Conditions near the summit
-23°FAreas Of Blowing Snow then Snow Showers Likely And Areas Of Blowing Snow
Fri
-8° -17°
Snow Showers And Areas Of Blowing Snow
76%
Sat
-6° -15°
Snow Showers And Areas Of Blowing Snow
88%
Sun
-11° -20°
Snow Showers And Areas Of Blowing Snow
78%
Mon
-14° -22°
Snow Showers Likely
66%
Tue
-16° -25°
Snow Showers
79%
About this peak
The highest peak in North America. Denali rises nearly 18,000 ft from base to summit — one of the greatest vertical reliefs on Earth. Severe weather and high latitude make it a serious mountaineering objective.
Peak facts
First ascent
1913 — Hudson Stuck's expedition via the Karstens Ridge
Best season
May–early Jun
Nearest town
Talkeetna, Alaska
Getting there
Bush ski-plane from Talkeetna to Kahiltna Base (2,200 m); the West Buttress takes ~3 weeks; climbing permit required
Geology
A granite batholith capped by uplifted Paleozoic slate
Plan your climb
West Buttress Route
ExtremeThe standard route via the Kahiltna Glacier. Typically 2–4 weeks with acclimatization. Crevasse and high-altitude hazards throughout.
Muldrow Glacier Route
ExtremeThe historic first-ascent route from the north, more remote and less traveled than the West Buttress.
