The Volcanic Grand Slam
The Volcanic Grand Slam is an elite mountaineering challenge that builds on the Volcanic Seven Summits. It expands the concept to the highest volcanic country points on Earth, requiring ascents of the world’s most prominent volcanic summits across multiple continents.
Volcanoes exist on every continent, each shaped by a unique geological history and often deeply connected to the cultures and myths of the people living nearby. These mountains rise from some of the most extreme environments on the planet—glaciated polar regions, remote deserts, dense jungles, and high-altitude plateaus—making each ascent a distinct and demanding experience.
This challenge will take me from towering ice-covered volcanoes to active and unstable peaks, from mythological summits to some of the most isolated places on Earth. It is a continuation of my journey after completing the Volcanic Seven Summits, pushing further across six continents in pursuit of volcanic high points that few have ever stood on.
EUROPE
Europe’s volcanic story stretches far beyond a single region, revealing a continent shaped by fire across land, sea, and mountain. From the rifting landscapes of Iceland—where eruptions regularly break the surface and new land is born—to Italy’s persistently active volcanoes such as Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius, volcanism remains an ever-present force. Here, fertile soils, dramatic terrain, and densely populated communities coexist with some of the most closely monitored volcanoes on Earth.
Further east, towering volcanic peaks rise through the Caucasus, where ancient and dormant giants like Elbrus and Kazbek dominate the skyline, reminders of powerful processes that once reshaped the region. Far out in the Atlantic, the Azores emerge directly from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, their islands built almost entirely by submarine and subaerial eruptions. Together, these varied volcanic systems illustrate how Europe’s geology is not confined to its mainland but extends into high mountain ranges and the depths of the ocean—forming a dynamic network of volcanoes that continues to influence landscapes, ecosystems, and human life today.
Mount Elbrus - Russia
Mount Elbrus, located in the western Caucasus of Russia, is Europe’s highest peak, rising to 5,642 meters (18,510 feet). This dormant volcano is famous for its twin summits, expansive glaciers, and snow-covered slopes, making it a popular destination for climbers and adventurers from around the world. Elbrus stands as both a natural wonder and a symbol of the Caucasus region, attracting those eager to experience its dramatic alpine scenery and panoramic views from the roof of Europe.
Summited in 2017
Mount Kazbek - Georgia / Russia
Mount Kazbek, rising to 5,033 meters (16,512 feet) in the Caucasus Mountains on the Georgia-Russia border, is the second-highest volcano in Europe and one of the region’s most iconic peaks. Renowned for its snow-covered summit, steep glaciers, and dramatic scenery, it combines natural beauty with cultural significance, including legends and the nearby Gergeti Trinity Church. Popular with climbers, Kazbek offers challenging high-altitude trekking and technical glacier routes.
Summited in 2025
AFRICA
Africa’s volcanic landscape tells a story of a continent slowly pulling itself apart, revealing immense power beneath its surface. At the heart of this activity lies the East African Rift System, one of the most geologically significant regions on Earth, where tectonic plates are diverging and shaping a chain of volcanoes, lakes, and highlands. Here, volcanism is not only a force of destruction, but also one of creation—building mountains, enriching soils, and influencing the very origins of human evolution.
From the persistently active Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira in the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for their fast-moving lava flows, to the iconic volcanic peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and Mount Elgon, Africa’s volcanoes vary dramatically in form and behavior. Offshore and along continental margins, volcanic islands such as those of Cape Verde rise from the Atlantic, while the Afar Depression in Ethiopia stands as one of the few places on Earth where a new ocean basin may eventually form. Together, these volcanic systems reveal Africa as a continent in motion—its landscapes continually reshaped by deep, slow, and powerful geological forces.
Mount Kilimanjaro - Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), is a world-renowned natural wonder. Rising majestically above the Tanzanian plains, it captivates adventurers with its striking contrasts: lush tropical forests at its base, shifting to alpine deserts, and finally, glacial peaks crowned with snow. Its iconic silhouette and diverse landscapes make Kilimanjaro not only a climbing challenge but also an unforgettable journey through some of the continent’s most breathtaking environments.
Summited in 2015
Mount Kenya - Kenya
Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet), is a striking volcanic massif located near the equator. Its rugged peaks, including the jagged Batian and Nelion summits, soar above dense bamboo and montane forests, giving way to alpine meadows and glacial valleys. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity, Mount Kenya offers climbers and nature enthusiasts an extraordinary mix of adventure, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery in the heart of Kenya.
