The 20 Most Beautiful Mountains to Visit in Your Lifetime

This stunning destination is gorgeous in the summer while the "Midnight Sun" reigns supreme, but Reinefjordan is especially wonderful to see with the Northern Lights as a backdrop in the darker months.

Nestled in the eponymous national park in Christchurch, Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in the country and served as Sir Edmund Hillary's training site before making his storied climb to the summit of Mount Everest.

Located in the namesake national park, the Zhanghye Danxia Landform sits in the foothills of the Qilian Mountains and is one of the country's most breathtaking natural wonders. This rock formation certainly cements Zhangye National Geopark as one of the most colorful national parks on Earth.

Located just 59 miles from Seattle, this dreamy mountainscape is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the country. Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the continental U.S. and spans across five major rivers. Visitors will find subalpine meadows filled with wildflowers at the base of this icy volcano, along with plenty of wildlife.

Mount Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland, and for good reason. This breathtaking natural wonder features waterfalls, nearby beaches, and views overlooking idyllic Scandinavian towns.

While Machapuchare has yet to be climbed due to the inability to obtain a permit from the Nepalese government, it's certainly worth admiring from afar. The mountain is considered one of the region's most sacred, as it's thought to be the home to the Hindu god Shiva. Full of dramatic, natural beauty, this mountain is seated just north of the lush city of Pokhara.

While Table Mountain is Cape Town's more famous cousin, Lion's Head Mountain is equally as spectacular. The eight-mile round-trip hiking trail is every bit worth it, as Lion's Head offers sweeping beach and city views and is a popular excursion with the locals.

This breathtaking mountain is located on the Great Divide at the border of British Columbia and Alberta. Mount Assiniboine is surrounded by sparkling glaciers, lush grasslands, and pristine lakes, making it more than worth the day trip.

This mystical Unesco World Heritage Site is a must-see for adventure-seekers, nature-lovers, and creatives alike. Huangshan Mountain's breathtaking scenery has inspired artists, poets, and now photographers since the 16th century. It's no surprise this granite rock formation is deemed the "loveliest mountain in China."

This storied mount solidified its icon status after being the crowning achievement of American rock climber Alex Honnold in the Academy Award–winning documentary, Free Solo. Seated at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in California, the stunning mountain will be an important part of your visit to the popular national park.

Also known as Rainbow Mountain, this one-of-a-kind natural wonder resides in the Andes Mountains. Vinicunca earned its stripes due to the oxidation of a mixture of marine, lake, and river elements that were dragged by the waters and winds of the mountain range over the ages.

The storied Matterhorn rests on the alpine border of Switzerland and Italy and is known as Europe's most famous mountain. Its unique pyramid shape and toothy summit have served as dramatic inspiration for one of Disneyland's most iconic rides, but the greatest thrill comes from seeing the mountain itself via hiking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, or cable car.

Mount Fitz Roy is known in the native Tehuelche dialect as Chaltén, which means "smoking mountain," as it experiences a rare phenomenon where the peak always appears to be surrounded by swirls of mist and clouds. Those willing to wake up before dawn will be rewarded with watching the mountain turn pink with the sunrise. Fun fact: Fitz Roy serves as the inspiration behind the Patagonia Clothing logo.

Nepalese for "mother's necklace," Ama Dablam resides in the Khumbu Valley and is recognized as one of the world's most spectacular mountains. It's a true dream for the most experienced mountaineers and alpinists to climb, as they follow along an ancient route to the glorious and rewarding summit.

The Dolomites is one of the most idyllic mountain ranges in the world, spanning across northern Italian villages, pristine lakes, and chic ski resorts. One of its most famous attractions is touring Tre Cime di Lavardo to revel in its monstrous, untouched beauty. It's a popular experience for first-time tourists and regional school groups alike, so prepare for crowds.

This active volcano is one of Japan's most defining features and biggest tourist attractions. It's considered one of the country's three sacred mountains, making a popular pilgrimage for the Japanese people. Plus, there is a beautiful lake and a hot springs resort at the base of the mountain for those who are comfortable with admiring the mountain from their current altitude.

Denali is the tallest peak in the U.S. and the namesake to the national park it resides in, full of unique flora and fauna. This Alaskan park was created by Congress in 1917 to protect local sheep from being over-hunted and much of the six-million-acre property remains vastly untouched and wild, offering the ultimate adventure.

Trango Towers is famous for housing some of the most difficult rock climbing on the planet, drawing thrill-seekers from around the globe every summer. Great Trango, the largest formation of the bunch, features 4,396 vertical feet of granite, more than any other in the world.

One of the most photographed destinations on Earth, Huyana Picchu is seated right behind the legendary Machu Picchu. It offers an intense yet rewarding hiking experience for visitors who want to make the most of their time in this remote destination, as the mountain offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the ancient city.

One of the world's most famous mountains, this dormant volcano is Africa's highest mountain and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. A visit to Mount Kilimanjaro not only offers killer views of this natural wonder but also of the Savanna's exotic wildlife. Those brave enough to climb it will find nearly every type of ecological system on the mountain, from rain forests to moorlands to an arctic summit.