, and they totally overlook this primo walk through the woods. The trail winds through a mixed forest—with hefty cedars, maples and birch—and features rocky outcrops and boardwalk wetland crossings. The star of the show comes at trail’s end—a pretty cascade over tiered slabs of Canadian Shield.

2. Gibson Lake Trail

Frontenac Provincial Park

(near Kingston), 26 km return

Hike as far north as possible in Frontenac and you’ll end up on the Gibson Lake Loop, the most spectacular of the park’s trails come autumn. Beginning from the parking lot at Big Salmon Lake, the journey runs from a barren-looking landscape of rock and wetland to progressively more rolling terrain and mature forest. You’ll pass plenty of lakes, lookouts, beaver dams and pockets of human history—old homesteads, reclaimed farmlands and lumber camp remnants. Wildlife sightings guaranteed.

3. Baker Trail

Massasauga Provincial Park

(near Parry Sound), 6 km loop

Somewhat of a ghost-walk, the Baker Trail begins at the Calhoun Lodge, a restored cottage-slash-museum, and leads to the gravesite of Thomas Baker and his early-1900s homestead. Baker toiled here for four decades raising cattle and growing vegetables, and you’ll see what’s left of his home, barn and overgrown fields. There’s also an extensive heron rookery. Trail access is by water, a seven-kilometre paddle from Woods Bay Marina, where day-use parking is available. (Canoes and kayaks can be rented locally.)

4. Fire Tower Trail

Restoule Provincial Park

(near North Bay), 8 km loop

Back in 1954, a 300-foot-plus granite cliff south of Lake Nipissing seemed the perfect perch for a fire tower. Today the tower is closed but the cliff remains a fabulous lookout for spotting fall colours. Getting there is a pleasure too—first through a plantation of towering red pines and mixed forest, then up a steep climb to the cliff’s peak.

5. Under the Volcano Trail

Neys Provincial Park

(near Marathon), 4 km return

A great volcano once blew its stack on what is now the shoreline of Lake Superior, before eventually collapsing and being bulldozed by a passing glacier. So what’s at sea level today was the very belly of the beast about 600 million years ago. This trail takes you on a tour of the magma chamber, where you’ll find one of the largest collections of volcanic alkaline rock in North America—rectangles of pink feldspar, crystals of bright red natrolite and shiny black prisms of amphibole embedded in the smooth grey nepheline.

— Sue Lebrecht

And five more...

6. Brent Crater Trail

(Algonquin Provincial Park, 2 km loop)

A short hike to a 450-year-old meteorite crater.

7. Bluff Trail

(Awenda Provincial Park, 13 km loop)

A high-bluff, low-wetland combo.

8. Cobre Lake Trail

(Mississagi Provincial Park, 11 km loop)

Demanding trek with high points, stands of old-growth white pine and remnants of mining activity.

9. Spicebush Trail

(Rondeau Provincial Park, 1.5 km loop)

Short but sweet, literally, thanks to spicebush fragrance, birdsong and exotic-looking Carolinian tree species.

10. Awausee Trail

(Lake Superior Provincial Park, 10 km return)

A hike through a forested valley carved by glacial meltwater, including spectacular fall views from four lookouts.

For more info: www.ontarioparks.com; Provincial Parks Trail Guide, Allen MacPherson, published by Boston Mills Press ($19.95).

For more adventure and travel stories, subscribe to explore magazine"

Now growing up in Thunder Bay (in "northern Ontario") means these hikes are generally in the south. One notable missing hike is the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park's Chimney Trail and the circum Giant Kabeyun trail. I have skiied/snowshoed the Kabeyun trail ~27km in 6 hrs and run it in 3 hrs. I have also paddled around the Giant where we sailed down the west side, downwind in about half an hour. In the magazine Superior Outdoors, there was a story about a pair of guys who skated to the Sleeping Giant - http://www.superioroutdoors.ca/Winter_08_digital_mag/index.html.

Climbs for the Rest of Us

Climbs for the Rest of Us: Southwest Ridge, Canada | GORP.com: "Top Ten Less-Extreme Rock Climbing Routes
Southwest Ridge, Canada
By Cameron M. Burns

On the mountain (Cameron Burns)

Southwest Ridge: Mount Temple, Canadian Rockies, Alberta

Mount Temple is often referred to as the "Eiger of the Canadian Rockies," because when viewed from the tourist mecca of Lake Louise, the 5,000-foot-high north face resembles—if only slightly—Europe's most famous north face. Mount Temple's north face certainly is one of Canada's most popular goals for the hard-core mountaineering crowd, but there are other routes on the mountain, including perhaps the easiest "classic" climb in the Rockies, the Southwest Ridge.

