Alaska is home to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring mountains in the world. From the jagged peaks of the Chugach Mountains to the snow-capped summits of the Alaska Range, the Alaska mountains offer a breathtaking landscape for adventurers and sightseers alike.
Alaska Mountain Ranges
The North American Cordillera is the vast system of mountain ranges stretching from Alaska to Chile. Its Latin name is Cordillera Septentrional, which means "northern mountains." This system contains some of the highest mountains in the world, including Mount Denali (the highest peak in North America) and Mount Foraker.
Alaska is home to four major mountain ranges: the Alaska Range, the Coast Range, the Brooks Range, and the Aleutian Range.
The Alaska Range includes Denali National Park and Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America.
The Coast Range includes Glacier Bay National Park and features majestic views of the coastline.
The Brooks Range is a wilderness of frozen tundra and ice fields and contains numerous peaks over 5000 feet tall.
The Aleutian Range extends from the Alaska Peninsula to the Aleutian Islands and is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world.
The ten highest peaks in the United States are all located in Alaska, with Denali being the tallest at 20,310 feet. Other notable peaks include:
Mount Foraker (17,400 feet)
Mount Hunter (14,573 feet)
Mount Hayes (13,832 feet)
Mount St. Elias (18,008 feet)
1) Denali
Height: 20,310 feet
Denali, or Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in North America and a part of the Alaskan mountain range. Standing at an impressive 20,310 feet tall, Denali is one of the most iconic mountains in Alaska. It is one of the seven summits, meaning it is among the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents.
This mountain has been a prominent symbol of the state since its discovery by Russian explorers in 1774. The Athabaskan people who lived nearby called it Denali, which translates to “the High One” or “the Great One” in their language. Denali is revered by locals and travelers alike and was even designated as a National Park in 1917.
Today, Denali is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and sightseers. Its sheer size and picturesque landscape make it an unforgettable experience that should only be enjoyed by those with extensive mountaineering experience. The mountain is well-known as being one of the most dangerous in the world, claiming lives every year.
2) Mount Foraker
Height: 17,400 feet
Mount Foraker is a spectacular Alaskan mountain range located in the Alaska Range. At 17,400 feet, it is the second-highest peak in the range and the third-highest mountain in the United States. Mount Foraker offers a challenge for experienced mountaineers, but it is still possible to reach the summit with minimal technical equipment.
The mountain features a large variety of terrain and several glaciers, making it one of the most visually stunning mountains in Alaska. The view from the summit offers an amazing 360-degree perspective of the surrounding mountain ranges.
3) Mount Hunter
Height: 14,573 feet
Located in the Alaskan mountain range of Alaska Range, Mount Hunter is one of the most impressive mountains in Alaska. With an elevation of 14,573 feet (4,446 meters) and a prominence of 9,940 feet (3,030 meters), it is one of the most prominent mountains in Alaska. It is located in Denali National Park, around 100 miles northwest of Anchorage.
The mountain is named after the US Coast Survey Assistant Robert Dunn Hunter and was first climbed by Bradford Washburn in 1934. It can be climbed from multiple directions but most mountaineers ascend via the West Ridge.
4) Mount Hayes
Height: 13,832 feet
Mount Hayes is a part of the Alaska Range, a massive Alaskan mountain range that runs along much of the state. It is located in the eastern part of the range and stands at an impressive elevation of 13,832 feet. Mount Hayes is known as one of the most beautiful mountains in Alaska.
In summer, wildflowers line its slopes, creating an explosion of color against the white snow and granite faces. The mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including caribou, moose, brown bear, wolf, and wolverines.
5) Mount St. Elias
Height: 18,008 feet
Mount St. Elias is part of the Alaskan mountain range and is considered one of the most spectacular mountains in Alaska. Located in southeastern Alaska, Mount St. Elias is the second-highest peak in the United States at 18,008 feet tall. It is located on the border between Canada and Alaska, and its summit rises high above sea level.
A large glacier, the Malaspina Glacier, wraps around its base, making it a truly majestic sight to behold.
Mount St. Elias is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views, and it's an ideal destination for hikers, climbers, and explorers looking to experience the wilderness of Alaska’s mountains.
The 10 Tallest Mountains in Alaska
Mount Denali 20,310 feet (Alaska Range) (Formerly known as Mount McKinley
Mount St. Elias, 18,008 feet (St. Elias Range)
Mount Foraker, 17,400 feet (Alaska Range)
Mount Bona, 16,500 feet (Wrangell Range)
Mount Blackburn, 16,390 feet (Wrangell Range)
Mount Sanford, 16,237 feet (Wrangell Range)
Mount Vancouver, 15,700 feet (St. Elias Range)
Mount Churchill, 15,638 feet (Wrangell Range)
Mount Fairweather, 15,300 feet (Fairweather Range)
Mount Hubbard, 15,015 feet (St. Elias Range)