7 Highest Mountains in the United States
Interestingly, all the 7 highest peaks in the United States are in Alaska. Here is a list of 7 highest mountains in the United States:
1. Mount Denali
Mount Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the highest mountain peak in the United States and is located in Alaska. Denali stands tall at an altitude of 20,310 feet (6,190.5 meters) above sea level, making it the highest mountain peak in North America. Located in Alaskan Range, Denali is a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers around the world.
Denali and the mountains around it were formed from tectonic activity that continues to increase the mountain’s elevation a little every year. The extremely cold weather, permanent snow and ice on the summit, and toughness of the terrain make Mount Denali one of the toughest climbs to attempt. But it is always a delight for visitors to enjoy the stunning views from the base camps.
2. Mount Saint Elias
Mount Saint Elias is the second-highest mountain peak in the United States, straddling the Saint Elias mountain range in northern Alaska. Saint Elias reaches an altitude of 18,009 feet (5,489 meters) and is located on the border of Alaska and the Canadian territory of Yukon. Saint Elias is a part of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, which is the largest national park in the United States. It is indeed a challenging climb to the top of Saint Elias, but those who make it are rewarded with spectacular views of both countries. Mount Saint Elias is also a popular destination for backpacking, camping and sightseeing.
3. Mount Foraker
Mount Foraker, located in Alaska, is the third-highest mountain peak in the United States. Mt. Foraker stands tall with an elevation of 17,400 feet (5,304 meters), making it a popular destination for experienced climbers and mountaineers. The mountain is located on a fork of the Kahiltna Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alaska Range. Mount Foraker has a long history of climbing attempts, with the first successful ascent made in 1934. In addition, Mount Foraker is an important habitat for many native species of flora and fauna.
4. Mount Bona
Mount Bona is the fourth-highest mountain peak in the United States, at an altitude of 16,550 feet (5,044 meters). It is located in the Saint Elias mountain ranges of Alaska. Being an important source of ice for the Russel Glacier system and the Klutlan Glacier, Mount Bona is almost completely covered in ice, making it a particularly difficult peak to scale.
Also, Mount Bona is an ice-covered stratovolcano and is also the highest volcano in the United States. The summit of Mount Bona offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, glaciers and valleys.
5. Mount Blackburn
Mount Blackburn, located in the Wrangell- Saint Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska, is the fifth-highest mountain peak in the United States. It stands tall with an elevation of 16,390 feet (4,996 meters). Mount Blackburn is an old, eroded shield volcano, and is also the second-highest volcano in the United States. Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Alaska, Mount Blackburn experiences some of the worst weather on the continent. Covered almost entirely by icefields, Mount Blackburn is the main source of Kennicott Glacier.
6. Mount Sanford
Mount Sanford is the sixth-highest mountain peak in the United States, standing tall at an altitude of 16,237 feet (4,949 meters). It is a shield volcano located in the Wrangell Mountains of Alaska. The first recorded ascent of the mountain occurred in 1938, and mountaineers continue to make Mount Sanford a go-to mountain for expeditions. The mountain is covered with snow all year round, and the climbing routes are often long and complex. Mount Sanford is also home to diverse wildlife, including bears, wolves, and mountain goats.
7. Mount Fairweather
Mount Fairweather, located in Alaska, is the seventh-highest mountain peak in the United States. It has an elevation of 15,325 feet (4,671 meters), and lies within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Glacier Bay is one of the most popular tourist locations in Alaska, drawing millions of visitors each year. Mount Fairweather is also known as Tanaka in the Tlingit language and is considered sacred by the indigenous people of the region. Despite its name, Mount Fairweather has generally harsh weather conditions and experiences snowfall all year round.