Unit 23 includes the Denali massif, Foraker, Hunter, Brooks, Mather, and numerous other peaks. Mountaineers are generally the only users of this unit. There is, however, a traverse of the Alaska Range possible through Anderson Pass, traveling through units 17 and 16, and ending in Cantwell. This route involves glacier travel, steep rock, snow fields, and multiple river crossings. It usually requires at least seven days of solid traveling through remote areas. This traverse is recommended for only the most experienced backcountry travelers.

MOUNTAINEERING

Denali National Park offers access to some of the most spectacular peaks in the Alaska Range. The climbing season in Denali is extremely short, with most of the mountaineering happening in May and June. The physical environment surrounding Denali can be among the harshest on Earth. Climbers must be prepared for high winds, severe weather, and low temperatures. All climbers should have previous knowledge and experience with glacier travel, roped travel and climbing, avalanche awareness, extreme altitude, and all other general mountaineering skills.

Climbers interested in climbing either Denali or Foraker must register at least 60 days in advance with the Mountaineering Rangers at the Talkeetna Ranger Station. There is a $200 fee per person to climb either of these two peaks. Learn more about mountaineering in Denali...

To contact the Talkeetna Ranger Station write or call them at:

P.O. Box 327                                   Talkeetna, Ak 99676                                  (907) 733-2231

All climbers who cross through the backcountry and camp enroute to their destination must obtain a permit for the appropriate unit from the Backcountry Desk and be within the unit’s quota. Information concerning the lesser peaks can be obtained from the Rangers at the Backcountry Desk. Some of the more commonly climbed lesser peaks include Scott Peak, Mt. Pendleton, and Peak 8,620'. Do not underestimate the “lesser” peaks or compare them to peaks of similar elevation in warmer climates. Continuous snow and ice begins at about 7,000 feet in elevation.