Highest Point in the United States: Denali, Alaska

Denali: The Great One, North America’s Roof

The highest point in the United States—and all of North America—is **Denali** (formerly Mount McKinley), located in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska.

Key Facts

• Elevation: 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level.
• Coordinates: 63°04′08″N 151°00′23″W.
• Prominence: 20,194 ft (6,155 m) — 3rd most prominent peak on Earth (after Everest, Aconcagua).
• Isolation: 4,629 mi (7,450 km) — nearest higher peak is in the Himalaya.
• Name: Koyukon Athabaskan *Deenaalee* (“The High One” / “The Great One”). Renamed from Mt. McKinley (1896–2015) by Obama administration (2015).

Geology & Glaciation

Granitic pluton uplifted by Pacific Plate subduction. Five major glaciers (Kahiltna, Muldrow, Ruth, Tokositna, Traleika). Kahiltna Glacier (44 mi) is longest in Alaska Range. Extreme cold: -60°F (-51°C) recorded; wind chill -100°F.

Climbing

• First ascent: 1913 (Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, Robert Tatum).
• Standard route: West Buttress (13–14 days, 13,000 ft gain from base camp).
• ~1,200 attempts/yr; ~50% summit; ~1 death/yr. Requires permit (NPS), 60-day pre-reg.

Other US High Points (for context)

• Contiguous US: **Mount Whitney, CA** — 14,505 ft (4,421 m).
• State HPs: 50 summits; lowest is Britton Hill, FL (345 ft).

Denali is not just a US high point—it’s a planetary landmark. Its vertical relief (base-to-summit ~18,000 ft) exceeds Everest’s. It defines Alaska, and the continent.