Mountains of Alaska. What are they?
The Alaska mountains were first discovered and mapped by Russian travelers led by L. A. Zagoskin. Over the course of two years, from 1842 to 1844, they sailed several thousand kilometers along the tributaries of the Yukon. And they discovered the Cordillera mountains stretching south from the coast of Alaska.
The Cordillera is a system of mountain ranges with plateaus between them. consist of three belts of mountain ranges. The largest belt is located in the eastern part. In the west lies the Aleutian Islands belt, a submerged volcanic chain of 111 islands. Beyond the Alaska Peninsula, the mountains become higher and higher, reaching 3500-4000 meters in height, and form the Alaska Range. It is here that the highest peak in North America is located - the double-headed McKinley with a height of more than 6000 meters. This name was given to the mountain in honor of the US President who ruled the country from 1897 to 1901. Between the eastern and western parts of the Cordillera there are plateaus. There is also a third Cordillera belt. It runs along the Pacific coast.
Alaska's mountains are relatively young. Scientists suggest that they acquired their current form in the Cenozoic era due to the instability of the local topography, as evidenced by the many extinct volcanoes located here.
Alaska Mountain Weather Conditions
It is impossible to characterize the climate of the Alaska mountains with any specific word, because due to the rugged coastline and the rather large size of Alaska itself, the weather in its different points can be very surprising in its contrast. For example, in coastal areas in the winter, the thermometer almost never drops below -5 due to the fact that the mountains do not allow the cold wind to pass through. That's why it's always damp and windy here. In areas further from the coast, the weather is less forgiving and can greatly ruin life with cold, gusty winds and frequent hurricanes, accompanied by heavy snowfall in winter. 
Alaska's climate made agricultural development on this land almost impossible. Here is the largest glaciation in the world, with an area of approximately 104 square meters. km. But just recently this figure was much higher. The glaciers are gradually melting, forming rays that go straight into the ocean. Interestingly, this creates conditions for the formation of areas of soil; in some cases, a small forest even grows in these areas, which moves along with the melting water and ice.
It is thanks to their melting glaciers over many thousands of years that the mountains of Alaska today are exactly what they are. Under the influence of glaciers, the peaks became sharper, the slopes steeper, and some basins became deeper, and some filled with water. 
Alaska's natural resources
Alaska's flora cannot be called sparse. In the southeast you can find forests with deciduous trees, spruce, and fir. These forests are impenetrable, full of marshy swamps and fallen trees blocking the road. There are many ferns and mosses here, which, due to oversaturation with melt water, reach frightening sizes. The forests have a very large selection of different berries, but they are all fresh and watery.
In the mountain forests of Alaska you can meet both the grizzly bear and the world's largest representatives of elk, bison, foxes, wolves, porcupines and beavers. In the rivers you will see the largest trout and salmon.
The main part of the Alaskan mountains, not occupied by dense forests, is tundra, snowy deserts and bare rocky areas. Animals here also live in less diversity - you can see musk ox, caribou, arctic fox or wild sheep.
Speaking about Alaska, one cannot help but recall the minerals with which this land is full in abundance. Platinum, mercury, lead, gold - this is not a complete list of useful resources mined here. The southeastern forests provide a field for the timber processing industry. Reindeer husbandry, fur farming and, of course, hunting are developed.
Where to go as a tourist in Alaska
Every year the number of people wishing to get here is increasing. And this is not surprising, because Alaska is one of the few remaining places on the planet that man has not yet been able to fully influence. This is a land of living nature, a land where everyone can feel as if they have been transported millions of years ago and feel the pristine freshness and purity of this place, untouched by civilization.
One of the most visited places by tourists in Alaska is. It is located in the southern part. Mount Katmai is a large water-filled volcanic crater. The spectacle is unimaginably beautiful and very impressive. The height of this crater is almost 2 kilometers. Previously, it was even higher, but a volcanic eruption cut off its top on June 5, 1912. It was the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. Scientists say future repeated eruptions are likely. 
Going to the mountains of Alaska, it is impossible not to be imbued with their unshakable power, this calm grandeur, thousand-year silence and centuries-old history. Your trip here will be remembered for a long time and will always be bright.
Denali is the highest mountain in North America, its height is 6190 meters. Located in the center of the Denali National Forest in Alaska. For more than a hundred years, this two-headed mountain was called McKinley. Only in 2015, US President Barack Obama returned its historical name.
