Denali

Denali is the highest mountain in North America, rising 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level. It is in south-central Alaska, within the Alaska Range, and serves as the centerpiece of Denali National Park and Preserve, a protected area created to conserve the region’s landscape, wildlife, and wilderness. The mountain’s name Denali means “the high one” or “great one” in the Denali Athabaskan language. It was historically known as Mount McKinley, but in 2015 the U.S. Board on Geographic Names restored Denali as the official name, while Mount McKinley remains an alternate designation in some materials.

Geography and climate: The peak lies about 130 miles north of Anchorage. It stands out for dramatic relief, with the summit rising roughly 18,000 feet above the surrounding terrain in about 25 miles. The region hosts glaciers and has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers; weather is highly variable and can change rapidly.

Climbing and routes: The mountain’s elevation and weather make for a challenging ascent. The West Buttress is the most frequently attempted route, featuring crevassed glaciers and exposure. Successful climbs require mountaineering experience, proper equipment, and logistical support. Climbing permits are administered by Denali National Park and Preserve.

Ecology: Denali’s parkland includes taiga forests at lower elevations and alpine tundra higher up, supporting species such as grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and ptarmigan.

Conservation: Denali is protected as a National Park and Preserve; the area supports wilderness recreation, scientific research, and cultural heritage.