Climbing Directions for Denali

    Denali is a serious mountain climb. Even experienced mountain climbers die on Denali. The most popular route used in climbing Denali is the West Buttress. The climb starts at approximately 7200 feet from the Kahiltna Base Camp. Climbing parties are flown in from Talkeetna, Alaska by air taxi.

    Preparation for this climb generally begins many months, if not years in advance. If you decide to climb Denali, there are a number of books which can provide a good start. Climbing other technical highpoints (i.e. Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Granite, and Gannett Peaks) certainly would be helpful. Many climbers also train in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, because the winter conditions are similar to year round conditions on Denali.

Approximate round trip climbing time: 14 to 28 days

Approximate round trip distance:    32 miles

Approximate elevation gain:    14,000 to 24,000 depending on number of carries