This route starts south of Lake Louise in the fantastically beautiful Valley of the Ten Peaks (depicted on the back of the Canadian $20 bill), works its way up the southern slopes to the crest of the Southwest Ridge, then follows the ridge to the glaciated summit. From here, there are outrageous views in all directions, as Mount Temple is one of the Rockies' highest peaks.

The great thing about the Southwest Ridge is that it offers the beginning mountaineer a little bit of everything: altitude, scrambling, and glacier travel across the summit ice field.

It's a stimulating mixture that will challenge but not destroy.

Just the Facts

First ascent: S. Allen, F. Frissel, Walter Wilcox, 1894

Time required: 1/2 day

Technical grade: IV, Class 4

References:Selected Alpine Climbs in the Canadian Rockiesby Sean Dougherty

Read more:http://www.gorp.com/hiking-guide/travel-ta-alberta-rock-climbing-mountaineering-sidwcmdev_060526.html#ixzz161Z2ItF6

Cam Burns on the summit of El Pico de Orizaba (Cameron Burns)

Jamapa Glacier: El Pico de Orizaba, Mexico

Although most of us think of margaritas, hot salsa, and warm beaches when the topic of Mexico comes up, Mexico is also the home of the third highest mountain in North America, El Pico de Orizaba.

Third only to 20,320-foot Denali (aka Mount McKinley) in Alaska, and 19,850-foot Mount Logan in the Canadian Yukon, El Pico de Orizaba is a magnificent section of the earth's crust, jutting almost 18,700 feet from the edge of the Gulf of Mexico into the skies over Veracruz.

While all three mountains are tall, it's the contrasts, rather than the few feet of altitude, that really separate Mexico's highest mountain from the other two peaks.

Denali and Logan are sought after by hard-core mountaineers and require pretty big wads of gear, money, and time to ascend. El Pico de Orizaba is relatively simple, and those with no mountaineering experience can easily get up the mountain given time and determination. The Jamapa Glacier is the most direct, and the easiest route to get you there.

Most important of all, perhaps, the views of Veracruz's beaches from the Jamapa Glacier will keep you motivated to get the mountain "done" fast, so you can focus on sun, sand, and margaritas.

Just the Facts

First ascent: American soldiers, 1848

Time required: 1 full day from the Octavio Alvarez Hut

Technical grade: Alpine Ice 2 (Steep hike)

References:Mexico's Volcanoesby R. J. Secor

Read more:http://www.gorp.com/hiking-guide/travel-ta-mexico-mountaineering-sidwcmdev_060527.html#ixzz161Z8KEKv

Mount Kenya from the west (Cameron Burns)

Normal Route (Southeast Face): Mount Kenya, Kenya

Mount Kenya has the reputation of being the hard mountain, while Kilimanjaro is the walk-up. But that commonly held assessment isn't totally correct. Kilimanjaro boasts many walk-ups, but it also offers the most difficult high-altitude climb in all of Africa (the Breach Wall, first climbed by Rheinhold Messner in 1978). On Mount Kenya, there are plenty of hard routes, but there's also the Normal Route, which offers easy, straightforward rock climbing up to the peak's needle-like, 17,200-foot summit.

Most of the climb is a lot easier than the overall rating of 5.7+. In fact, it's mainly a scramble. But when you throw in a little altitude, and the fact that you'll want to carry a sleeping bag and bivouac en route, Mount Kenya becomes a fun but rewarding challenge.

From the mountain's twin summits of Batian (17,058 feet) and Nelion (17,021 feet), all of Kenya opens up before you, from the distant Aberdare Mountains to the smog-topped metropolis of Nairobi.

The most adventurous aspect of climbing Mount Kenya, however, is the approach hike through the forests. Wandering through bamboo jungles where elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo are present is awe-inspiring—if not, at times, a little frightening.

Just the Facts

First ascent: Eric Shipton and Percy Wyn Harris, 1929

Time required: 1to 2 full days

Technical grade: IV, 5.7+, with some easy ice climbing

References:Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya: A Climbing and Trekking Guideby Cameron M. Burns

More onMount Kenya

Details onAfrica's Other Mountains

Read more:http://www.gorp.com/hiking-guide/travel-ta-rock-climbing-kenya-mountaineering-sidwcmdev_060528.html#ixzz161ZEuUhn

The French Alps

Frontier Ridge: Mount Maudit Alps, France

Also known as simply "the Kuffner," the Frontier Ridge on Mount Maudit is a mixed snow, ice, and rock ridge with a stunning position. First climbed in 1887, this climb takes you easily through wonderful scenery to a spiky summit with excellent views of Mount Blanc. While the route holds a very easy grade, it's no giveaway. It's real climbing at a high elevation, and even experienced climbers stay roped up for most of the route.

