List of 7 Most Colourful Mountains in the World (Updated)

Aug 23, 2025, 23:13 IST

The world is full of spectacular sights, and colourful mountains are among the most mesmerising. From the striking stripes of China's Zhangye Danxia to Peru's iconic Vinicunca, these natural wonders are a result of millions of years of mineral deposits and geological shifts. They draw millions of tourists each year, offering a unique glimpse into the Earth's natural artistry.

Colourful mountains in the world.
Colourful mountains in the world.

Colourful Mountains in the World: Some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world look like they were painted with a bright palette. These natural wonders, which are often called "rainbow mountains," show how amazing the geology of our planet has been over time. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently reported that eco-tourism has grown a lot at places like the Rainbow Mountains in Peru and China, where people are looking for unique natural attractions. Geologists say that the bright colors are caused by minerals like iron oxide and sulfur that have oxidized and settled over millions of years. 

This phenomenon makes a beautiful landscape that is both a scientific wonder and a photographer's dream. This new list of the most beautiful and colorful mountains in the world will take you to some amazing places, from the Andes in South America to the high plains in Iran.

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List of Colourful Mountains in the World and Their Location

Here is a list of the most colorful mountains in the world, along with their location and important features: 

S.No. 

Name of Colorful Mountain

Location

Key Feature

1.

Vinicunca 

(Rainbow Mountain)

Cusco, Peru

Famous for its vibrant, striped peaks and challenging trek

2.

Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park

Gansu Province, China

A vast park with red, yellow, and orange rock formations

3.

Serrania de Hornocal 

(Fourteen-Coloured Mountain)

Jujuy, Argentina

A mountain range with 14 distinct shades and sharp, jagged forms

4.

Painted Hills

Oregon, USA

Layers of red, gold, and black clay soils form rolling hills

5.

Landmannalaugar

Icelandic Highlands, Iceland

Rhyolite mountains with a mix of reds, blues, and yellows

6.

Aladaghlar Mountains

Zanjan Province, Iran

Striking copper, red, and brown tones, especially at sunset

7.

Seven Coloured Earths

Chamarel, Mauritius

A small, yet intensely colourful geological formation

1. Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Cusco, Peru

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Cusco Peru

Vinicunca, the famous rainbow mountain in Cusco, Peru, is probably the most famous of all. The millions of years of mineral deposits that have built up on this mountain have given it its beautiful colors, which range from turquoise and lavender to red and gold. The hike to the top is hard because it's at a high altitude, but the view from the top is like something out of a painting. Because it is so well known around the world, Rainbow Mountains, Peru, is now one of the top places that hikers and travelers want to go.

2. Zhangye Danxia Landform, China

Zhangye Danxia Landform China

These mountains are a photographer's dream come true. They are in the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. Over millions of years, different sandstone and mineral deposits have created the bright red, yellow, and orange colors. This landscape, which was formed by the movement of tectonic plates and erosion, is not only beautiful to look at but also important to geology.

3. Serrania de Hornocal, Argentina

Serrania de Hornocal Argentina

These mountains are a photographer's dream come true. They are in the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. Over millions of years, different sandstone and mineral deposits have created the bright red, yellow, and orange colors. This landscape, which was formed by the movement of tectonic plates and erosion, is not only beautiful to look at but also important to geology.

4. Painted Hills, Oregon, USA

Painted Hills Oregon USA

The Painted Hills are part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon. The clay has different minerals in it, which is what makes it look different. Over time, erosion has exposed layers of reddish-brown, gold, and black soils, giving the landscape the look of an abstract painting. A lot of people come here because it's so peaceful and beautiful.

5. Landmannalaugar, Iceland

Landmannalaugar Iceland

Landmannalaugar is a strange place in the highlands of Iceland. Its multi-colored rhyolite mountains make it stand out. The volcanic rock has a lot of minerals in it, which give it red, blue, green, and yellow colors. This area is a hiker's dream because it has geothermal hot springs and lava fields that look like nothing else.

6. Aladaghlar Mountains, Iran

Aladaghlar Mountains Iran

The Aladaghlar Mountains, also known as the "Rainbow Mountains of Iran," are a lesser-known treasure. These mountains are close to Tabriz and look great because they are made up of a lot of minerals, especially copper. The best time to see their bright colors is at sunset. It is when the reds and yellows stand out even more.

7. Seven Coloured Earths, Mauritius 

Seven Coloured Earths Mauritius

The Seven Coloured Earths in Chamarel are not a mountain range, but they are a small but very colorful geological formation. This natural event is a group of dunes that are made up of sand layers that are red, brown, violet, green, blue, and purple. The colors come from volcanic activity and the different minerals that make up the rocks. They don't seem to fade even when it rains a lot.

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These beautiful, colorful mountains in the world remind us that the Earth is always making art in a quiet way. Whether it's the famous rainbow mountains of Peru or the lesser-known gems in Iran, each one offers a unique geological story and an unforgettable visual experience. These natural wonders are more than just places to visit; they are also powerful reminders of how beautiful and diverse the world is.

Harshita Singh
Harshita Singh

Senior Content Writer

Harshita Singh specializes in US affairs and general knowledge, simplifying intricate geopolitical and historical subjects into clear, digestible insights for learners. Holding a BA (Hons) in English from the University of Delhi and with over three years of experience in educational writing, she produces authoritative, thoroughly researched content that empowers readers to engage confidently with global current affairs. For inquiries, you can reach out to her at harshita.singh@jagrannewmedia.com.
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