The majority of mountains in the United States are relatively modest in height when compared to global standards. In fact, the country boasts just one mountain surpassing 20,000 feet, yet this peak fails to secure a spot among the world’s top 100 highest mountains. In contrast, the pinnacle of the list is claimed by Mount Everest, standing at an impressive 29,031 feet, situated in Nepal—a nation of 28 million people that hosts many of the world’s tallest mountains. (These are the tallest buildings in the world.)
Most of America’s tall mountains are in Alaska, with the tallest among them being Denali, alternatively referred to as Mount McKinley. This name, honoring the 25th U.S. president William McKinley, was in use from 1917 until 2015. Subsequently, the official designation was altered to Denali, the name bestowed upon it by the Koyukon people, who are Alaskan Natives.
The peak of Denali is 20,310 feet above sea level, which makes it the tallest in the U.S. by about 2,000 feet. Second place Mount Saint Elias — which is in Alaska and Yukon, Canada — is around 18,000 feet high. (Read about the most beautiful natural wonder in every state.)
For many years, there were uncertainties regarding the precise height of Denali. The U.S. Geological Survey indicates that advancements in modern technology have led to a revision of the widely accepted elevation. In a report titled “New Elevation for Nation’s Highest Peak,” researchers stated, “A new, official height for Denali has been measured at 20,310 feet, only 10 feet less than the previous elevation of 20,320 feet, which was determined using technology from the 1950s.” This updated figure was determined by climbers who utilized tools such as GPS.
The most popular way that people reach the highest levels of Denali is via a route laid out by mountaineer Bradford Washburn in 1951.
Here are the 15 tallest mountains in America
15. Browne Tower
> Height: 14,530 feet
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14. Mount Hunter
> Height: 14,573 feet
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Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
13. East Buttress
> Height: 14,730 feet
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
12. Mount Bear
> Height: 14,831 feet
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Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
11. Mount Hubbard
> Height: 14,950 feet
Source: mscornelius / iStock via Getty Images
10. Mount Fairweather
> Height: 15,300 feet
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Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
9. Mount Churchill
> Height: 15,638 feet
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8. South Buttress
> Height: 15,885 feet
7. Mount Vancouver
> Height: 15,979 feet
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Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
6. Mount Sanford
> Height: 16,237 feet
Source: Chiyacat / iStock via Getty Images
5. Mount Blackburn
> Height: 16,390 feet
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4. Mount Bona
> Height: 16,500 feet
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Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
3. Mount Foraker
> Height: 17,400 feet
Source: bruceman / iStock via Getty Images
2. Mount Saint Elias
> Height: 18,008 feet
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Source: zzvision / iStock via Getty Images
1. Mount Denali
> Height: 20,320 feet
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