I've always wanted to climb a mountain, and while I am still young I'd like to try it. l live in St.Louis, Missouri.
-Where is the the closest mountain that offers ''somewhat of a challenge''
-How much would this cost (discluding traveling from st.louis to the mountain? Considering Gear, guide (if necessary), or anything else that is needed.
-How physically fit would one have to be to accomplish this mountain?

Please, only detailed responses, maybe even with sources ;)

If u want to climb a real mountain, u should consider something over 12,000ft which means the Rocky mountains or the Sierras - either way a plane ride away.

Your first climb should always be a ''walk up'' - a mountain with a good trail all the way to the top. Mt. Whitney is 14,500ft (highest in the lower 48) & has a great trail all the way to the top & is in So California.

The basic gear for this kind of climb is hiking boots, back pack, water bottles, jacket, hat - normal hiking stuff. Just be aware that when u r talking about this kind of elevation, it can SNOW in August or any day of the year so be prepared.

Training for this can be as simple as 30 minutes a day for a couple of months climbing stairs or on a stair stepper (or even an eliptical trainer)

Good Luck

How long does it take u to drive to Colorado Springs? You can hike up Pike is Peak. It is above 14K & will offer u a moderate challenge if u do some conditioning before u go. The cost to climb it is nothing. It is National Forest land. You have to pay for gas & buy some gear. Good shoes will cost u about $85 & u can use a day pack. It can be done in a day but it is a long day. You can get lots of info on it in hiking books & online.

The Garden of the Gods is close to C.Springs too. l am sure there is a rock shop in the area that has guidebooks & info about the area. I've never climbed there & l do not know the C.Springs scene anymore. My info is old & l do not want to point u down the wrong path. So look up ''Garden of the Gods Climbing'' & see what u get.

Serious expedition climbing is something u build up to over several years. A lot of places like NOLS offer classes & expeditions for novices & experts alike. These types of courses r costly, several thousand dollars in some cases. You gain knowledge & skill quickly but u pay a big price. If u have the time & resources, u choose option #2. That is to hook up with hiking/climbing clubs & hone ur skills with them. You can usually find partners with gear & skills they r willing to share. It takes longer to gain skills this way, but it is damned cheaper & u can build ur stockpile of gear over time. Even in STL l am sure u can find outdoors clubs to point u in the right direction.if not, move to Colorado.

Good Luck!