This is one of the most inaccessible peaks in the world, but you can take the simple route. There are small tours by plane: tourists are dropped off for a short time on the glacier, allowed to admire the view and take photographs. Planes take off from the airport in the town of Talkeetna - this is the last base for expeditions to Denali, from here it is only 95 km to the mountain.
38 photos
Photos and text by Slava Stepanov
1. It is believed that in 1839, the Russian navigator Ferdinand Wrangel put the mountain on the map of Russian America. Until 1867, Denali was the highest point of the Russian Empire, until Alaska and the mountain were sold to the United States on March 30. 
2. Translated from the Athabascan Indian language, the name of Mount Denali (Denali) means “Great”. During the colonization of Alaska, the Russians simply called it Big Mountain. According to some sources, this is one of the translation options for the Indian name. 
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4. In 1896, gold miner William Dickey made the first scientific measurements, showing that the height of the peak reaches values of more than 6000 meters. He proposed to name it in honor of US presidential candidate William McKinley, who in his election program included backing the US dollar with gold reserves as one of the points. This name (Mount McKinley) was used until 2015. 
5. The mountain has an unusual shape; it is one of the few “two-headed mountains”. This is not visible in the photo, because... The “second head” is hidden. 
6. Located 210 km north of the largest city in Alaska - Anchorage. 
7. If you count from the base (deep underwater) to the top, the height of this massif will be greater than that of the greatest peak in the world - Mount Everest. 
8. In fact, it is a huge granite block that began to emerge from the earth’s surface about 60 million years ago due to tectonic activity. 
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10. In 1975, the Alaska Board of Geographic Names changed the name of the mountain from McKinley to Denali. However, the renaming was blocked by Congressman Ralph Regula. And only his retirement in 2009 made it possible to return to this issue. 
11. On August 28, 2015, the original name Denali was returned to the peak by decision of US President Barack Obama. 
12. According to statistics, almost 100 climbers have already died while trying to conquer the peaks of Denali. Only 58% make it to the top. 
13. The conquest of the summit began in 1906 - Frederick Cook climbed the South McKinley Peak. This was preceded by two unsuccessful attempts. The southern peak is higher, so it is believed that if you managed to conquer it, you managed to conquer the entire mountain. 
14. The following expeditions of other researchers were less successful - in 1932, two climbers died on the mountain. 
15. The list of victims of the summit is replenished almost every year. 
16. Climbing this mountain is a test for the most persistent. Denali is often compared to Everest in terms of the difficulty of climbing: around there are glaciers in cracks, deserted expanses, frost down to -35°C. Automatic weather stations at an altitude of 5300 meters recorded a temperature of -83°C. There is also an increased risk of altitude sickness due to the high latitude at which the mountain is located. 
17. The most popular climbing routes are developed from the southwestern and southern sides of the peak. The most popular and simplest - West Buttress - can be classified as a climbing double (2A-2B), however, the harsh conditions of the north can make significant adjustments to climbing plans, adding an extra 5-7 days to the expedition time. 
18. Local companies organize flights from the town of Talkeetna to the Kahiltna Glacier. 
19. Small planes deliver groups of tourists, as well as climbers planning to conquer Denali. 
20. The plane takes up to 10 people on board. 
21. Ski. 
22. De Havilland Canada DHC-3 (Otter) aircraft of K2 Aviation. 
23. While staying on the glacier, there is time to admire nature, take photos and play snowballs at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. 
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26. Kahiltna glacier is the longest glacier in Alaska.
Its length is 76 km, area - 580 square meters. km. For world-class climbers and mountain tourists, this glacier becomes the last “playground” before reaching the summit. 
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28. The Tokositna glacier originates on the eastern slope of Mount Hunter, also part of the Alaska Range. It is the source of the Tokositna river. 
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30. Ruth glacier. It is considered one of the highest glaciers in Alaska - it slides down from a height of more than 5000 meters. At the same time, it is one of the fastest moving glaciers - every day the Ruth moves by a meter. 
31. The appearance of the glaciers is mesmerizing: from under the icy growths huge gray-black rocks, crowned with delicate snow ridges and caps, stretch upward. 
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34. The glacier turns into a reservoir. 
35. Denali National Forest covers an area of 25,000 square meters. km around mountain ranges. In 1976 it received the status of an international biosphere reserve. 
36. The wildlife of the reserve is so rich that Denali is often called the “Subarctic Serengeti” (a national park in Tanzania, famous throughout the world for the richness of its wildlife). 