George Mallory—the famed Everest pioneer—did the third ascent of the Kuffner in 1911. Mallory was so impressed with the quality of the route that he later wrote an account of his ascent and waxed lyrical about the route, the nature of summits, and why we push ourselves toward them: "Have we vanquished an enemy? None but ourselves. Have we gained success? That word means nothing here. Have we won a kingdom? No...and yes. We have achieved an ultimate satisfaction...fulfilled a destiny.... To struggle and to understand—never this last without the other; such is the law....

It was, some writers have observed, a foreshadowing of that great epithet to come: "Because it's there.

Just the Facts

First ascent: M. Kuffner, A. Burgener, Josef Furrer, 1887.

Time required: 10 hours round-trip from the Torino or Cosmiques Hut

Technical grade: Alpine Ice 3

References:Mont Blanc Massif, Vol. I, by Lindsay Griffin

Read more:http://www.gorp.com/hiking-guide/travel-ta-european-alps-mountaineering-france-sidwcmdev_060529.html#ixzz161ZIfYzU

Cuillin Ridge

Cuillin Ridge: The Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK

Skye's Cuillin Ridge doesn't have the attributes you find on most classic climbing routes. First, it's not really a climb, but a long ridge traverse. Second, it's pretty low (the highest peak, Sgurr Alasdair is a mere 3,255 feet high). And third, it's not even in the Alps, but the remote Scottish islands, the Inner Hebrides.

But what the Cuillin Ridge lacks in height and alpine environment is more than made up for in other ways. The ridge is seven miles in length and offers sustained scrambling and easy rock-climbing along a narrow and frequently knife-edge crest.

Much of the route is climbed solo, but only the most confident will avoid roping up for some climbing sections, or rappelling some of the steeper descents. More than 30 rocky peaks have to be traversed on the ridge, above shear mountain "corries" (amphitheaters) rising straight from sea-level—no margin for error here. In general the rock is rough, solid gabbro, but this is a mountain expedition and all kinds of terrain are encountered.

Pulling off a successful traverse depends less on technical skills than it does on physical and mental stamina and a keen mountain sense of where you are and where you're going. More importantly, good weather is critical. Skye is notoriously misty and wet. (Ironically, dehydration—there is little or very little drinkable water on the ridge—has also ended many attempts.) And few of those who attempt the Cuillin Ridge without any prior knowledge of the ridge complete it on their first try, but thankfully, easy escapes are possible from the route in a number of places.

The ridge is usually attempted from a bivouac on Gars-bheinn, a peak at the southern end of the ridge, and finished, usually in the dark, on Sgurr nan Gillean, a peak at the northern end. The record for "running" the ridge is currently 3 hours, 32 minutes.

Just the Facts

First traverse: L. Shadbolt and A. McLaren, June 1911

Time required: 4 hours to bivouac on Gars-bheinn, 12 to 14 hours for the ridge, 3 hours descent from Sgurr nan Gillean

Technical grade: Class 4 with a few sections of 5.2 and 5.3

References:Skye Scramble, by Noel Williams, Scottish Mountaineering Club

Read more:http://www.gorp.com/weekend-guide/travel-ta-rock-climbing-scotland-sidwcmdev_060530.html#ixzz161ZMOobL

South Face "Via Classica": Marmolada di Penia, Dolomites, Italy

The south face of the Marmolada comprises a single, massive, limestone wall, nearly two miles wide and 2,600 feet high, rising to an elevation of almost 11,000 feet.

The summit of the mountain had already been attained from the north, but in 1901, a 42-year-old English woman became infatuated with the Marmaloda's South Face.

Beatrice Tomasson was a mountaineer with an eye for a good line. She hired a guide who climbed the initial chimneys of what was to become the Via Classica to investigate whether the line was feasible, but the guide descended and the route remained unclimbed. In June of 1902, Tomasson returned, hiring two more guides who probed another line without success. The following month, she returned a third time with two more guides and was rewarded with success on the original line, forcing their 2,000-foot climb, up and down in a single day.

This is one of Europe's most cherished classics. The lower part of the route follows chimneys, both tight and wide, while the upper section is straightforward rock climbing. (Rock quality does deteriorate, however.) Stonefall is a danger, so a helmet is essential, and the route should be avoided if crowded. On the sunny south face it is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security, but this is very much an alpine environment. There is snow on the summit and a glacier below the north face, and the Marmolada's altitude attracts bad weather. But if you go prepared, you'll be rewarded with one of Italy's best climbing experiences.

Just the Facts

First ascent: M. Bettega, B. Tomasson, B. Zagonel, 1902

Time required: About 10 hours round-trip from the Rifugio Falier (hut).