Summited in 2023
Mount Karisimbi - Rwanda / DRC
Mount Karisimbi, the highest peak in Rwanda and the Virunga volcanic range, rises to 4,507 meters (14,787 feet). This dormant stratovolcano towers over lush montane forests and steep volcanic slopes, forming part of the scenic Rwanda–DR Congo border. Karisimbi’s slopes are rich in biodiversity, home to rare wildlife including mountain gorillas. Its challenging ascent, dramatic landscapes, and ecological significance make it a captivating destination for adventurous trekkers and nature lovers alike.
Summited in 2016
Mount Cameroon - Cameroon
Mount Cameroon, also known as “Mongo ma Ndemi” or “the Mountain of Greatness,” is West Africa’s highest peak, reaching 4,040 meters (13,255 feet). This active volcano rises sharply from the Gulf of Guinea, featuring lush rainforests at its base, alpine grasslands higher up, and barren volcanic craters near the summit. Renowned for its frequent eruptions and rich biodiversity, Mount Cameroon offers climbers a thrilling adventure through diverse ecosystems and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Cameroonian landscape.
Mount Elgon - Uganda / Kenya
Mount Elgon, straddling the border of Uganda and Kenya, is an ancient extinct volcano rising to 4,321 meters (14,177 feet). Its massive, gently sloping caldera is covered with dense montane forests, bamboo zones, and unique alpine moorlands. Famous for its caves, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, Mount Elgon offers a serene yet adventurous experience. As one of East Africa’s largest volcanic mountains, it combines breathtaking landscapes with rich ecological and cultural significance, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Mount Teide - Spain
Mount Teide, located on Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, is Spain’s highest peak, soaring to 3,718 meters (12,198 feet). This iconic stratovolcano dominates the island with its dramatic volcanic landscapes, including craters, lava flows, and unique rock formations. Surrounded by Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the mountain hosts rare flora and fauna adapted to its harsh environment. Teide’s breathtaking views, geological significance, and striking natural beauty make it a world-renowned destination for climbers, hikers, and nature lovers.
Summited in 2025
Emi Koussi - Chad
Emi Koussi, the highest peak in Chad and the Sahara, rises to 3,415 meters (11,204 feet). This massive shield volcano dominates the Tibesti Mountains with its rugged lava flows, volcanic cones, and vast desert surroundings. Emi Koussi’s remote location, extreme arid climate, and dramatic landscapes make it one of the most isolated and striking peaks in Africa. Its stark beauty and geological significance attract adventurous explorers and geologists seeking to experience the Sahara’s wild, untamed highlands.
OCEANIA
Oceania sits atop one of the most geologically restless regions on the planet, where vast oceanic plates collide, subduct, and fracture along the margins of the Pacific Ring of Fire. This constant movement has given rise to an extraordinary concentration of volcanoes, many of them active, forming long arcs of islands and towering peaks that emerge directly from the sea. In Oceania, volcanism is inseparable from the ocean itself—shaping coastlines, creating new land, and defining the lives and cultures of island communities.
rom New Zealand’s highly active volcanic zones, including Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Whakaari/White Island, to the volcanic arcs of Melanesia such as Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, eruptions are frequent and often dramatic. Further across the Pacific, hotspot volcanism builds isolated island chains, while submarine volcanoes quietly construct new seamounts beneath the waves. Together, Oceania’s volcanoes illustrate a region where Earth’s internal forces are on constant display, forging landscapes that are both fragile and continually reborn.
Mount Giluwe - Papua New-Guinea
Mount Giluwe, at 4,368 meters (14,331 feet), is Papua New Guinea’s second-highest peak and its tallest volcano. Unlike many famous mountains, Giluwe is cloaked in lush jungles, mossy forests, and highland grasslands, with crater lakes and hot springs adding to its unique beauty. Its remote location, far from roads or towns, makes it one of the most isolated and pristine peaks in the world.
Summited in 2022
ASIA
Asia’s volcanic landscapes span immense distances and elevations, reflecting the continent’s complex tectonic framework where major plates collide, slide, and subduct. Along its eastern and southeastern margins, Asia forms a crucial segment of the Pacific Ring of Fire, hosting some of the world’s most active and densely distributed volcanoes. Here, volcanism has shaped coastlines, built island chains, and repeatedly transformed environments where millions of people live in close proximity to geological risk.
From Japan’s iconic stratovolcanoes—such as Mount Fuji, Sakurajima, and Aso—to Indonesia’s vast volcanic arc, home to more active volcanoes than any other country on Earth, eruptions are a defining force of daily life. In continental interiors, volcanic plateaus and ancient systems stretch across regions of China, Mongolia, and Siberia, while the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates has uplifted volcanic and geothermal features across the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. Together, Asia’s volcanoes reveal a continent shaped by relentless tectonic energy, where fire and stone continue to redefine both land and civilization.
