Why There Are Mountains is an independently released studio album by the indie rock band Cymbals Eat Guitars.

The album was initially self-released, then re-released after the band signed to Sister's Den Records in late 2009.

[3] Ian Cohen of Pitchfork Media gave the album an 8.3/10, writing "Why There Are Mountains ends up being like any great result of wanderlust—here, the journey is the end not the means; fortunately, that gives Why There Are Mountains astounding replay value."

The album also received a "Best New Music" designation in the review.

Pitchfork Media named Why There Are Mountains the 43rd best album of 2009.