Denali (Athabascan - "The Great One), or Mt. McKinley is a stupendous, glistening peak, the ice-covered crown of the monumental Alaska Range. At 20,320 feet, Denali is the highest peak in North America; at 62 degrees north latitude, it is one of the coldest places on earth.
Our expedition experienced much of the ferocity that Denali has to offer (temperatures of -35F and 70 mph winds), along with a number of pleasantly warm and sunny days. We were able to complete roughly 80% of the climb under suboptimal weather and climbing conditions. The incredible scale and scope of Denali were humbling, while the grandeur of the setting will remain with us forever.
(All photographs courtesy of Eric Keppel.)