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Best volcano destinations in North America

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Arenal Volcano National Park
Lava Trails, Rainforest and Epic Views
8.4
Few eruptions since 1750 have lasted as long as Arenal's 42 years, from 1968 to 2010. The eruption that began on 29 July 1968 killed 87 people and buried three villages. The volcano has been quiet since 2010 though fumaroles still vent steam at the summit. The cone rises 5,358 feet inside the national park.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Enjoy spectacular volcano views from multiple lookout points
  • 🌿 Explore rainforest biodiversity on the El Ceibo circuit
  • 🌋 Hike the Las Coladas trail over old lava flows
La Fortuna
Volcano Views, Hot Springs, Adventure
7.5
Arenal's cone rises above town and shapes every view in La Fortuna. Geothermal heat warms nearby hot springs where visitors soak after hikes. Lake Arenal, a reservoir that feeds hydroelectric power, lies close by. Most travellers use the town as a base for the national park trails.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Walk the hanging bridges at Mistico Park
  • ♨️ Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
  • 🌊 Hike to the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall
Paricutin Volcano
World's youngest volcano born overnight
6.7
Guides and horses wait in the village of Angahuan, the main access point for the climb. The trail is poorly marked so a guide is wise. A farmer's cornfield gave birth to the volcano on 20 February 1943. The cone grew to 424 metres. The buried town's church still stands in the lava.
Highlights:
  • 🐎 Ride horseback from Angahuan village to the volcano base
  • ⛪ Explore the ruins of San Juan Parangaricutiro church
  • 🥾 Hike to Paricutin Volcano’s summit for panoramic views
Nicaragua
Tropical beauty with volcanic charm
6.7
After dark, visitors to Masaya Volcano National Park can look into the Santiago crater and see glowing lava. The park became Nicaragua's first national park in 1979 and covers about 21 square miles. The crater releases large amounts of sulphur dioxide gas. A lava tube in the park shelters bats.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Kayak around the tiny islets of Lake Nicaragua
  • 🏘️ Wander through the colorful colonial streets of Granada
  • 🏂 Hike up Cerro Negro volcano and try volcano boarding
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
8.8
Fire built these islands. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park protects the summits of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes. The park climbs from sea level to 13,680 feet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walks lead through Thurston Lava Tube and along the Crater Rim Trail.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
  • 🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
  • 🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano
Mount Rainier National Park
A Majestic Volcano and Wild Beauty
8.2
Wildflower meadows burst into colour in July and August around Paradise, at about 5,400 feet. More than 25 glaciers descend the 14,410 foot volcano above. Sunrise, at 6,400 feet, is the highest point in the park reachable by car. The park has protected the mountain since 1899.
Highlights:
  • 🌼 Explore Spray Park’s wildflower meadows and Spray Falls
  • 🌊 Visit scenic Reflection Lakes and admire Rainier’s reflection
  • 🌄 Hike the Skyline Trail for iconic Mount Rainier views
Mount St. Helens
Eruptive beauty amid lush Pacific Northwest
In Washington's Cascade Range, the May 1980 eruption cut the summit from 9,677 feet to 8,363 feet. It left a horseshoe-shaped crater about a mile wide and killed 57 people. Congress created the National Volcanic Monument in 1982. Climbers need a year round permit above 4,800 feet.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Hike to the crater rim at Sunset Point
  • 🔭 Explore Johnston Ridge Observatory
  • 🧗‍♂️ Climb Mount St. Helens Observatory Ridge
Fuego
Eruptive beauty amid lush cloud forests
Rising to 12,362 feet, Volcán de Fuego stands about 10 miles west of Antigua Guatemala. Small gas and ash explosions occur about every 15 to 20 minutes. Larger eruptions are less frequent. The June 2018 eruption was the most powerful since 1974. Neighbouring Acatenango lies to the north. Check conditions before any visit.
Highlights:
  • ☕ Taste fresh Guatemalan coffee in San Juan
  • 🏞️ Hike to the crater rim viewpoint
  • 🌋 Climb Fuego volcano at sunrise
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