The United States of America boasts a sprawling landscape with an array of natural marvels, including some of the world’s tallest peaks, providing breathtaking vistas and thrilling adventures for climbers and hikers. In this piece, we’ll delve into the top 10 highest mountains in the US, all of which are nestled within the state of Alaska.
Alaska: The Land of the Giants
Alaska, the country’s largest and northernmost state, spans over 660,000 square miles. Remarkably, more than half of the 100 highest peaks in North America are found here, including the 10 highest mountains in the US.
These peaks are distributed across various ranges that crisscross the state, such as the Alaska Range, Saint Elias Mountains, Chugach Mountains, and Brooks Range. Many of these mountains remain snow-clad and glaciated year-round, with some harboring active glaciers and volcanoes.
The formation of these extraordinary peaks in Alaska is intricately tied to its geological past. Once part of the supercontinent Laurasia, Alaska broke away about 200 million years ago. As Laurasia drifted northward, it collided with other landmasses, resulting in the emergence of mountain ranges along its edges.
Some of these ranges were subsequently thrust upwards by tectonic forces, leading to their towering heights. Additionally, Alaska witnessed numerous glaciations during the Ice Age, shaping valleys and ridges amidst these mountains.
The 10 Highest Mountains in the US
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the 10 highest mountains in the US are as follows:
1. Denali:
This North American pinnacle reigns supreme, towering at 20,310 feet. Located in the Alaska Range, approximately 130 miles north of Anchorage, it derives its name from the native Athabaskan language, signifying “the tall one” or “the great one.” Previously known as Mount McKinley, it was officially renamed Denali in 2015 in honor of its indigenous roots.
2. Mount Saint Elias:
Second in rank among North American peaks and fourth in the world, Mount Saint Elias soars to 18,008 feet. It straddles the Alaska-Yukon border within the Saint Elias Mountains and pays homage to Saint Elias, a Christian prophet and martyr. The mountain witnessed its first ascent in 1897 by an Italian expedition led by Luigi Amedeo, Duke of Abruzzi.
3. Mount Foraker:
North America’s third-highest peak and the world’s sixth, Mount Foraker, stands tall at 17,400 feet. Situated about 15 miles southwest of Denali in the Alaska Range, it bears multiple names, including Sultana (meaning “the woman” or “Denali’s wife”) and Menlale (meaning “Denali’s child”). In 1934, it was first conquered by a team led by Charles Houston.
4. Mount Bona:
Ranked fourth in North America and tenth globally, Mount Bona elevates to 16,550 feet. Nestled in the Saint Elias Mountains, approximately 80 miles west of Mount Saint Elias, it earned its name from Prince Luigi Amedeo, Duke of Abruzzi, who named it after his racing yacht. The mountain was first scaled in 1930 by Allen Carpé and Terris Moore.
5. Mount Blackburn:
The fifth-highest peak in North America and twelfth globally, Mount Blackburn reaches a height of 16,390 feet. Located in the Wrangell Mountains, about 60 miles east of Mount Bona, it pays homage to Joseph Clay Stiles Blackburn, a former senator from Kentucky who championed Alaskan exploration. It was successfully summited in 1958 by a team led by Bruce Gilbert.
6. Mount Sanford:
Mount Sanford claims the sixth position among North American peaks and ranks fifteenth in the world, soaring to 16,237 feet. Situated in the Wrangell Mountains, approximately 40 miles north of Mount Blackburn, it honors Henry Shelton Sanford, a former diplomat and financier of Alaskan expeditions. The mountain saw its first ascent in 1938, led by Terris Moore.
7. Mount Fairweather:
The seventh-highest peak in North America and eighteenth globally, Mount Fairweather stands at 15,325 feet. It straddles the border between Alaska and British Columbia, Canada, nestled in the Fairweather Range. Captain James Cook christened it during his 1778 expedition. The mountain was first scaled in 1931 by a team led by Allen Carpé.
8. Mount Hubbard:
Mount Hubbard secures the eighth spot among North American mountains and ranks twenty-second globally, with an elevation of 14,950 feet. Positioned on the Alaska-Yukon border within the Saint Elias Mountains, it honors Gardiner Greene Hubbard, a founder of the National Geographic Society. In 1951, it witnessed its maiden ascent led by Walter Wood.
9. Mount Bear:
Claiming the ninth-highest position in North America and the twenty-fourth worldwide, Mount Bear reaches a height of 14,831 feet. Nestled in the Saint Elias Mountains, approximately 20 miles south of Mount Bona, it was named after Prince Luigi Amedeo, Duke of Abruzzi’s hunting dog. The mountain was first scaled in 1954 by a team led by Fred Beckey.
10. Mount Hunter:
Mount Hunter, the tenth-highest peak in North America and the twenty-fifth in the world, stands at 14,573 feet. Situated in the Alaska Range, around 8 miles south of Denali, it commemorates William H. Hunter, a former surveyor and explorer of Alaska. With native names Begguya (meaning “Denali’s child”) and Kk’odleghoy Na’ (meaning “mountain that never melts”), it witnessed its inaugural ascent in 1954, led by Fred Beckey.
Conclusion
The top 10 highest mountains in the US represent awe-inspiring natural landmarks that showcase Alaska’s stunning beauty and diversity. These towering giants not only challenge mountaineers and adventurers but also offer valuable insights into the region’s geological and climatic history. Additionally, they hold cultural significance, embodying the stories and traditions of Alaska’s native inhabitants. These mountains are a vital part of the US’s heritage and identity, deserving of preservation and respect for generations to come.