INACTIVE/ DORMANT VOLCANOES
Definition:
It is difficult to distinguish an extinct volcano from a dormant (inactive) one. Volcanoes are often considered to be extinct if there are no written records of its activity. Nevertheless, volcanoes may remain dormant for a long period of time. For example, Yellowstone has a repose/recharge period of around 700,000 years, and Toba of around 380,000 years. Vesuvius was described by Roman writers as having been covered with gardens and vineyards before its famous eruption of AD 79, which destroyed the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Before its catastrophic eruption of 1991, Pinatubo was an inconspicuous volcano, unknown to most people in the surrounding areas. Two other examples are the long-dormant Soufrière Hills volcano on the island of Montserrat, thought to be extinct before activity resumed in 1995 and Fourpeaked Mountain in Alaska, which, before its September 2006 eruption, had not erupted since before 8000 BC and had long been thought to be extinct.
Inactive Volcanoes You Can Visit
Enjoy the drama of nature's violent geological history, without the fear of molten lava, by visiting one of these extinct, inactive, or dormant volcanoes. A plus: they're all just stunning.
Mount Kilimanjaro
A volcano with three distinct cones, named Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa—it stands at 19,341 feet above sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro is attractive to hikers because it's one of the few high peaks that's possible to reach without any mountaineering gear.
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world. The above-water peak is pretty impressive, too, rising 13,800 feet above sea level. The height at the summit might give you a give you a great view of the area below, but you'll want to train your eyes skyward. Mauna Kea is an ideal star-gazing spot, and it's become a hub for astronomers at several observatories, like the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy.
Saba
Its molten beginning means that the shore on this island is rocky and cliff-like, not beachy. It is, however, a haven for hikers and divers looking to get off the beaten path, as the island is only reachable via a 15-minute plane right from neighboring St. Maarten.
Thrihnukagigur
When you visit the inactive Thrihnukagigur volcano, midway between Reykjavik and the Golden Circle area of Iceland, you don't just explore the lava field and hike up to the summit.
Volcán Mombacho
Nicaragua is home to a string of volcanoes with varying levels of extinction—you can see plenty of active volcanoes in the country if you want—but the Volcán Mombacho is reassuringly dormant. Now, its greatest draw is its cloud forest, which has been turned into a 2,500-acre forest reserve known for its biodiversity. You can enjoy the scenery from below on foot, or take it in from above with a zipline tour.
Mount Eden
Mount Eden, also known as Maungawhau, is the tallest of Auckland's 50-plus volcanic peaks. From the 643-foot-high summit, you can get a 360-degree panorama of the city and harbor. You can also see a now grassy, well-preserved crater, along with the ruins of a Maori settlement. Locals use this as a fitness trail, so suit up and join them for a jog to the top. Others say that the best views are had at night, with the illuminated city below.
Furna do Enxofre
Like Thrihnukagigur, you can also hike in and around the ruins of a volcano in Furna do Enxofre, though the volcano isn't nearly as preserved. Still, once you descend the volcanic staircase, you can see an immense crater lake protected by a dome-shaped roof of a lava cave. There are two openings in the cave that let sunlight in, casting a glow on the rock formations at certain times of the day. Just watch out for the smell—"Furna do Enxofre" translates into "Sulphur Cave."
Barva Volcano
The massive, 9,500-foot-tall Barva Volcano lies in the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park. The entire Barva Volcano hike takes approximately six hours , but if you put in the time you'll be treated to views of two crater lakes and tons of gorgeous wildlife. Bird-watching is particularly rewarding here, as you'll get a chance to spot the striking Resplendent Quetzal.
One Tree Hill
Auckland's One Tree Hill, also called Maungakiekie, and its surrounding Cornwall Park, was once one part of the largest Maori fortification in Auckland, built on top of the volcanic formations. The volcano's peak is marked with a giant obelisk in honor of the Maori people, along with the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell, European founder of the city. Unfortunately, you won't find the famed "One Tree," which was first cut down by a party of disgruntled workmen in the 1850s.
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references:
http://www.worldlibrary.org/articles/potentially_active_volcano#Extinct
https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-03-11/inactive-volcanoes-you-can-visit/1