Denali, standing at 20,310 ft (6,191 m), is the tallest mountain in North America. The summit is roughly two‑thirds the height of Mount Everest. Located in Denali National Park and Preserve in southeastern Alaska, it draws climbers and nature lovers from around the globe.
The park is home to grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and moose. Even if you’re not a mountaineer, Denali offers dramatic vistas and abundant wildlife.
Known as Was'eitushaa by the K’ineix Kwaan people, Mount St. Elias reaches 18,000 ft (5,486 m). Its towering presence over the Gulf of Alaska made it a vital navigation point for sailors.
Other peaks in the Saint Elias range, such as Mount Bear and Mount Bona, also exceed 14,000 ft (4,267 m).
Just 8 mi (13 km) from Denali, Mount Foraker rises to 17,400 ft (5,304 m). Experienced climbers consider it an “easier” yet still demanding ascent, often taking 22 days for a full expedition.
Mount Blackburn, a dormant volcano in the Wrangell Mountains, has two summits. The western peak stands at 16,390 ft (4,996 m). Expeditions usually last 15 days, but the harsh climate keeps attempts rare.
Rising 14,494 ft (4,418 m), Mount Whitney sits on the edge of Sequoia National Park, California. It’s the tallest peak outside Alaska and offers views of some of the world’s oldest giant sequoias.
Mount Elbert, at 14,433 ft (4,399 m), is the highest summit in the Rocky Mountains and the second tallest in the continental U.S. Its accessibility via paved roads makes it a popular climb.
Mount Rainier, 14,410 ft (4,392 m), is the tallest volcano in the continental United States. Its extensive glaciers feed rivers across Washington, and the surrounding forest supports over 280 wildlife species.
Blanca Peak rises 14,351 ft (4,374 m) and stands in stark contrast to the flat San Luis Valley. Reaching the summit involves a challenging off‑road drive to Lake Como, followed by a hike.