37. The park’s territory is crossed by numerous and very wide rivers flowing through mountain valleys. The most picturesque are the Tanana River and the glacial lakes Vonder and Chilchukabena. 
38. Alaskan town of Talkeetna, from where flights to Denali take place. The city's population is only about 900 people.
Interestingly, for 19 years now the mayor of this city has been a cat named Stubbs. 30–40 tourists meet personally with the mayor of Talkeetna every day. In September 2013, Stubbs was hospitalized after a dog attack left the Talkeetna mayor seriously injured. 
In the state of Alaska there is one of the most beautiful and picturesque attractions in the United States - Mount Denali. It reaches a height of 6190 meters (the highest point in North America). The climate here is especially harsh. The lowest air temperature was recorded at the top of the mountain (-83 0 C). Denali is part of a national wildlife refuge.
A little history
Several centuries ago, the territory of Denali Park, located at the very foot of the mountain, was inhabited by Athabaskan tribes. They called this valley "Great" or "Denali". During Russian colonization, the mountain began to be called “Big Mountain”. In 1896, the famous American gold prospector William Dickey stumbled upon this fabulous place and told the whole world about the existence of an incredible natural creation. Thanks to him, the mountain was named in honor of the then-current president, the great William McKinley. In Europe, they first heard about Mount McKinley only at the end of the 18th century. This was facilitated by the English traveler and explorer George Vancouver. He wrote several essays about the high mighty mountain of Alaska. It was put on the map in 1839, thanks to the Russian geographer and scientist Ferdinand von Wrangel. A little later, another Russian traveler Lavrenty Zagoskin began a thorough study of the area. He wrote many books dedicated to Alaska and its natural attractions. A hundred years later (August 28, 2015, by decision of US President Barack Obama), Mount McKinley returned to its former name - Denali.
Conquering Denali
Travelers and explorers all over the world dreamed of conquering this inaccessible mountain. The 20th century was marked by the first ascents. In 1903, the famous explorer James Cook made his attempt to storm Denali. Together with the expedition, he reached a height of 3700 meters. They were not destined to reach the top; they had to interrupt the journey due to the danger of an avalanche. Three years later, James Cook made another attempt to conquer this harsh mountain. Several months passed before the expedition reached the very top. The travelers stayed there only a short time, but the impressions remained unforgettable. A couple of years later, Cook wrote the book “On the Roof of the Continent,” in which he spoke in detail about his difficult journey and the breathtaking beauty that awaited them there. After the book was published, Cook's envious comrade Robert Peary accused him of lying. He made a loud statement that all of Cook's stories about the conquest of Denali were fictitious. The traveler failed to refute the accusations. Only several decades later his good name was restored. Russian climbers decided to go the same way as Cook. Following his map and descriptions, the expedition reached the top of the mountain. Years of controversy have finally come to an end.
Another conqueror of the Alaskan mountain ranges was a group of explorers led by clergyman Hudson Stuckey. In 2002, Denali surrendered to the mercy of Russian traveler Matvey Shparo. Many people tried to conquer it, but not everyone succumbed to it. Many became victims of the avalanche, some simply froze, others fell down. Mount Denali is one of the most rugged and difficult peaks to climb.
Denali Nature Preserve
At the very foot of Denali lies a magnificent natural park of the same name. An island of wild nature, lost among inaccessible mountain ranges. The main decoration of the reserve is Horseshoe Lake. Its clear waters reflect the snow-white peaks of the mountains. The opening panorama is so beautiful that it takes your breath away. The wild beauty of the Tanana River enchants and fascinates. For tourists, Denali provides wonderfully equipped observation decks. The view from them is unforgettable. Denali Park is divided into several natural areas. There is impenetrable tundra, shifting desert, swampy swamps and green valleys, high mountain ranges and deep rivers, blue lakes and fabulous waterfalls. Tourists are given the opportunity, together with a guide, to take an incredibly interesting trip through the protected park or go to the mountains. There are several designated camping areas throughout Denali. There are also wonderful places for fishing.
Millions of tourists from all over the globe come here every year in search of extreme sports, new sensations, seeking solitude with nature. Many people flock here just to enjoy the local beauty, take a break from the bustle of the city, breathe clean fresh air, try their hand at mountaineering, skiing, and fishing.
