Denali

Stuck.Karstens

Denali high camp

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Mount Mckinley 3D

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Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) is the highest mountain peak in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level. Located in the Alaska Range in the interior of the U.S. state of Alaska, Denali is the centerpiece of Denali National Park and Preserve. The Koyukon people, who inhabit the area around the mountain, have referred to the peak as "Denali" for centuries. In 2015, the U.S. Department of the Interior officially changed the name from Mount McKinley to Denali, recognizing the native name.

Geography and Geology

Denali is notable not only for its elevation but also for its dramatic rise above the surrounding terrain. The mountain rises about 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) from its base, which is a larger vertical rise than Mount Everest's rise from its base in Nepal. Denali is part of the Alaska Range, and its massif includes North Peak, South Peak, and several other high peaks. The geology of Denali is composed mainly of granite, which has been exposed by prolonged erosion.

Climbing History

The first verified ascent of Denali was in 1913 by a team led by Hudson Stuck and Harry Karstens. Climbing Denali is considered a significant challenge due to the extreme cold, low atmospheric pressure, and unpredictable weather. There are several routes to the summit, with the West Buttress route being the most popular and considered the least technical. However, even the easiest routes on Denali require climbers to be well-prepared and experienced in alpine mountaineering.

Flora and Fauna

The ecosystems around Denali vary significantly with elevation. The lower slopes are covered in taiga forest, which transitions to tundra as the elevation increases. Near the base of the mountain, wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep can be found. The higher elevations are mostly devoid of life due to the harsh conditions.

Conservation

Denali National Park and Preserve was established to protect the region's natural beauty and biodiversity. The park covers over 6 million acres (2.4 million hectares) and includes Denali's entire massif. It provides habitat for numerous species and offers vast landscapes of untouched wilderness for scientific research and outdoor recreation.

Cultural Significance

Denali holds significant cultural importance for the indigenous peoples of Alaska. The name "Denali" means "the high one" or "the great one" in the Athabaskan languages spoken by the native people in the area. The mountain has been a landmark and symbol in native cultures for thousands of years.

See Also

• Alaska Range
• Mountaineering
• National Parks of the United States