Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) is North America’s highest peak at 20,310 feet. The hashtag documents one of the Seven Summits, known for brutal weather (-40°F temps, 100+ mph winds), crevasse fields, and high-altitude suffering.
Climbing Season
May-July climbing window (24-hour daylight). Approximately 1,200 climbers attempt annually, with 50-60% success rate. The West Buttress route (most popular) takes 17-21 days round trip from basecamp.
Route & Camps
- Base Camp (7,200 ft): Kahiltna Glacier landing via ski plane
- Camp 1 (7,800 ft): First glacier camp
- Camp 2 (9,500 ft): Below Motorcycle Hill
- Camp 3 (11,200 ft): Windy Corner cache point
- Camp 4 (14,200 ft): Medical camp, acclimatization point
- High Camp (17,200 ft): Launch point for summit push
- Summit (20,310 ft): Denali Pass, Archdeacon’s Tower, summit plateau
Challenges
Extreme cold (coldest mountain outside Antarctica/Asia), altitude sickness, crevasse falls, avalanches, and punishing storms that trap climbers for days. Carrying 60-80 lb packs plus sled hauls.
Required Gear
Double plastic boots, down suits, expedition-weight sleeping bags (-40°F), sleds for gear haul, and extensive cold-weather equipment. Total gear cost: $5,000-$10,000+.
Notable Statistics
- Success rate: ~50% (weather-dependent)
- Deaths: 120+ since 1932 (avg 3-4/year recent decades)
- Coldest recorded: -75.5°F (summit)
- Fastest ascent: 7 hours 40 minutes (Kilian Jornet, 2014)
Guided Expeditions
Alpine Ascents, RMI Expeditions, and Alaska Mountaineering School guide majority of climbers (~$8,000-$12,000 per person).
Sources: Denali National Park, American Alpine Club