Top 10 Tallest Mountains in Alaska

It’s difficult not to be awestruck by Alaska’s majestic summits. The Alaska Range, which includes the state’s five largest mountains, offers breathtaking views and one-of-a-kind natural formations. But these five are hardly the only towering giants in the state.

If you are an experienced climber with a taste for adventure, or if you just want to take beautiful photos, then heading to the Last Frontier on your next mountaineering expedition should be just the thing!

Below are the top 10 highest mountains in Alaska!

10 Tallest Mountains in Alaska

1. Denali

Denali means ‘the tall one’ in the native Koyukon language but was previously known as Mount McKinley. Denali is the tallest mountain in Alaska as well as the tallest in North America, with a height of 20,310 feet. It is also the world’s third most prominent and solitary peak. Because the mountain is so high, it frequently creates its own weather. The mount is located within Denali National Park, which is larger than the state of New Hampshire and attracts an estimated 400,000 visitors each year.

This massive peak is climbed on a regular basis today, with around half of climbers reaching the summit. However, the mountain has taken many lives and shouldn’t be attempted by those unprepared or inexperienced. Climbers usually take two to four weeks to reach the summit of Denali.

• Height: 20,310 ft
• Location: Denali National Park and Preserve
• Campsites: Yes — Denali High Camp

2. Mount Saint Elias

Mount Saint Elias, which separates Alaska and the Yukon Territory, is the second highest peak in the United States and Canada at 18,009 feet. On the Alaskan side, the peak is located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. And on the Canadian side, it is part of the Kluane National Park and Reserve.

The weather is fickle on Saint Elias, and storms from the Pacific can strike with little forewarning. It is a rugged and difficult mountain, and the only way to get around is with a bush plane. Gear and food has to be air dropped. Due to the remoteness, steepness, and lack or rescue services, climbing Mount Saint Elias should only be done by experienced climbers.

• Height: 18,009 ft
• Location: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
• Campsites: No

3. Mount Foraker

Mount Foraker looks similar in height to Denali when viewed from Anchorage, but it is actually 3,000 feet less than Denali’s massive height. Just 14 miles southwest of the state’s largest peak, Foraker stands 17,400-foot and is also located in Denali National Park.

It was first scaled in 1934 when a group of climbers took on the north peak. The south peak was reached four days later. A challenging mountain to tackle, climbers need to be concerned about avalanches and ice pitches. It is only recommended for those climbers who are experienced and very fit.

• Height: 17,400 ft
• Location: Denali National Park
• Campsites: Yes — at various points on the mountain

4. Mount Bona

Mount Bona is the fifth-highest independent peak in the United States and one of the major summits of the Saint Elias Mountains in eastern Alaska. Bona is the tallest volcano in the United States, with a tiny conical volcano rising from a high platform of sedimentary rocks as its summit.

The massif of the mountain is almost entirely covered in icefields and glaciers, and it is the primary source of ice for the Klutlan Glacier. The East Ridge is the current standard route, which was first climbed in 1930. There are tours available for those that want to scale Mount Bona. Some prior mountain-climbing experience is recommended, and climbers should be in good physical health.

• Height: 16,550 ft
• Location: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
• Campsites: Yes — tours make camp

5. Mount Blackburn

Mount Blackburn is the tallest peak in Alaska’s Wrangell Mountains, and it is the fifth-highest peak in the US. The mountain is actually an eroded shield volcano — the fifth-highest in North America and the second-highest in the United States (following Mount Bona.) Lt. Henry T. Allen of the United States Army named it after Kentucky senator Joseph Clay Stiles Blackburn in 1885.

You’ll find Mount Blackburn in the center of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, the country’s largest national park. The first ascent of the mountain’s west peak was done in 1958. Previous mountaineering expertise is essential for those wishing to scale Blackburn due to the mountain’s exposure, vertical relief, assured arctic storms, and technical climbing sections.

• Height: 16,390 ft
• Location: Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve
• Campsites: Yes — tours make camp

6. Mount Sanford

Mount Sanford is a shield volcano in the Wrangell Volcanic Field near the Copper River in eastern Alaska. It is the third tallest volcano in the United States and the sixth highest mountain in the United States. At the head of the Sanford Glacier, the volcano’s south face rises 8,000 feet in one mile, making it one of North America’s highest grades.

