As dawn illuminates the American wilderness, it unveils towering peaks, including Denali and Mount Whitney, among the highest in the United States. These mountains, from the Rockies to the Sierra Nevada, signify geological diversity and human exploration. Beyond their heights, they symbolize a deep connection to American history and the enduring spirit of discovery.
Whether you’re a climbing enthusiast or simply appreciate the grandeur of the outdoors, this journey offers details about some of the highest peaks in US.
- Denali (Mount McKinley)
- Location: Alaska, United States
- Difficulty: Extremely challenging, with severe weather and technical climbing requirements due to harsh conditions and extreme altitude.
- Notable Facts: Highest peak in North America, towering at 20,322 feet above sea level.
- Historical Events: First successfully summited by Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum on June 7, 1913.
- More Information: Denali – National Park Service
- Mount Saint Elias
- Location: Alaska, United States (border with Canada)
- Difficulty: Highly challenging, known for its extreme weather and technical climbing demands.
- Notable Facts: Second highest peak in both the United States and Canada, rising to 18,008 feet above sea level.
- Historical Events: First successfully climbed by a team of American and Canadian climbers led by Allen Carpé on July 31, 1897.
- More Information: Mount Saint Elias – Peakbagger
- Mount Foraker
- Location: Alaska, United States
- Difficulty: Highly challenging, known for its technical climbing and severe weather conditions.
- Notable Facts: Third highest peak in Alaska, reaching an elevation of 17,402 feet above sea level.
- Historical Events: First climbed by Charles Houston, T. Graham Brown, and Chychele Waterston in 1934.
- More Information: Mount Foraker – SummitPost
- Mount Bona
- Location: Alaska, United States
- Difficulty: Challenging, with technical climbing requirements and variable weather conditions.
- Notable Facts: Fourth highest peak in the United States, towering at 17,500 feet above sea level.
- Historical Events: First climbed by Terris Moore, Allen Carpe, and Andrew Taylor in 1930.
- More Information: Mount Bona – National Park Service
- Mount Blackburn
- Location: Alaska, United States
- Difficulty: Highly challenging, known for its remote location, severe weather, and technical climbing demands.
- Notable Facts: Fifth highest peak in the United States, standing at 16,390 feet above sea level.
- Historical Events: First climbed by Bruce Gilbert, Dick Wahlstrom, Hans Gmoser, Adolf Bitterlich, Leon Blumer, and Allen Carpé in 1958.
- More Information: Mount Blackburn – American Alpine Institute
- Mount Sanford
- Location: Alaska, United States
- Difficulty: Challenging, known for its variable weather and remote location.
- Notable Facts: Sixth highest peak in the United States, reaching an elevation of 16,237 feet above sea level.
- Historical Events: First climbed by Allen Carpé, Terris Moore, and Andrew Taylor in 1938.
- More Information: Mount Sanford – Peakbagger
- Mount Fairweather
- Location: Alaska, United States (border with Canada)
- Difficulty: Challenging, with harsh weather conditions and remote location.
- Notable Facts: Seventh highest peak in the United States, standing at 15,325 feet above sea level.
- Historical Events: First climbed by Allen Carpé, H. Crearar, and W. S. Ladd in 1931.
- More Information: Mount Fairweather – National Park Service
- Mount Hubbard
- Location: Alaska, United States (border with Canada)
- Difficulty: Challenging, known for its harsh weather and technical climbing requirements.
- Notable Facts: Eighth highest peak in the United States, towering at 14,996 feet above sea level.
- Historical Events: First climbed by Walter Wood, Warren Bleser, Bill Babcock, David Fisher, Charles Houston, and Robert Bates in 1951.
- More Information: Mount Hubbard – Peakbagger
- Mount Bear
- Location: Alaska, United States
- Difficulty: Challenging, known for its remote location and unpredictable weather.
- Notable Facts: Ninth highest peak in the United States, reaching an elevation of 14,737 feet above sea level.
- Historical Events: First climbed by David Fisher, Charles Houston, Allen Carpé, Bob Haines, Henry Hall, and Terris Moore in 1959.
- More Information: Mount Bear – SummitPost
- Mount Hunter
- Location: Alaska, United States
- Difficulty: Highly challenging, known for its technical climbing and severe weather conditions.
- Notable Facts: Tenth highest peak in the United States, standing at 14,573 feet above sea level.
- Historical Events: First climbed by Fred Beckey, Heinrich Harrer, Henry Meybohm, and Gustav Schmatz in 1954.
- More Information: Mount Hunter – National Park Service
Mary Jo Manzanares is a founder and the editor-in-chief of The Traveler’s Way, an online travel magazine proving informational and inspirational travel recommendations for curious Baby Boomer travelers. She has been a speaker at various industry events and has a personal travel blog at Traveling with MJ. When she’s not traveling, Mary Jo likes lingering over a cup of coffee, wandering in a museum, sipping wine at a cafe, and sharing it all with friends and readers. Mary Jo’s top travel destinations are Italy, Portugal, and the Caribbean.
