West Buttress
Most frequently used route
First climbed in 1951 by Bradford Washburn and teammates. Glacier travel and exposed ice-covered ridges are central challenges.
North America / Alaska Range
Denali
United States · 6,190 m
Featured climbing reference
Source credit: _MG_4070 Uploaded by AlbertHerring
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Mountain facts
- Elevation
- 6190 metres above sea level
- Country / territory
- United States
- Mountain range
- Alaska Range
- Summit coordinates
- 63.0695, -151.0074 · View summit on OpenStreetMap
North America’s highest summit, also known as Mount McKinley. An expedition mountain with large glaciers and a severe high-latitude environment.
Climbing routes
West Rib
Technical alternative
One of the three most frequently climbed routes identified by NPS. Read the NPS planning guidance before selecting an itinerary.
Cassin Ridge
Technical alternative
A committing technical line. This atlas does not supply a route topo.
Muldrow Glacier
Historic first-ascent route
NPS warns that the 2021 glacier surge made part of the traditional route appear impassable. Check directly with rangers.
First documented ascent
7 June 1913
Walter Harper, Harry Karstens, Hudson Stuck and Robert Tatum.
The four-person party reached the main south summit via the Muldrow Glacier. Walter Harper was the first of the party to reach the summit.
Earlier local or Indigenous ascents may not be represented in the cited record.
Planning and access
NPS requires advance climbing registration; its published guidance specifies at least 60 days. Confirm current rules, fees and orientation with the Talkeetna ranger station.
Terrain and hazards
Crevasses, severe cold, altitude and exposed snow or ice terrain. Current ranger guidance takes precedence.
Sources and coverage
Editorial summaries with linked references. Data snapshot: 30 September 2026. Elevations and boundaries can differ between sources.