Quiz challenge
Which state contains the highest point in North America?
Select an answer to continue.
The correct answer is A) Alaska.
Alaska contains the highest point in North America, capped by the majestic summit of Denali at an elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level.
North America boasts some of the most dramatic mountain ranges on the planet, extending from the ancient Appalachian Mountains in the east to the towering ranges of the western continent. Geography enthusiasts and travelers often test their knowledge against the extreme natural landmarks across the United States. Ranking these massive summits requires looking beyond the famous peaks of the lower 48 states to find the continent's undisputed top elevation.
The correct answer
A) Alaska
Alaska contains the highest point in North America, capped by the majestic summit of Denali at an elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level.
Located in interior Alaska within Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali stands at 20,310 feet, making it the highest elevation on the North American continent. Formed by tectonic plate collision and uplift within the 600-mile-long Alaska Range, Denali towers high above the surrounding subarctic landscape. In addition to its impressive height above sea level, Denali features extraordinary topographic relief, rising roughly 18,000 feet directly from its base to its snowy peak. That vertical rise on land is even greater than the vertical climb from base to summit of Mount Everest, giving Denali one of the most imposing mountain profiles anywhere on Earth. Officially known as Mount McKinley for over a century in federal records, the mountain was officially restored to its traditional Koyukon Athabascan name, Denali, in 2015.
More context
The geographic distribution of North American high points highlights the unique tectonic history of Alaska. The collision between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates continuously forces the crust upward in southern and interior Alaska. Denali is composed primarily of granitic rock, which resists erosion far better than the surrounding sedimentary layers. Severe alpine freezing and massive valley glaciers carve out deep gorges around the mountain while leaving the main granite heart intact. Climatologically, Denali presents some of the world's most severe mountaineering conditions. Because of its extreme northern latitude of 63 degrees north, atmospheric pressure near the summit is lower than at comparable altitudes closer to the equator, making the air feel even thinner to climbers. The mountain experiences hurricane-force winds and extreme winter cold. Denali stands as a testament to the dynamic geology of the American West and North Pacific rim, attracting explorers and scientists from around the globe.
Quick facts
- Denali reaches an official elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level, based on high-precision GPS survey technology.
- The Koyukon Athabascan name Denali translates to the tall one or mountain-big in native Alaskan tradition.
- Alaska is home to all ten of the highest mountain summits located within the United States.
- Denali features a base-to-peak vertical rise of nearly 18,000 feet, the largest land-based rise of any mountain above sea level.
Sources
- New Elevation for Nation's Highest Peak — U.S. Geological Survey Verifies that Denali in Alaska is the highest peak in North America with an official height of 20,310 feet.
- Denali Summit Survey — National Park Service Confirms the history of summit elevation surveys and the traditional Koyukon Athabascan name of Denali.
