USA Top 10 Tallest Mountains in the United States

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Here’s a list of the tallest mountains in the U.S., all of which are in Alaska, except for Mount Whitney in California.

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Denali (Mount McKinley) – 20,310 ft (6,190 m) Alaska​

• Tallest mountain in North America.
• Located in Denali National Park.
• One of the coldest mountains in the world.
• Officially renamed Denali in 2015 to honor its native name.

Mount Saint Elias – 18,008 ft (5,489 m) Alaska/Yukon (Canada Border)​

• Second tallest peak in the U.S.
• Part of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
• Known for steep, rugged terrain and rapid elevation gain.

Mount Foraker – 17,400 ft (5,304 m) Alaska​

• Nicknamed "Denali’s Wife" because of its location next to Denali.
• A challenging peak for climbers due to severe weather conditions.

Mount Bona – 16,550 ft (5,044 m) Alaska​

• An extinct volcano covered in massive glaciers.
• One of the highest volcanoes in North America.

Mount Blackburn – 16,390 ft (4,996 m) Alaska​

• The highest peak in the Wrangell Mountains.
• Known for its ice-covered slopes and glaciers.

Mount Sanford – 16,237 ft (4,949 m) Alaska​

• A dormant shield volcano.
• Covered in thick ice and rarely climbed.

Mount Fairweather – 15,325 ft (4,671 m) Alaska/British Columbia (Canada Border)​

• Despite its name, it has some of the worst weather in North America.
• Part of Glacier Bay National Park.

Mount Hubbard – 14,951 ft (4,556 m) Alaska/Yukon (Canada Border)​

• Features dramatic ice walls and glaciers.
• Hard to access, making it a rarely climbed peak.

Mount Bear – 14,831 ft (4,520 m) Alaska​

• Located in the Saint Elias Mountains.
• Covered in deep snow and remote glaciers.

Mount Whitney – 14,505 ft (4,421 m) California​

• Tallest mountain in the contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States).
• Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
• Popular hiking destination with a well-maintained trail.

Fun Facts About U.S. Mountains​

Alaska dominates the list with 9 out of the top 10 tallest mountains.
Mount Whitney is the tallest outside Alaska, located in California.
Many of these peaks are part of national parks and protected areas.
Climbing these mountains requires experience, training, and dealing with extreme weather.

How to Climb the Tallest Mountains in the U.S.​

Climbing these high peaks requires skill, preparation, and endurance. Below is a guide to climbing the top mountains in the U.S., from beginner-friendly hikes to extreme mountaineering.

Denali (Mount McKinley) – 20,310 ft (6,190 m) Alaska​

Difficulty: Extreme – One of the hardest mountains to climb in the world.
Climbing Season: May – June
Time to Summit: 2-4 weeks
Challenges:

• Extreme cold (-75°F / -60°C)
• High altitude sickness
• Crevasses & avalanches
• Technical ice and snow climbing

Best Route: West Buttress Route (most common)

• Requires mountaineering experience, glacier travel skills, and a guided expedition for most climbers.

Mount Whitney – 14,505 ft (4,421 m) California​

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (Easier than Alaska peaks)
Climbing Season: June – October
Time to Summit: 12-16 hours (1 day) or 2 days for overnight hikers
Challenges:

• Long hike (22 miles round trip)
• Altitude sickness
• Permits required (lottery system for peak season)

Best Route: Mount Whitney Trail (non-technical)

• No technical climbing needed, but good physical fitness is required.
• Mountaineer’s Route is harder, with some rock climbing sections.

3 Mount Foraker – 17,400 ft (5,304 m) Alaska​

Difficulty: Very Hard (Only for advanced mountaineers)
Climbing Season: May – June
Time to Summit: 3-4 weeks
Challenges:

• Extreme cold and isolation
• Technical climbing on ice and rock
• Avalanche risk

Best Route: Sultana Ridge

• Only attempted by highly skilled mountaineers.

Mount Bona – 16,550 ft (5,044 m) Alaska​

Difficulty: Hard (Glacier travel experience required)
Climbing Season: May – June
Time to Summit: 2-3 weeks
Challenges:

• Steep glaciers & crevasses
• Extreme cold

Best Route: East Ridge

• Requires strong snow and ice climbing skills.