Mount Damavand - Iran
Mount Damavand, located in northern Iran, is the highest peak in the Middle East, rising to 5,671 meters (18,606 feet). This stratovolcano dominates the Alborz mountain range with its snow-capped summit and steaming fumaroles. Renowned for its striking cone shape, glacial slopes, and surrounding alpine landscapes, Damavand holds cultural and mythological significance in Persian folklore. Its challenging climbs, breathtaking vistas, and unique volcanic features make it a premier destination for mountaineers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Summited in 2019
Mount Ararat - Turkey
Mount Ararat, located in eastern Turkey near the borders of Armenia and Iran, is the country’s highest peak, rising to 5,137 meters (16,854 feet). This majestic stratovolcano is famed for its snow-capped twin summits and its iconic presence in biblical tradition. Surrounded by rugged landscapes and alpine meadows, Ararat offers challenging climbs and stunning panoramic views. Its geological prominence, cultural significance, and striking natural beauty make it a symbol of the region and a captivating destination for adventurers and mountaineers.
Summited in 2023
Mount Aragats - Armenia
Mount Aragats, the highest peak in Armenia, rises to 4,090 meters (13,419 feet) and dominates the Armenian Highlands with its massive volcanic massif. Its four summits form a dramatic crater, surrounded by alpine meadows, rugged cliffs, and glacial formations. Renowned for its scenic beauty, rich flora, and panoramic views of surrounding landscapes, Aragats is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts. The mountain also holds cultural and historical significance, making it a symbol of Armenia’s natural heritage.
Summited in 2025
Mount Kerinci - Indonesia
Summited in 2026
Mount Kerinci, the highest peak in Indonesia’s Sumatra and the tallest volcano in Southeast Asia, rises to 3,805 meters (12,484 feet). This active stratovolcano towers over lush tropical rainforests, part of the Kerinci Seblat National Park, which is rich in biodiversity including rare species like the Sumatran tiger and orangutan. Known for its challenging climbs, dense vegetation, and dramatic volcanic landscapes, Mount Kerinci offers adventurers and nature lovers an unforgettable journey through one of Indonesia’s most striking and ecologically significant regions.
Mount Fuji - Japan
Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), is an iconic and perfectly shaped stratovolcano rising above the plains of central Honshu. Revered for centuries in Japanese culture, it is both a sacred symbol and a popular climbing destination. Its snow-capped summit, symmetrical slopes, and surrounding lakes and forests create a timeless landscape that inspires artists, pilgrims, and travelers from around the world.
Summited in 2026
NORTH AMERICA
North America’s volcanic story is written along powerful plate boundaries and deep mantle hotspots, creating a landscape marked by both explosive eruptions and vast lava fields. From the Pacific coast to the Arctic, the continent hosts a wide range of volcanic systems shaped by subduction, rifting, and hotspot activity. These forces have built mountain chains, fertile plateaus, and some of the most closely studied volcanoes in the world.
Along the western edge of the continent, the Cascade Range rises above the Pacific Northwest, with volcanoes such as Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Mount Hood standing as reminders of ongoing subduction beneath North America. To the north, Alaska contains one of the highest concentrations of active volcanoes on Earth, stretching across the Aleutian Island arc. Further south, hotspot volcanism has formed the Hawaiian Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, while the Yellowstone hotspot beneath the continental interior fuels one of the planet’s largest volcanic and geothermal systems. Together, these regions illustrate a continent continually shaped by fire from both its margins and its depths.
Pico de Orizaba - Mexico
Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl, is Mexico’s highest peak, rising to 5,636 meters (18,491 feet). This massive stratovolcano dominates the landscape between Puebla and Veracruz with its snow-covered summit and glacial slopes. Visible from great distances, it offers challenging climbs and dramatic views. Rich in geological history and cultural significance, Pico de Orizaba is a symbol of natural grandeur and a premier destination for mountaineers.
Summited in 2023
Mount Bona - USA
Mount Bona, located in eastern Alaska, is one of the highest mountains in the United States, rising to 5,005 meters (16,421 feet). This massive, heavily glaciated peak lies within Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, one of the largest wilderness areas in the world. Known for its remote location, extreme weather, and expansive icefields, Mount Bona offers a true test of endurance and skill, attracting experienced climbers seeking adventure in Alaska’s untamed alpine landscape.
