The famous quote “because it’s there” was clearly coined by an introverted outdoorsman who didn’t feel like chatting much (Mallory). I feel him - don’t get me wrong - and I realize he was talking about Everest and not any small peak.
But!
In addition to the top reason for scaling a mountain being it merely exists, I’d like to add one more short thought.
Peaks promise challenge, along with reward. If you can reach the top, a promise I tend to make to myself in the first few steps (weather permitting), you have very clearly accomplished all the up there is to go and you are surrounded with the reward of exploration.
Look at all of this you get to see that you wouldn’t have been able to see before!
Imagine that if you hadn’t climbed this, you may have never seen this in your life! Look at how beautiful it is! Now have a summit beer and hang out, revel in your accomplishment and enjoy the day - because it’s there.
Photo is in El Chalten, Patagonia