5 Mount Blackburn – 16,390 ft (4,996 m) Alaska​

Difficulty: Very Hard (Remote & Technical)
Climbing Season: May – June
Time to Summit: 2-3 weeks
Challenges:

• Remote location – Hard to access.
• Glacier crossings & crevasses.

Best Route: North Ridge

• Requires full expedition gear & experience.

Best U.S. Mountains for Beginners ️​

If you’re new to climbing, try these beginner-friendly peaks first:

Mount Hood (Oregon) – 11,250 ft (Beginner/Intermediate)
Mount Shasta (California) – 14,179 ft (Beginner/Intermediate)
Longs Peak (Colorado) – 14,259 ft (Challenging but doable)

Final Tips for Climbing Tall U.S. Mountains​

Train for Endurance: Long hikes, strength training, and altitude conditioning.
Learn Glacier Travel Skills: Essential for Alaska peaks.
Acclimate to Altitude: Spend time at high elevations before summit day.
Check Weather & Permits: Some mountains require permits & reservations.
Go with a Guide (if needed): Especially for Denali or Alaska peaks.

Gear & Training Guide for Climbing Tall U.S. Mountains.​

Climbing mountains like Denali, Mount Whitney, or Mount Hood requires the right gear, fitness, and preparation. Here’s everything you need to know!

Essential Gear for High-Altitude Climbing.​

Cold Weather & Technical Gear (For Denali, Foraker, Blackburn, etc.)​

Mountaineering Boots – Insulated, crampon-compatible (La Sportiva G2 SM, Scarpa Phantom 6000)
Crampons – For gripping ice and hard snow
Ice Axe – Essential for steep ascents and descents
Helmet – Protects against falling rocks and ice
Rope & Harness – Needed for crevasse rescue and glacier travel
Carabiners & Belay Device – For securing yourself while climbing
Avalanche Beacon, Probe & Shovel – For avalanche-prone areas

Backpack & Camping Gear (For All Climbs)​

Expedition Backpack (70-90L for multi-day climbs)
Sleeping Bag (-20°F to -40°F for Alaska peaks)
Four-Season Tent – Withstands high winds & snow
Sleeping Pad – Insulated for warmth

Clothing (Layering System)​

Base Layer – Moisture-wicking (Merino wool or synthetic)
Mid Layer – Insulating fleece or down jacket
Outer Layer – Windproof & waterproof shell
Gloves & Mittens – Heavy-duty for extreme cold
Gaiters – Keep snow out of boots
Balaclava & Goggles – Protect face from wind & sun

Food & Hydration​

High-Calorie Foods – Energy bars, nuts, freeze-dried meals
Stove & Fuel – Melt snow for water (MSR WhisperLite recommended)
Insulated Water Bottles – Prevent freezing

Training for High-Altitude Climbing​

Cardio & Endurance Training​

Hiking with a Loaded Pack – Train with 30-50 lbs on steep terrain.
Running & Stair Climbing – Build leg strength and endurance.
Cycling & Rowing – Improve overall stamina.

Strength Training​

Leg Workouts – Squats, lunges, step-ups for endurance.
Core Strength – Planks, Russian twists for balance.
Upper Body – Pull-ups, push-ups for carrying a backpack & climbing.

Acclimatization & Altitude Training​

Hike at Higher Elevations – Train above 8,000-10,000 ft.
Use an Altitude Mask – Simulates high-altitude breathing.
Plan Rest Days – Allow your body to adjust.

Best Beginner Mountains for Training​

If you’re new to mountaineering, start with these before tackling Denali or other extreme peaks:

Mount Whitney (California) – 14,505 ft (Great for endurance training)
Mount Hood (Oregon) – 11,250 ft (Good for glacier training)
Mount Rainier (Washington) – 14,411 ft (Glacier travel & rope skills)
Longs Peak (Colorado) – 14,259 ft (Technical scrambling)

Final Tips for Success​

Train at least 4-6 months before your climb
Practice with a heavy pack – Get used to carrying 40-50 lbs
Master basic mountaineering skills – Ice axe use, crevasse rescue, rope work
Go with experienced climbers or a guide for your first major ascent