When measuring mountains, appearances can be deceiving.
While Mount Everest soars to an impressive 29,032 feet above sea level, America’s own Denali holds a remarkable secret: it actually rises higher from base to peak than the world’s highest mountain. With a staggering vertical rise of 18,000 feet compared to Everest’s 12,000 feet, Denali stands as the world’s tallest mountain on land when measured from base to summit.1
As we explore 18 if North America’s most magnificent peaks, you’ll see why these mountains are more than just numbers on a map.
1. Denali – Alaska
Height: 20,310 ft
Notable Features: Highest peak in North America, extreme weather conditions
Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, reigns supreme as the tallest mountain in North America. Its name, meaning “the high one” in the native Koyukon Athabascan language, perfectly captures its commanding presence.
Climbers face treacherous conditions, including temperatures that can plummet to -75°F and winds exceeding 100 mph, making it one of the most challenging ascents in the world.
2. Mount Saint Elias – Alaska
Height: 18,008 ft
Notable Features: Second-highest peak in both the United States and Canada
Straddling the border between Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory, Mount Saint Elias is a testament to nature’s disregard for human boundaries. Its proximity to the Gulf of Alaska results in some of the worst weather in the world, with storms that can last for weeks.
Despite this, its majestic beauty continues to attract adventurers and photographers alike.
3. Mount Foraker – Alaska
Height: 17,400 ft
Notable Features: Massive glaciers, challenging climbing routes
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Denali, Mount Foraker is a formidable peak in its own right. Its steep, icy slopes and unpredictable weather patterns make it a serious challenge for even the most experienced climbers.
The mountain’s Infinite Spur route is considered one of the most difficult climbs in North America.
4. Mount Bona – Alaska
Height: 16,550 ft
Notable Features: Largest volcano by volume in the Wrangell Volcanic Field
Mount Bona, a dormant volcano, stands as a silent sentinel in the Saint Elias Mountains. Despite its impressive height, it’s relatively unknown compared to other Alaskan peaks.
Climbers who venture here are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the chance to stand atop one of the largest volcanoes in North America.
5. Mount Blackburn – Alaska
Height: 16,390 ft
Notable Features: Highest peak in the Wrangell Mountains, eroded shield volcano
As the fifth-highest peak in the United States, Mount Blackburn presents a daunting challenge to climbers. Its remote location and severe weather conditions mean that successful ascents are rare.
The mountain’s glaciated slopes offer a glimpse into Earth’s past, with ice that has persisted for thousands of years.
6. Mount Sanford – Alaska
Height: 16,237 ft
Notable Features: Massive shield volcano, part of the Wrangell Volcanic Field
Mount Sanford’s imposing silhouette dominates the eastern Alaskan landscape. This dormant volcano last erupted over 100,000 years ago, but its legacy lives on in the form of vast lava fields and rugged terrain.
7. Mount Fairweather – Alaska
Height: 15,325 ft
Notable Features: Highest peak in British Columbia, despite being primarily in Alaska
Don’t let the name fool you – Mount Fairweather is notorious for its harsh climate. Straddling the Alaska-Canada border, this peak sees some of the worst weather in North America.
Its stunning beauty, however, makes it a favorite among mountaineers and photographers brave enough to face its challenges.
8. Mount Hubbard – Alaska
Height: 14,951 ft
Notable Features: Prominent peak visible from the Gulf of Alaska
Mount Hubbard stands as a testament to the raw power of tectonic forces. Named after Gardiner Hubbard, the first president of the National Geographic Society, this mountain offers climbers a mix of technical ice and rock climbing.
Its proximity to the coast means that weather can change rapidly, adding an extra layer of challenge to any ascent.
9. Mount Bear – Alaska
Height: 14,831 ft
Notable Features: Remote location, rarely climbed
Mount Bear might not be the highest peak in Alaska, but it’s certainly one of the most isolated. This remoteness has kept it largely untouched by human activity, preserving its pristine wilderness.
Climbers who make the journey here are treated to unparalleled views of the Alaskan wilderness and a true sense of solitude.
10. Mount Hunter – Alaska
Height: 14,573 ft
Notable Features: Steep, technical climbing routes
Known as “The Climber’s Mountain,” Mount Hunter presents some of the most challenging routes in the Alaska Range. Its sheer granite faces and icy ridges have earned it a reputation as one of the most difficult 14,000-foot peaks to climb in North America.
Only the most skilled and determined mountaineers attempt its summit.
11. Mount Whitney – California
Height: 14,505 ft
Notable Features: Highest peak in the contiguous United States
Breaking the Alaskan monopoly, Mount Whitney stands tall as the highest point in the lower 48 states. Located in the Sierra Nevada range, it’s a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
Despite its height, the main trail to the summit is non-technical, making it accessible to many outdoor enthusiasts.
12. Mount Alverstone – Alaska
Height: 14,500 ft
Notable Features: Remote location in the Saint Elias Mountains
Mount Alverstone, named after Lord Alverstone, the British jurist who helped settle the Alaska boundary dispute, is a testament to international cooperation. Its remote location and challenging climbing conditions mean that it sees few visitors.
Those who do make the journey are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks.
13. University Peak – Alaska
Height: 14,470 ft
Notable Features: Prominent peak in the Saint Elias Mountains
University Peak, despite its academic-sounding name, offers no easy lessons to climbers. Its steep, glaciated slopes present a significant challenge, even to experienced mountaineers.
The peak’s relative obscurity means that those who summit it join an exclusive club of adventurers.
14. Mount Elbert – Colorado
Height: 14,440 ft
Notable Features: Highest peak in the Rocky Mountains
Mount Elbert takes the crown as the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains. Despite its impressive height, it’s known for being one of the more accessible 14,000-foot peaks, with well-maintained trails leading to its summit.
On a clear day, climbers can see for over 100 miles in every direction from its peak.
15. Mount Massive – Colorado
Height: 14,428 ft
Notable Features: Second-highest peak in Colorado, extensive summit plateau
Living up to its name, Mount Massive boasts the largest surface area above 14,000 feet of any peak in the contiguous United States.
16. Mount Harvard – Colorado
Height: 14,421 ft
Notable Features: Third-highest peak in Colorado, part of the Collegiate Peaks
Named after the prestigious university, Mount Harvard stands tall among the so-called “Collegiate Peaks” of Colorado. (ref) Its rugged beauty and challenging ascent make it a favorite among peak baggers aiming to conquer all of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains, known as “Fourteeners.”
17. Mount Rainier – Washington
Height: 14,411 ft
Notable Features: Largest glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S., active stratovolcano
Mount Rainier, an iconic symbol of the Pacific Northwest, is the most topographically prominent mountain in the contiguous United States. Its glaciers, volcanic history, and challenging climbing routes make it a training ground for those aspiring to tackle the world’s highest peaks.
The mountain’s beauty belies its potential danger. Due to its proximity to major population centers, it’s considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
18. Mount Williamson – California
Height: 14,379 ft
Notable Features: Second-highest peak in California, remote location
Often overshadowed by its slightly taller neighbor Mount Whitney, Mount Williamson offers a more secluded and challenging climbing experience.
Its remote location in the Sierra Nevada range means that climbers who reach its summit are treated to unparalleled views of the surrounding wilderness, far from the crowds that flock to more popular peaks.
Source:
1. Montana State University
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