Denali is the highest mountain in North America, its height is 6190 meters. Located in the center of the Denali National Forest in Alaska. For more than a hundred years, this two-headed mountain was called McKinley. Only in 2015, US President Barack Obama returned its historical name.
This is one of the most inaccessible peaks in the world, but you can take the simple route. There are small tours by plane: tourists are dropped off for a short time on the glacier, allowed to admire the view and take photographs. Planes take off from the airport in the town of Talkeetna - this is the last base for expeditions to Denali, from here it is only 95 km to the mountain.
1. It is believed that in 1839, the Russian navigator Ferdinand Wrangel put the mountain on the map of Russian America. Until 1867, Denali was the highest point of the Russian Empire, until Alaska and the mountain were sold to the United States on March 30.
2. Translated from the Athabascan Indian language, the name of Mount Denali (Denali) means “Great”. During the colonization of Alaska, the Russians simply called it Big Mountain. According to some sources, this is one of the translation options for the Indian name.
4. In 1896, gold miner William Dickey made the first scientific measurements, showing that the height of the peak reaches values of more than 6000 meters. He proposed to name it in honor of US presidential candidate William McKinley, who in his election program included backing the US dollar with gold reserves as one of the points. This name (Mount McKinley) was used until 2015.
5. The mountain has an unusual shape; it is one of the few “two-headed mountains”. This is not visible in the photo, because... The “second head” is hidden.
6. Located 210 km north of the largest city in Alaska -.
8. In fact, it is a huge granite block that began to emerge from the earth’s surface about 60 million years ago due to tectonic activity.
10. In 1975, the Alaska Board of Geographic Names changed the name of the mountain from McKinley to Denali. However, the renaming was blocked by Congressman Ralph Regula. And only his retirement in 2009 made it possible to return to this issue.
11. On August 28, 2015, the original name Denali was returned to the peak by decision of US President Barack Obama.
12. According to statistics, almost 100 climbers have already died while trying to conquer the peaks of Denali. Only 58% make it to the top.
13. The conquest of the summit began in 1906 - Frederick Cook climbed the South McKinley Peak. This was preceded by two unsuccessful attempts. The southern peak is higher, so it is believed that if you managed to conquer it, you managed to conquer the entire mountain.
14. The following expeditions of other researchers were less successful - in 1932, two climbers died on the mountain.
15. The list of victims of the summit is replenished almost every year.
16. Climbing this mountain is a test for the most persistent. Denali is often compared to Everest in terms of the difficulty of climbing: around there are glaciers in cracks, deserted expanses, frost down to -35°C. Automatic weather stations at an altitude of 5300 meters recorded a temperature of -83°C. There is also an increased risk of altitude sickness due to the high latitude at which the mountain is located.
17. The most popular climbing routes are developed from the southwestern and southern sides of the peak. The most popular and simplest - West Buttress - can be classified as a climbing double (2A-2B), however, the harsh conditions of the north can make significant adjustments to climbing plans, adding an extra 5-7 days to the expedition time.
18. Local companies organize flights from the town of Talkeetna to the Kahiltna Glacier.
19. Small planes deliver groups of tourists, as well as climbers planning to conquer Denali.
20. The plane takes up to 10 people on board.
22. De Havilland Canada DHC-3 (Otter) aircraft of K2 Aviation.
23. While staying on the glacier, there is time to admire nature, take photos and play snowballs at an altitude of more than 2000 meters.
26. Kahiltna glacier is the longest glacier in Alaska.
Its length is 76 km, area - 580 square meters. km. For world-class climbers and mountain tourists, this glacier becomes the last “playground” before reaching the summit.
28. The Tokositna glacier originates on the eastern slope of Mount Hunter, also part of the Alaska Range. It is the source of the Tokositna river.
30. Ruth glacier. It is considered one of the highest glaciers in Alaska - it slides down from a height of more than 5000 meters. At the same time, it is one of the fastest moving glaciers - every day the Ruth moves by a meter.
31. The appearance of the glaciers is mesmerizing: from under the icy growths huge gray-black rocks, crowned with delicate snow ridges and caps, stretch upward.
34. The glacier turns into a reservoir.
35. Denali National Forest covers an area of 25,000 square meters. km around mountain ranges. In 1976 it received the status of an international biosphere reserve.
36. The wildlife of the reserve is so rich that Denali is often called the “Subarctic Serengeti” (a national park in Tanzania, famous throughout the world for the richness of its wildlife).
