Ellsworth Mountains

The Ellsworth Mountains are a vast icy wilderness, holding the highest peaks of Antarctica. Situated south of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Ellsworth Mountains rise abruptly from the surrounding ice. The highest of these mountains is a cluster of   sharp peaks, located in the Sentinel Range, with narrow ridges and sheer 6,000-feet rock walls. Here, Vinson Massif (16,066 ft.) is Antarctica's highest peak.

Temperatures in the Ellsworth Mountains average around -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The best months for expeditions are December through February, summer in the Southern Hemisphere. However, arranging an outing here is difficult task, requiring either official scientific sponsorship, or considerable financial resources.