At 20,320 feet, this is North America's highest mountain. It is visible from Anchorage on a clear day, but is often obscured in fog. The mountain was named for President William McKinley, altough the Indian name is Denali, or "great one".

The national park has been re-named Denali National Park and Preserve.

Over 1,000 people attempt a climb each year between April and June. Mount McKinley is part of the Alaska Range that includes many high peaks and glaciers. The NPS staffs a ranger station in Talkeetna with mountaineering rangers.

The mountain has two peaks; the South Peak is the true summit. It is two miles from the North Peak.