The tallest mountain in the United States is Denali, standing at 20,310 feet, situated in Denali National Park, Alaska. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 tallest mountains in the United States, including their heights, locations, and the best times to climb them.
Here is a table that presents an overview of the 10 tallest mountains in the United States in 2024.
| Mountain | Height (ft/m) | Location | Best Time to Climb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denali | 20,310 ft / 6,190 m | Denali National Park, Alaska | May to July |
| Mount Saint Elias | 18,008 ft / 5,489 m | Border of Alaska and Canada | June to August |
| Mount Foraker | 17,400 ft / 5,304 m | Alaska Range, Alaska | May to July |
| Mount Bona | 16,550 ft / 5,044 m | Saint Elias Mountains, Alaska | May to July |
| Mount Blackburn | 16,390 ft / 4,996 m | Wrangell Mountains, Alaska | June to August |
| Mount Sanford | 16,237 ft / 4,949 m | Wrangell Volcanic Field, Alaska | May to September |
| Mount Fairweather | 15,325 ft / 4,671 m | Border of Alaska and British Columbia | June to September |
| Mount Hubbard | 14,950 ft / 4,557 m | Saint Elias Range, Alaska | June to September |
| Mount Bear | 14,831 ft / 4,520 m | Saint Elias Mountains, Alaska | June to September |
| Mount Hunter | 14,573 ft / 4,442 m | Alaska Range, Alaska | May to July |
1. Denali (20,310 ft/6,190 m)
Denali, previously known as Mount McKinley, holds the title of the highest mountain in the United States. At an elevation of 20,310 feet (6,190 meters), it is a prominent peak in Alaska’s Denali National Park. Denali is renowned not only for its impressive height but also for its isolation, making it one of the Seven Summits—a coveted list of the tallest mountains on each continent.
The mountain’s height has been the subject of various measurements, with some suggesting it could be taller than the widely accepted figure. Denali’s name, which translates to “the high one” in the Athabaskan language, reflects its commanding presence. Its vertical rise from base to summit surpasses that of Mount Everest, although Everest remains the tallest peak globally.
Denali Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 20,310 ft / 6,190 m |
| Location | Denali National Park, Alaska |
| Best Time to Climb | May to July |
Best Time to Climb: Climbing Denali is best done between May and July. During these months, the weather conditions are relatively more stable, and the temperatures are warmer compared to other times of the year. However, climbers should be prepared for severe cold and high winds. The summer season provides the optimal window for attempting the climb due to extended daylight hours and more favorable weather conditions.
2. Mount Saint Elias (18,008 ft/5,489 m)
Mount Saint Elias, located on the border between Alaska and Canada, is the second tallest peak in the US, reaching 18,008 feet (5,489 meters). This mountain is part of the Saint Elias Mountains and is known for its dramatic elevation gain of 16 kilometers (10 miles) from its base.
Named by Russian explorer Vitus Bering in 1741 after the biblical prophet Elias, Mount Saint Elias presents a formidable challenge due to its steep climbs and unpredictable weather. The peak was first successfully climbed in 1897 by the Duke of Abruzzi after several unsuccessful attempts. Today, its remote location and challenging conditions make it a rare ascent.
Mount Saint Elias Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 18,008 ft / 5,489 m |
| Location | Border of Alaska and Canada |
| Best Time to Climb | June to August |
Best Time to Climb: The ideal climbing window for Mount Saint Elias is from June to August. During this period, the weather is generally more favorable, with less snow and more stable conditions compared to the rest of the year. However, climbers must still be prepared for rapid weather changes and challenging conditions. The summer months offer longer daylight hours and somewhat milder temperatures, which are crucial for tackling this difficult ascent.
3. Mount Foraker (17,400 ft/5,304 m)
Mount Foraker, with an elevation of 17,400 feet (5,304 meters), is located in the Alaska Range, southwest of Denali. It is known for its rugged terrain and technical climbing routes, making it a popular choice for seasoned climbers.
Named after Joseph B. Foraker, an Ohio senator who supported the establishment of Mount McKinley National Park, Mount Foraker is notable for its challenging features, including the notorious Infinite Spur. This demanding route was completed in the 1970s and remains a significant challenge in Alaskan climbing.
Mount Foraker Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 17,400 ft / 5,304 m |
| Location | Alaska Range, Alaska |
| Best Time to Climb | May to July |
Best Time to Climb: The best time to climb Mount Foraker is between May and July. Similar to Denali, this period offers relatively stable weather conditions and more favorable temperatures. Climbers should be ready for extreme cold and high winds, but the summer months provide the best chance for a successful ascent due to longer daylight hours and generally better weather.
4. Mount Bona (16,550 ft/5,044 m)
Mount Bona stands at 16,550 feet (5,044 meters) and is located in the Saint Elias Mountains in southeastern Alaska. It is one of the largest volcanoes worldwide, despite its last eruption occurring in 847 AD. The mountain’s base spans 25 miles, and it was named by the Duke of the Abruzzi, who saw it during his ascent of Mount Saint Elias.
As a dormant stratovolcano, Mount Bona’s ascent typically takes between eight and ten days. Its east ridge route is often used by climbers seeking experience before attempting higher peaks like Denali.
Mount Bona Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 16,550 ft / 5,044 m |
| Location | Saint Elias Mountains, Alaska |
| Best Time to Climb | May to July |
Best Time to Climb: The optimal climbing season for Mount Bona is from May to July. During these months, the weather is generally more stable, and temperatures are more manageable compared to other times of the year. This period also benefits from longer daylight hours, which can help climbers navigate the challenging routes and prepare for the ascent.
5. Mount Blackburn (16,390 ft/4,996 m)
Mount Blackburn, with a height of 16,390 feet (4,996 meters), is situated in the Wrangell Mountains in Alaska. It features one of the largest icefalls in North America, which descends from its summit.
