Top Five Mountain Ranges to See in Your Lifetime

What is it about mountains that seems to reach somewhere deep within us? Why are we willing to hike, climb, cycle, struggle and push ourselves toward the summits and viewpoints of these rugged, untamed landscapes? Perhaps George Leigh Mallory, one of the best-known pioneers of mountaineering who ultimately disappeared on Mount Everest, captured the answer most perfectly.

When asked why anyone should climb Everest, his response was essentially that there was no practical reason. The reward was simply the pure happiness that came from the adventure itself. After all, joy is one of the ultimate purposes of life. We do not eat and earn money simply for their own sake; we do those things so that we can experience and enjoy life.

If you want to discover the kind of happiness Mallory described, these five legendary mountain ranges are excellent places to begin. Each possesses its own distinctive history, culture, character and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you explore them through an organized journey with Backroads, drawing on decades of experience in these celebrated regions, or create an independent adventure of your own, these extraordinary mountain landscapes deserve a place on every adventurer's travel list.

1. The Pyrenees

Spain, France & Andorra

Stretching from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees form a powerful natural divide between France and Spain, with their tallest summit rising above 11,100 feet. This rugged geological barrier also played an important role in shaping the distinctive cultures of the Iberian Peninsula, helping Spain and Portugal retain strong influences from Africa while developing some of Europe's most independent cultural traditions.

Explore the heart of Basque country by bicycle and experience a proud cultural heritage that combines Spanish, French and local influences, perhaps accompanied by a satisfying glass of Rioja. Venture into the rocky landscapes of Catalonia on foot to discover historic architecture and enjoy fresh seafood. Whether your preferred mode of travel is cycling, hiking or a combination of both, the Pyrenees offer an extraordinary meeting point between dramatic landscapes and vibrant human cultures.

2. The Alps

France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Monaco & Liechtenstein

Few mountain systems cross as many national borders as the Alps. They extend through France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Monaco and Liechtenstein, while also giving rise to several of Europe's best-known rivers, including the Rhine and the Rhone.

The variety of ways to explore this enormous mountain region is almost as impressive as the peaks themselves. In the Swiss Alps, you can ride a cable car toward hiking trails surrounded by wildflower-filled meadows and reward yourself afterward with some luxurious chocolate. In the French and Italian Alps, a hike can be paired with a cappuccino and spectacular mountain scenery. Slovenia's Julian Alps provide opportunities to cycle past dramatic cliffs and historic castles. Another perspective comes from traveling along the Rhine by river cruise, where the water beneath you may have begun its journey as snowmelt high in the Alps.

3. The Rockies

United States & Canada

The Rocky Mountains stretch approximately 3,000 miles from Canada to New Mexico, with peaks rising well beyond 13,000 feet. Along their enormous length, they provide the setting for some of North America's most spectacular national parks, monuments and wilderness areas. In many parts of the range, traveling on foot or by bicycle is the best, and sometimes the only, way to experience the scenery.

Some of North America's remaining glaciers are found high above adventure-oriented communities such as Banff, Jasper and Whitefish. The enormous rivers of ice that shaped these mountains long ago are reflected in mountain lakes ranging from Canada's Lake Louise to Montana's Lake McDonald. Routes such as Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park and the Enchanted Circle near Mount Wheeler in New Mexico offer demanding outdoor experiences that match the scale and majesty of the surrounding peaks.

Wildlife is another major attraction, particularly around Wyoming's Yellowstone and Tetons region. One of the country's last largely intact ecosystems can be found here, supporting an extraordinary range of creatures, from grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk to birds, fish and insects.

4. The Andes

Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile & Argentina

The appeal of the Andes comes from more than their enormous peaks. The range combines towering mountain scenery with a rich mythology and history, from the ancient ruins of Peru's Machu Picchu to the small Argentine town of El Chaltén in Patagonia. Extending for more than 5,500 miles, the Andes run along much of South America and cross seven different countries, creating an immense arena for exploration.

Travelers can follow the route of ancient civilizations along the Inca Trail or experience the landscapes that have attracted generations of modern climbers in Los Glaciares National Park. Along the way, adventures can also include distinctive local foods, such as cuy while exploring Ecuador or manjar during a cycling journey through Chile. With so many cultures, landscapes and experiences to discover, the Andes have a way of surpassing expectations and leaving travelers eager for more.

5. The Himalayas

India, Pakistan, China, Bhutan & Nepal

Legendary, spiritual and formidable, the Himalayas are home to Earth's highest mountain, Mount Everest, which rises to 29,029 feet. These mountains can leave visitors breathless in both a literal and figurative sense. As you hike or cycle through the region, colorful prayer flags flutter in the mountain air and important religious landmarks appear along the way, including Bhutan's Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger's Nest, as well as the mountain temples scattered throughout Nepal.

The ancient cultures that have flourished among these peaks for centuries are nearly as vibrant as the mountains themselves. Alongside them is a fascinating modern mountaineering tradition, shaped by legendary figures such as Edmund Hillary and George Mallory. This combination of ancient spirituality, living culture and climbing history gives a journey through the Himalayas an especially rich sense of adventure.

The sights, sounds, aromas and textures of Himalayan life are inseparable from the surrounding landscape. And there may be no better way to experience them than by traveling slowly and directly through the region on foot or by bicycle.