Elevation

20,310 ft / 6,190 m

#1 in Alaska

#1 in United States

Prominence

20,146 ft / 6,141 m

#1 in Alaska

#1 in United States

Summits

38 summits

#1 in Alaska

#945 in United States

Top climbing months

June   51%

May   27%

July   9%

Most climbed route

West Buttress

Highlights

  • Highest mountain in North America and the northernmost 6,000 m peak in the world.
  • A monumentally prolific mountain: 3rd most prominent mountain in the world and one of the greatest vertical rises in the world (18,000 ft / 5,486 m vertical rise).
  • Its extreme latitude presents challenges to climbers. Infamous for its extremely cold weather, reaching -100°F / -73°C in one measurement. Also the air has less oxygen than peaks of similar height near the equator, adding to the risk of altitude sickness for climbers.
  • Denali has two significant summits: the South Summit is the highest one, while the rarely visited North Summit has an elevation of 19,470 feet. Extreme glaciation: 5 large glaciers flow off the slopes of the mountain: Peters Glacier, Muldrow Glacier, Traleika Glacier, Ruth Glacier, and the Kahiltna Glacier.
  • By far the most popular climbing route on the mountain (90%) is the West Buttress Route pioneered by Bradford Washburn in 1951. Typically done in 17-21 days. Most start by flying in via air taxi to the Kahiltna Glacier at 7,200 ft. Then slow progress is made up the mountain at a series of camps at 7,800 ft, 9,500 ft, 11,000 ft, 14,200 ft and 17,200 ft. Only 50% of climbers succeed in summiting, mostly due to bad weather and running out of time.
  • Centerpiece of 6 million acre Denali National Park, designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
  • Denali is the highest point in Denali National Park.

Awards

Challenges