The vast and varied landscapes of the United States are punctuated by some of the tallest and most majestic mountains on Earth.  These mountain peaks confirm the forces of nature, each with its own story to tell, and each offering a unique combination of natural beauty, history, and adventure.

#1: Denali (Mount McKinley) – 20,310 Feet

Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the tallest mountain in North America, towering at 20,310 feet above sea level.  Located in Alaska’s Denali National Park, it dominates the skyline with its massive presence and sheer vertical rise.  The name “Denali,” which means “The High One” in Koyukon Athabaskan, reflects its deep cultural significance to Alaska’s Indigenous peoples, who have revered it for thousands of years.  Climbers from around the globe are drawn to Denali for the ultimate mountaineering challenge. In 1913, Hudson Stuck and his team made history as the first to summit, overcoming brutal cold, altitude sickness, and the dangers of avalanches.  Denali’s unpredictable weather—featuring temperatures that can plummet below -70°F—has made it a daunting goal even for seasoned climbers.  Its geologic history is equally fascinating, as the mountain was formed by the collision of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates, uplifting its granite core millions of years ago.  Today, Denali symbolizes both the raw power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.

#2: Mount Saint Elias – 18,008 Feet

Mount Saint Elias, located on the Alaska-Yukon border, rises to an imposing 18,008 feet, making it the second-highest peak in both the United States and Canada.  Its dramatic prominence from sea level makes it one of the most visually striking mountains in the world.  The mountain was first sighted by Europeans in 1741 during Vitus Bering’s expedition, and it was later named after Saint Elias by Russian explorers. Its first recorded ascent came in 1897, led by Prince Luigi Amedeo of Savoy, who battled severe storms and avalanches during the climb.  Mount Saint Elias has a reputation for being treacherous, with its steep slopes covered in glaciers and its weather prone to sudden, violent shifts. The surrounding wilderness remains pristine, with vast glaciers feeding into rivers and fjords, creating a stark yet beautiful landscape that continues to attract scientists and adventurers.

#3: Mount Foraker – 17,400 Feet

Mount Foraker, standing at 17,400 feet, is located just 14 miles southwest of Denali in Alaska’s Denali National Park.  It is often overshadowed by its taller neighbor but is no less impressive in its own right.  Known as “Sultana” or “the wife” in local Athabaskan language, Mount Foraker is revered in Native Alaskan culture.  It offers some of the most challenging climbing routes in North America, particularly on its rugged west ridge. In the 1930s, legendary climber Bradford Washburn captured stunning aerial photographs of Mount Foraker, bringing it to prominence within the mountaineering community. Despite its proximity to Denali, Mount Foraker has a distinct character, with vast ice fields, sharp ridges, and a quieter presence that appeals to climbers seeking solitude.

#4: Mount Bona – 16,550 Feet

Mount Bona, at 16,550 feet, is the highest volcano in the United States.  Located in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, this dormant stratovolcano is a striking sight, covered in glaciers that feed major river systems such as the Copper River.  Its last known eruption occurred thousands of years ago, but its volcanic origins have left a lasting imprint on the landscape.  The first successful ascent of Mount Bona was made in 1930 by a team led by Allen Carpé, who was inspired by aerial surveys of the region.  Today, the mountain is a favorite among climbers seeking to experience the remote and untouched beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

#5: Mount Blackburn – 16,390 Feet

Mount Blackburn, standing at 16,390 feet, is the fifth-highest mountain in the United States and another gem of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  Its massive glaciers, including the Nabesna Glacier, are among the largest in North America, playing a critical role in the region’s hydrology.  The mountain was named after U.S. Senator Joseph Blackburn, but it holds deeper significance for Native Alaskan communities.  Climbers face formidable challenges on Mount Blackburn, including unpredictable weather and crevasse-filled glaciers.  In 1958, an expedition managed to reach the summit, enduring relentless storms and subzero temperatures.  The mountain’s imposing presence and remote location make it a dream for adventurers and photographers alike.

#6: Mount Sanford – 16,237 Feet

Mount Sanford, another prominent peak in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, rises to 16,237 feet.  This dormant shield volcano is less frequently climbed than its neighboring peaks, offering an untouched and isolated climbing experience. Its summit was first reached in 1938 by a team led by Terris Moore, who navigated its icy slopes with limited technology. The mountain’s glaciers and ice fields are crucial to local ecosystems, feeding rivers and sustaining wildlife.  In 1948, Mount Sanford became the site of a tragic plane crash, with wreckage still preserved in the ice—a sobering reminder of its harsh and unforgiving environment.

#7: Mount Fairweather – 15,325 Feet

Mount Fairweather, located on the border of Alaska and British Columbia, stands at 15,325 feet and is known for its stunning glaciers and unpredictable weather.  Captain James Cook named the mountain in 1778 during one of the rare clear days in the region.  Despite its name, Mount Fairweather is notorious for storms and sudden weather changes that make climbing it a formidable task.  The mountain’s first recorded ascent in 1931 was a grueling effort marked by high winds and snowstorms.  The surrounding Glacier Bay National Park offers a stunning backdrop, with calving glaciers and abundant wildlife drawing visitors from around the world.

#8: Mount Hubbard – 14,951 Feet

Mount Hubbard, at 14,951 feet, straddles the Alaska-Yukon border and is surrounded by some of the most pristine wilderness in North America.  The mountain was named after Gardiner Greene Hubbard, the first president of the National Geographic Society, reflecting its importance in geographical studies.  Its glaciers, including the massive Hubbard Glacier, contribute to the icy rivers and fjords of the region.  Climbers who venture to Mount Hubbard often recount the profound silence and solitude of the area, broken only by the distant roar of glaciers calving into the sea.

#9: Mount Bear – 14,831 Feet

Mount Bear, rising to 14,831 feet, is one of the lesser-known giants of the Saint Elias Range.  Its name reflects the abundant wildlife in the region, including grizzly bears that roam its lower slopes.  The mountain’s glaciers are vital sources of freshwater, and its pristine environment offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.  In 1977, a climbing team humorously brought a stuffed bear mascot to the summit, highlighting the camaraderie that often accompanies such expeditions.

#10: Mount Hunter – 14,573 Feet

Mount Hunter, also known as Begguya, meaning “child of Denali” in Dena’ina Athabaskan, is located in Denali National Park and stands at 14,573 feet.  Its rugged terrain and technical climbing routes make it a favorite among experienced climbers. Legendary climber Fred Beckey attempted Mount Hunter multiple times, and his dedication inspired a generation of mountaineers.  The west ridge is particularly challenging, offering a test of both skill and endurance.  Mount Hunter’s dramatic ridges and ice-covered slopes make it a striking companion to Denali, embodying the wild and untamed beauty of Alaska.

These ten mountains are more than just towering landmarks—they are symbols of resilience, adventure, and the enduring power of nature.  Each mountain peak holds stories of triumph and tragedy, cultural significance, and geological wonder, making them enduring icons of the United States’ natural heritage.