What is the tallest volcano in North America?

At a height of 5,636 metres (18,491 ft), the Pico de Orizaba is Mexico's highest peak and the highest volcano in North America. It is also known as Citlaltépetl, which means 'Star Mountain' in Nahuatl. Located a short distance from Mexico City, Pico de Orizaba is a dormant volcano in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. It last erupted in 1846.

Due to its height, the Pico de Orizaba has nine glaciers on its north side. They are known as the Gran Glacier Norte, Lengua del Chichimeco, Jamapa, Toro, Glaciar de la Barba, Noroccidental, Occidental, Suroccidental, and Oriental. The largest is the Gran Glacier Norte, which covers an area of 9.08 sq.km (3.51 sq.mi).

The first known explorers to reach the summit of Pico de Orizaba were American soldiers F. Maynard and William F. Raynolds in 1848. Climbing the volcano involves navigating several microclimates. Whilst there are rainforest trees at the bottom, there are alpine trees further up the volcano, which are more suited to the freezing temperatures near the peak.

The volcano's crater covers a total area of 154,830 sq.m (1,666,600 sq.ft), and has an estimated depth of 300 m (980 ft). Whilst it has not erupted since the 19th century, there is no telling when or if it will erupt again. The Pico de Orizaba erupted frequently during the 16th century, but has only erupted three times since then.