Denali

Denali (Mount McKinley) towers 6,190 meters above Alaska, making it the highest peak in North America. The mountain rises from the Alaska Range within Denali National Park and Preserve, where tundra valleys meet massive glaciers. Athabascan languages call the mountain Denali, meaning “the high one,” reflecting Indigenous reverence for its towering presence. Weather can change rapidly, with storms creating fierce winds and temperatures that drop below −40 °C.

Denali formed as tectonic plates collided, uplifting granite cores and folding sedimentary rock. Glaciers such as Kahiltna, Ruth, and Muldrow carve deep valleys and transport ice toward braided rivers. Climbers from around the world attempt the summit each May and June, ascending routes like the West Buttress while carrying heavy sleds and rope teams across crevasse-laced slopes. The thin air, cold, and unpredictable weather demand careful acclimatization and rescue readiness.

Denali National Park protects more than six million acres of wilderness. Caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, wolves, and golden eagles roam the tundra, while black spruce forests shelter moose and lynx. Park buses carry visitors along a single 150-kilometer road, minimizing vehicle impact and offering ranger commentary on geology, wildlife, and conservation history. The Denali Park Road currently ends at mile 43 due to a mass movement at Pretty Rocks, prompting a major bridge project to restore access.

Scientists monitor permafrost thaw, glacier retreat, and vegetation shifts caused by climate change. Remote cameras and radio collars track animal migrations, while snow surveys measure water supply for downstream communities. Cultural programs highlight Athabascan heritage, dog sled history, and the contributions of the park’s kennel teams, which still operate sled patrols in winter to reach remote cabins.

The National Park Service emphasizes Leave No Trace practices, requiring climbers to pack out waste, register expeditions, and carry communication gear. Educational centers in Talkeetna and the park entrance teach visitors how to stay safe around wildlife, respect Indigenous stories, and appreciate the awe-inspiring scale of North America’s tallest mountain.