Denali (Mount McKinley) Hike
20,310 ft | Alaska
28 mi round trip
13,000 ft
16 hr
Expert
Mountaineering climb, not a hike
The West Buttress route involves extensive, highly crevassed glacier travel as well as snow and ice climbing. (source)
Denali (Mount McKinley) Hike at a Glance
The Denali (Mount McKinley) hike via the West Buttress is 28 mi round trip with 13,000 ft of elevation gain, about 16 hr of hiking.
| Summit elevation | 20,310 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | West Buttress |
| Distance | 28 mi round trip |
| Elevation gain | 13,000 ft |
| Hiking time | About 16 hr |
| Difficulty | Expert |
| Route last checked | October 25, 2026 |
Route line not shown. The 28 mi distance and 13,000 ft of gain for this hike are verified (mountaineers.org), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Denali (Mount McKinley)
Denali is the highest point in Alaska, at 20,310 feet, on land managed by Denali National Park and Preserve (National Park Service).
The West Buttress route involves extensive, highly crevassed glacier travel as well as snow and ice climbing.
The Climb
The standard route is the West Buttress: 28 miles round trip with about 13,000 feet of elevation gain, from Kahiltna Glacier base camp (reached by ski plane). The average Denali expedition takes 17 to 21 days round trip. Distance from mountaineers.org.
Before You Go
- The West Buttress route involves extensive, highly crevassed glacier travel as well as snow and ice climbing. (nps.gov)
- A mountaineering permit for the 2027 season costs $475, and climbers must register 60 days before the start of the climb. (nps.gov)
- The National Park Service says your team must be skilled in glacier travel, route finding and crevasse rescue. (nps.gov)
- Experience with winter camping in arctic conditions should be considered mandatory. (nps.gov)
- Above 10,000 feet, climbers should not ascend more than 1,000 feet per day. (nps.gov)
- Check Denali National Park and Preserve (National Park Service) for current conditions, closures and rules before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the climb to the top of Denali?
The West Buttress is 28 miles round trip with about 13,000 feet of elevation gain. The average Denali expedition takes 17 to 21 days round trip.
How tall is Denali?
Denali rises to 20,310 feet, the highest point in Alaska.
Where does the Denali climb start?
It starts from Kahiltna Glacier base camp (reached by ski plane).
Can you hike Denali without climbing experience?
The West Buttress route involves extensive, highly crevassed glacier travel as well as snow and ice climbing.
Do you need a permit or fee for Denali?
A mountaineering permit for the 2027 season costs $475, and climbers must register 60 days before the start of the climb.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Rapidly changing weather
- Ice possible on summit
- Wet leaves on trails
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Denali (Mount McKinley) Guide
Route last checked October 25, 2026.
- Verified against
- mountaineers.org
- Distance
- mountaineers.org
- Elevation
- NAVD 88 summit elevation (List of U.S. states and territories by elevation)
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.