Technical grade: Some pitches of 5.6, but mainly 5.5 or easier

References:Classic Dolomite Climbs, by Annette Kohler and Nteorbert Memmel

Read more:http://www.gorp.com/hiking-guide/travel-ta-rock-climbing-mountaineering-italy-dolomites-dolomite-region-sidwcmdev_060531.html#ixzz161ZQiZJW"


I have had a chance to climb Mt. Temple, SW Ridge which is practically in my backyard. We dealt with late season snow in early September and a talus slog at the top but a great Rockies peak.


As well, had a chance to climb Mt. Orizaba in November 2002 and although I suffered with the altitude and the cold I brought with me, we battled through the vertical ascent to get to the top of Mexico.

10 World's Best Hot Springs

Whatsthelatest.net | 10 Worlds Best Hot Springs: "

Wondering where to unwind and relax from stressful and hectic days of work or school? Worry not, these places will surely make your body forget those stressful work and make you feel like you’re in a paradise.

Courtesy of Yahoo Travel.

Blue Lagoon

(Grindavik, Iceland)

With 400,000 visitors annually, Blue Lagoon has a theme-park feel. Still, a soak here is undeniably cool, like a communal pool party of Icelanders and tourists slathering silky silicamud on their faces and bodies.

Its real purpose is to supply hot water and electricity to 45,000 Icelanders—this lagoonholds 1.6 million gallons of 99°F–102°F geothermal seawater laced with silica, minerals, and algae.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

(Alberta, Canada)

Set amid the glacier-studded panoramas of Banff National Park, the spring-fed pools are serviced by a retro-rustic 1930s bathhouse with splendid views of Mount Rundle. Hike the steep 3.5-mile switchback trail up Sulphur Mountainbefore a pre-sundown soak.

Discovered in 1884, these soothing 98°F–104°F waters are loaded not only with sulphate but also with calcium, magnesium, sodium, and bicarbonate.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

(Yamanouchi, Japan)

Jigokudani means “Hell’s Valley,” and it is a trek to get to these secluded pools located at 2,790 feet and a mile-plus by foot through formidable forest. But persevering monkey fans will be rewarded.

Calistoga Hot Springs

(Calistoga, California)

There’s lots more than hot water on tap at this onetime hippie hangout in Napa Valley: Calistoga’s mud baths are as free-flowing as Merlot. Chill-out types will find an array of spas—from frayed-at-the-edges to five-star—offering 80°F–102°F geothermal pools and volcanic ash mud pits where sassy slathering is not verboten.

Thermae Bath Spa

(Bath, England)

Enjoy a splash of history at Britain’s only natural thermal springs—the water is believed to have fallen as rain 10,000 years ago—which have vanquished stress for everyone from conquering Celts and Romans (their ancient baths are now a museum) to politicians and poets. Although the water surfaces at a red-hot 113°F, the spa’s intimate Cross Bath and rooftop New Royal Bath are a comfy 93°F.

Dunton Hot Springs

(Dolores, Colorado)

This impeccably restored ghost town, located at 8,600 feet in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride, offers six ways to soak in waters ranging from 85°F–106°F and rich in calcium-bicarbonate, iron, and manganese with a pinch of lithium. The most authentic (and hottest) is under the stars at the source; the most private is the king-bedded Well House cabin for two.

Chena Hot Springs

(Fairbanks, Alaska)

Rock Lake is part of the 105-year-old ChenaHot Springs Resort; it has 80 rooms and suites, plus an indoor springs-fed pool (chlorinated and 94°F), a spa, an ice museum, and dogsled tours.

This adults-only Rock Lake, fed by sulfur-tinged springs, reaches a toasty 106°F, but the truly hot ticket is the blazing aurora borealis(northern lights), neon-hued curtains of charged particles that dance across the late-night sky above you.

Pamukkale

(Denizli, Turkey)

Known as the Sacred Pool, this divine dip in southwestern Turkey lives up to its name: as you float in spring-fed water that’s a relatively refreshing 94°F, look up at a cerulean Aegean sky and down at 2,000-year-old Greek and Roman antiquities scattered on the pool’s floor.

Puritama Hot Springs

(Atacama Desert, Chile)

The high desert—and at 11,482 feet, we mean high—of this geyser-spiked South American region provides a dramatic backdrop for eight secluded pools named for the term “hot water” in the indigenous Kunza language. While not especially scorching at 91°F, they do, however, have a brilliant blue-green color and an ultra relaxing aura.

Hot Water Beach

(Waikato, New Zealand)

“No pain, no gain” is the motto at this unique beach just south of the North Island’s Mercury Bay: you have to bring a shovel and dig your own “hot tub,” which for two hours before and after low tide will fill with spring-fed water laced with calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, and fluorine. Note: also bring a bucket to add cold seawater to regulate the temperature, which can emerge at a scalding 147°F.

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