Volcán Tajumulco - Guatemala
Volcán Tajumulco is the highest peak in Central America, rising to 4,220 meters (13,845 feet) in western Guatemala. This dormant stratovolcano towers above the surrounding highlands, offering sweeping views that can extend to the Pacific Ocean on clear days. Its slopes are shaped by volcanic history and dotted with alpine vegetation and small farming communities. Tajumulco’s accessibility, cultural significance, and impressive elevation make it a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers exploring the region.
Summited in 2026
Volcán Barú - Panama
Volcán Barú is Panama’s highest peak, rising to 3,474 meters (11,398 feet) in the country’s western highlands. This dormant stratovolcano offers a rare opportunity to see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from its summit on a clear day. Surrounded by cloud forests and rich biodiversity, Barú is a popular destination for hikers and climbers seeking dramatic views, cool mountain climates, and a unique volcanic landscape in Central America.
Summited in 2026
Volcán Irazu - Costa Rica
Volcán Irazú is Costa Rica’s highest volcano, rising to 3,432 meters (11,260 feet) near the country’s central highlands. Known for its broad summit and striking crater lakes, Irazú offers panoramic views that can stretch from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean on clear days. Its lunar-like volcanic landscape contrasts with surrounding green valleys, while its accessibility and geological significance make it one of Costa Rica’s most visited and iconic natural landmarks.
Summited in 2026
SOUTH AMERICA
High-altitude volcanoes represent some of the most extreme expressions of volcanism on Earth, rising into thin air where ice, wind, and fire coexist. Found predominantly along major continental collision zones and subduction margins, these volcanoes dominate vast mountain ranges and shape entire regions from far above sea level. Their great height influences climate, glaciation, and hydrology, while their eruptions can send ash and gases across continents.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the Andes of South America, home to the highest volcanoes on the planet, including Ojos del Salado, Nevado Tres Cruces, and Llullaillaco, where volcanic cones soar above 6,000 meters. Similar high volcanic giants rise in the Caucasus and across parts of Asia, where tectonic compression and crustal thickening allow magma to build immense elevations over time. These towering volcanoes stand as geological extremes—remote, austere, and powerful—revealing how volcanism can shape the highest places on Earth as dramatically as it does islands and ocean floors.
Ojos del Salado - Chile / Argentina
Ojos del Salado, straddling the Argentina–Chile border, is the highest volcano in the world and the tallest active volcano, reaching 6,893 meters (22,615 feet). This imposing Andean peak features glaciers, crater lakes, and stark high-altitude desert landscapes. Renowned for its extreme conditions and breathtaking vistas, Ojos del Salado presents a formidable challenge for mountaineers and adventurers, making it one of the most remarkable and iconic volcanic summits on Earth.
Summited in 2023
Nevado Sajama - Bolivia
Nevado Sajama, Bolivia’s highest peak, rises to 6,542 meters (21,463 feet) and ranks as the ninth-highest volcano in the world. This majestic stratovolcano towers over the Altiplano and is capped with glaciers, surrounded by the unique ecosystems of Sajama National Park, including Polylepis forests and high-altitude wildlife. Its snow-covered summit, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and remote location make Sajama a challenging and unforgettable destination for climbers and adventurers exploring the Bolivian Andes.
Summited in 2021
Nevado Coropuna - Peru
Nevado Coropuna, the 10th-highest volcano in the world, rises to 6,425 meters (21,079 feet) in southern Peru. This massive, snow-capped volcanic complex features multiple peaks, glaciers, and lava fields, dominating the surrounding Andean highlands. Its remote location and challenging terrain make it a striking destination for climbers, while its glaciers and high-altitude ecosystems underscore its ecological and geological importance in the Andes.
Summited in 2025
Nevado Chimborazo - Ecuador
Nevado Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak, rises to 6,263 meters (20,548 feet) and is famed for being the point on Earth farthest from its center. This snow-capped stratovolcano towers above Andean highlands, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes. Renowned for its dramatic summit, ecological diversity, and cultural significance, Nevado Chimborazo offers climbers and adventurers a challenging and unforgettable experience in the heart of Ecuador’s Andes.
Summited in 2018
Nevado del Huila - Colombia
Nevado del Huila, the highest volcano in Colombia, rises to 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) in the central Andes. This active stratovolcano features snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and rugged volcanic landscapes, dominating the surrounding highlands. Known for its challenging climbs and geological activity, Nevado del Huila is a significant natural landmark, offering adventurers and mountaineers striking views, diverse ecosystems, and a unique high-altitude Andean experience.