37. The park’s territory is crossed by numerous and very wide rivers flowing through mountain valleys. The most picturesque are the Tanana River and the glacial lakes Vonder and Chilchukabena.
38. Alaskan town of Talkeetna, from where flights to Denali take place. The city's population is only about 900 people.
Interestingly, for 19 years now the mayor of this city has been a cat named Stubbs. 30–40 tourists meet personally with the mayor of Talkeetna every day. In September 2013, Stubbs was hospitalized after a dog attack left the Talkeetna mayor seriously injured.
Denali, the highest mountain in North America. Included in the climbing program "7-Peaks". The "7-Peaks" program involves climbing all the highest peaks, 5 continents and 2 poles.
Denali is a double-headed mountain in south-central Alaska and the highest mountain in North America. Located in the center of Denali National Park. From 1896 until August 28, 2015, it was called McKinley, in honor of the 25th President of the United States of America. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was called Big Mountain and was the highest point of the Russian Empire.
Height 6190 meters (according to the US Geological Survey). Elevation - 6135 m (3rd in the list of the largest mountains by relative height).
It is believed that in 1839, the Russian polar explorer, Admiral Ferdinand von Wrangel, put the mountain on the map of Russian America.
And another good amateur film...
The first European to explore and leave a record of this high mountain was the Russian leader of the expedition, Lavrentiy Alekseevich Zagoskin. He was probably the first European to see it from both sides, although it is possible that it could have been Wrangel who put the mountain on the map.
From 1799 to 1867, the mountain was the highest point of the Russian Empire, until Alaska, where Denali is located, was sold to the United States on March 30, 1867.
Translated from the Athabascan Indian language, the name of Mount Denali means “great.”
During the colonization of Alaska, the Russians simply called it Big Mountain. According to some sources, this is one of the translation options for the Indian name.
The young scientist William Dickey, who informed the world about the tallest mountain in North America in 1896, proposed naming it in honor of the newly elected US President William McKinley. The name was used from 1917 [source not specified 44 days] to 2015.
In 1975, the Alaska Board on Geographic Names changed the name of the mountain from McKinley to Denali, and the Alaska Legislature approved the decision by submitting it to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. However, the renaming was blocked by Republican Congressman Ralph Regula, whose district includes Canton, Ohio, the city where President McKinley grew up and where the McKinley National Memorial is located. Only withdrawal the latter's retirement in 2009 allowed him to return to this issue.
On August 28, 2015, the original name of Denali was returned to the peak by decision of US President Barack Obama.
It is located in the Denali borough, 210 km north of the largest city in Alaska - Anchorage and 275 km southwest of the city of Fairbanks.
The peak belongs to the Alaskan mountain range system.
In fact, it is a huge granite block that began to move out of the earth’s surface about 60 million years ago due to tectonic activity.
The top of the mountain is covered everywhere with snowfields, which serve as a source of food for the adjacent glaciers and reach their greatest thickness on the southern slope.
In 1906, Frederick Cook claimed to have reached the top of the mountain with guide Edward Burril. In 1909, Cook, shortly after accusing Peary of being the leader in reaching the North Pole, was also accused of falsifying materials about the conquest of the mountain (mainly by Peary's friends). The basis was Barril's statement and the provision of false photographs. A number of modern climbers prove that Cook did not reach the summit, but others (Washburn, D. Shparo) prove the opposite with equal success. The next ascent of the mountain took place on June 7, 1913, under the leadership of Hudson Stack.
In 1932, two members of the expedition died while climbing the mountain, becoming the first to die on Denali. According to statistics, almost 100 climbers have already died while climbing the mountain; by the beginning of the 21st century, only 58 percent of those who climbed reached the top.
In 2002, Russian climbers climbed Denali under the leadership of Matvey Shparo. Its uniqueness is that among 11 climbers (Shparo M., Banar O., Afanasyev V., Bogatyrev M., Gubaev A., Agafonov A., Gvozdev S., Smolin B., Sobolev A.) there were two disabled people chairs (Ushakov Igor, the city of Kursk and Tsarkov Georgy, the city of Kumertau), placed on skis.
On June 13, 2014, Catalan Kilian Jornet Burgada set a record for the fastest ascent to the summit along the Rescue Gully route: 11 hours 40 minutes.
On January 11, 2015, American climber Lonnie Dupre became the first in the history of the mountain to reach the summit on a solo ascent in winter.
I would also go to this mountain, but it’s a little far away and a little expensive, so let’s think about it in general.
See you!
See you.
