Alaska (6,194 m) – Tallest Mountain in North America
Mount McKinley is the tallest mountain in North America. Located in south-central Alaska, it is the highest peak in the United States, and is close to the northern-most end of the massive chain of mountain ranges that stretch along most of the west coast of the Americas. Also known by its local name Koyukon Athabaskan, which means “The High One”, the Amerian designation is in honor of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States.
McKinley was first spotted by European explorers in 1794. The first verified ascent of the mountain was achieved in 1913 by an American expedition, though another group claims to have made it to the top three years earlier. In 1990, a weather station was installed near the top of the mountain and is a known landmark. It is the third highest weather station in the world.
Mount McKinley is one of the most prominent mountains on Earth. It is the highest peak on Earth above sea-level as measured from base to cone. McKinley lies entirely within Denali National Park, which is extremely rich in North Amerian wildlife. The mountain and park are extremely remote, the closest large town being Wasila more than 200 miles away.
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