Mount Sanford was first climbed in 1938, following the Sheep Glacier’s North Ramp route, which is still used today. This route “has little technical difficulties” and “is a glacier hike all the way to the summit,” yet the peak’s altitude and latitude make it a severe climbing challenge. The route’s starting point is typically reached via flight.

• Height: 16,237 ft
• Location: Wrangell Volcanic Field
• Campsites: Yes — near the base of the mountain

7. Mount Fairweather

Mount Fairweather lies within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, and it is the 18th highest peak in North America. Part of the Fairweather Range of the Saint Elias Mountains, Fairweather is directly above Glacier Bay. It is also the northernmost point in Alaska’s Panhandle.

Mount Fairweather, like many other peaks in the St. Elias Mountains, has a lot of vertical relief due to its steep ascent from Glacier Bay. However, because of the harsh weather, the peak is often obscured by cloud cover. Most attempts to scale the mountain fail due to the severity of the weather.

• Height: 15,325 ft
• Location: Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
• Campsites: No

8. Mount Hubbard

Mount Hubbard is one of the Saint Elias Range’s most prominent peaks. It’s on the border of Alaska and Yukon. Kluane National Park and Reserve is on the Canadian side, while Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is on the American side.

The United States’ seventh tallest mountain, Mount Hubbard is noted for its tremendous climb above the surrounding terrain. A non-technical approach to the summit is available on Mount Hubbard’s eastern side. However, climbing the mountain can be difficult because it is 25 miles from Disenchantment Bay, making the weather somewhat unpredictable.

• Height: 14,951 ft
• Location: Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
• Campsites: No

9. Mount Bear

Mount Bear is a high, glaciated summit located in Alaska’s Saint Elias Mountains. It’s about 4 miles west of the Yukon border, in Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park. The Barnard Glacier flows from the southwest side of the mountain, while the Klutlan Glacier flows from the north. It is one of the United States’ top 20 highest peaks.

Mount Bear, despite its height, is a little-visited summit, bordered on all sides by higher and better-known peaks such as Mount Bona. Even in relative terms, it is a considerable peak: the plunge from the top to the Barnard Glacier, for example, is 8,000 feet in less than 5 miles and 10,000 feet in less than 12 miles. Those wishing to climb Bear will need cramponing skills and also know how to use an ice axe on moderate snow.

• Height: 14,831 ft
• Location: Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park
• Campsites: No

10. Mount Hunter

Mount Hunter (also known as Begguya) is in Alaska’s Denali National Park, around eight miles to the south of Denali. Mount Hunter is the Alaska Range’s third highest peak.

Despite its lesser elevation, Hunter is a more challenging ascent than Denali due to its steep slopes and corniced peaks. It also receives significantly less traffic than its larger neighbor. Few people attempt the climb since it is the most challenging 14,000-foot mountain in North America and less than 40% of those who do tend to succeed. Getting to the upper north peak is difficult, and it takes a lot of stamina, bravery, and perseverance.

• Height: 14,573 ft
• Location: Denali National Park 
• Campsites: No

Table of the Tallest Mountains in Alaska

Rank	Mountain Name	Height above sea level
1	Denali	20,310 ft – 6190m
2	Mount Saint Elias	18,009 ft – 5489m
3	Mount Foraker	17,400 ft – 5303m
4	Mount Bona	16,550 ft – 5044m
5	Mount Blackburn	16,390 ft – 4995m
6	Mount Sanford	16,237 ft – 4949m
7	Mount Fairweather	15,325 ft – 4671m
8	Mount Hubbard	14,951 ft – 4557m
9	Mount Bear	14,831 ft – 4520m
10	Mount Hunter	14,573 ft – 4441m

Alaska Mountains: Frequently Asked Questions

Mountain Vistas

Everywhere you go in the Last Frontier, you will have a mountain in your line of sight. There are so many peaks dotting the state, you barely know where to look because it seems like too much to take in. It is difficult to see how any mountain lover would want to leave the state for other adventures!