10 Must-Know Facts About Denali: America’s Highest Peak

When you think of Denali (or Mount McKinley, depending on where you stand in the name debate), you probably picture its towering, snow-covered summit. But did you know that this mountain is not just the tallest peak in North America—it’s also one of the steepest and most extreme mountains in the world?

Whether you’re a casual national park lover or an aspiring mountaineer, these 10 incredible facts about Denali National Park will make you appreciate this legendary peak even more.

1. Denali is Taller Than Everest (Sort Of)

Yes, you read that right! While Mount Everest holds the title for the highest elevation above sea level (29,032 ft), Denali has a higher vertical rise from its base to the summit—about 18,000 feet compared to Everest’s 12,000 feet.

2. Denali’s Weather is Absolutely Brutal

Even in the summer, Denali’s summit temperatures can drop to -75°F (-60°C) with wind chills as low as -118°F (-83°C). This makes it one of the coldest mountains on Earth.

3. Denali Has Its Own Weather System

Denali is so massive that it creates its own weather, often trapping climbers in unexpected storms. This is why only 50% of climbers successfully reach the summit.

4. It Was Named Denali for Thousands of Years

Long before it was called Mount McKinley, Indigenous Alaskans always called it Denali, meaning "The High One"in the Koyukon Athabaskan language.

5. Only One Road Leads into Denali National Park

The Denali Park Road stretches 92 miles, but only official buses can drive past Mile 15 to preserve wildlife. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.

6. The First Successful Climb Was in 1913

A four-man team led by Hudson Stuck reached the summit on June 7, 1913, using handmade gear and limited supplies—without GPS or modern weather forecasting.

7. Denali is Still Rising

Denali grows by about 1 millimeter per year due to tectonic activity. It’s already 20,310 feet high and getting taller!

8. The Park is Home to the "Big Five" Wildlife

You can spot grizzly bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, and caribou in Denali National Park—just be sure to keep your distance!

9. Airplane Landings on Glaciers Are Common

Denali’s Kahiltna Glacier serves as a landing spot for climbers, making it one of the busiest glacier runways in the world.

10. The Name Debate is Still Heated

While the federal government switched back to Mount McKinley in 2025, Alaskans, Indigenous communities, and National Park lovers still call it Denali.

Want to show your love for Denali? Grab a Denali Graphic T-Shirt or Denali Embroidered Sweatshirt and let the world know which team you’re on!