Named after Joseph Clay Stiles Blackburn, a Kentucky senator who supported the creation of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Mount Blackburn is an old shield volcano that has been dormant for millions of years. The mountain has two peaks, and its severe weather conditions and remote location result in limited climbing attempts.
Mount Blackburn Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 16,390 ft / 4,996 m |
| Location | Wrangell Mountains, Alaska |
| Best Time to Climb | June to August |
Best Time to Climb: Climbing Mount Blackburn is best attempted between June and August. These months offer the most stable weather conditions and the warmest temperatures, which are essential for managing the mountain’s severe weather and remote location. The summer period provides extended daylight hours, which is advantageous for climbing.
6. Mount Sanford (16,237 ft/4,949 m)
Mount Sanford, rising 16,237 feet (4,949 meters), is located in the Wrangell Volcanic Field in eastern Alaska. Known for its large caldera, which measures over six miles in diameter, it is a shield volcano with a long volcanic history.
Named in 1885 by Lieutenant Henry T. Allen after the Sanford family, Mount Sanford was first climbed in 1938 by Terris Moore and Bradford Washburn. Although the mountain’s climbing routes are non-technical, its remoteness and unpredictable weather make ascents challenging.
Mount Sanford Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 16,237 ft / 4,949 m |
| Location | Wrangell Volcanic Field, Alaska |
| Best Time to Climb | May to September |
Best Time to Climb: The ideal time to climb Mount Sanford is from May to September. This period offers the most stable weather conditions and warmer temperatures, making the challenging ascent more manageable. The long summer days provide climbers with extended daylight hours, which are particularly helpful given the mountain’s remoteness.
7. Mount Fairweather (15,325 ft/4,671 m)
Mount Fairweather, situated on the border between Alaska and British Columbia, reaches 15,325 feet (4,671 meters). It is the highest peak in British Columbia, although most of it is located in the US. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, just 20 kilometers (12 miles), allows it to be seen from ships.
Captain James Cook named the mountain in 1778, inspired by the clear weather he experienced when first observing it. Climbing Mount Fairweather is challenging due to its erratic weather. The mountain was first summited in 1931, but successful climbs remain rare due to the difficult conditions.
Mount Fairweather Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 15,325 ft / 4,671 m |
| Location | Border of Alaska and British Columbia |
| Best Time to Climb | June to September |
Best Time to Climb: The best time to climb Mount Fairweather is between June and September. During these months, climbers can expect more stable weather conditions and warmer temperatures, although the mountain’s proximity to the ocean can still result in unpredictable weather. The summer months provide longer daylight hours, which are beneficial for climbing.
8. Mount Hubbard (14,950 ft/4,557 m)
Mount Hubbard, with a height of 14,950 feet (4,557 meters), is located on the border between the United States and Canada in the Saint Elias Range. The mountain features three distinct summits, with the highest being on the Canadian side. Its steep terrain and variable weather make it a challenging climb.
Named in 1890 after Gardiner Greene Hubbard, the first president of the National Geographic Society, Mount Hubbard is the site of several scientific studies, including those on glaciology and climate change. The climbing routes vary greatly between the western and eastern sides of the mountain.
Mount Hubbard Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 14,950 ft / 4,557 m |
| Location | Border of the US and Canada |
| Best Time to Climb | June to August |
Best Time to Climb: Mount Hubbard is best climbed between June and August. During this period, climbers can benefit from more stable weather and warmer temperatures. However, the mountain’s challenging conditions require careful planning and preparation to handle its steep and rugged terrain.
9. Mount Bear (14,831 ft/4,520 m)
Mount Bear, located in the Saint Elias Mountains near the border of Alaska and the Yukon Territory, reaches a height of 14,831 feet (4,520 meters). It is notable for its position at the intersection of three major mountain ranges and its proximity to Bear Glacier.
Named by William Wallace Atwood’s expedition in 1912, Mount Bear is known for its remote location and challenging climbing routes. While it is technically less demanding than some other peaks, its isolation makes it a less frequently attempted climb.
Mount Bear Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 14,831 ft / 4,520 m |
| Location | Saint Elias Mountains, Border of Alaska and Yukon Territory |
| Best Time to Climb | June to August |
Best Time to Climb: The optimal climbing window for Mount Bear is from June to August. This period offers the most stable weather and warmer temperatures, making the ascent more feasible. The summer months provide extended daylight, which helps climbers manage the remote and challenging conditions.
10. Mount Hunter (14,573 ft/4,442 m)
Mount Hunter, standing at 14,573 feet (4,442 meters), is located in the Alaska Range within Denali National Park and Preserve. It is known for its steep vertical relief and technical climbing routes, including the famous West Ridge.
Named in 1903 after Robert Hunter, an early explorer, Mount Hunter was first climbed in 1954. Its challenging routes make it a popular destination for experienced climbers seeking technical challenges.
Mount Hunter Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 14,573 ft / 4,442 m |
| Location | Alaska Range, Alaska |
| Best Time to Climb | May to July |
Best Time to Climb: The best time to climb Mount Hunter is from May to July. During these months, climbers can benefit from relatively stable weather and warmer temperatures, although the routes remain technically challenging. The summer period offers longer daylight hours, essential for tackling the mountain’s steep and demanding routes.
FAQs
a. What is the tallest mountain in the U.S.?
Denali, located in Alaska, is the tallest mountain in the United States at 20,310 feet.
b. How difficult is it to climb Denali?
Climbing Denali is extremely challenging due to its high altitude, harsh weather, and technical climbing routes.
c. Are any of these mountains volcanoes?
Yes, Mount Bona, Mount Blackburn, and Mount Sanford are all dormant volcanoes.
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