Alaska, the Last Frontier, holds a commanding lead when it comes to the number of high-altitude peaks and vast mountain ranges. It's home to 14 major mountain ranges, and of the top 10 highest peaks in the United States, all are located in Alaska. It includes Denali, earlier known as Mount McKinley. It is 20,310 feet (6,190 m), which is not only the highest point in North America, but also a symbol for the unique hill landscape of Alaska. The huge size of the state and the relatively untouched forest allow for an incredible density of peaks, many of which are rarely seen due to their distant nature.
Check Out: List of Top 10 States that Produce Most Renewable Energy in the U.S. (2025)
Here are some of Alaska’s mountain ranges, which are often considered for their mountainous terrain:
| Mountain Range | Highest Point (feet/meters) | Dominant Geological Characteristics |
| Alaska Range | Denali (20,310 ft / 6,190 m) | Primarily granite batholiths (large igneous intrusions) and metamorphic rocks. Known for vast glaciers and deep valleys. |
| Saint Elias Mountains | Mount Saint Elias (18,009 ft / 5,489 m) (US side) | Features a mix of marine sedimentary rocks, granitic intrusions, and Cenozoic volcanic rocks. Heavily glaciated. |
| Brooks Range | Mount Isto (8,976 ft / 2,736 m) | Composed mainly of folded and faulted sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, with some older Precambrian rocks. Because of the dry climate, this range is less glaciated than others. |
| Wrangell Mountains | Mount Blackburn (16,390 ft / 4,996 m) | Dominated by large stratovolcanoes and volcanic fields, including active volcanoes like Mount Wrangell. |
| Aleutian Range | Mount Redoubt (10,197 ft / 3,108 m) | A chain of active volcanic peaks, part of the "Ring of Fire," composed of marine sedimentary rocks, granitic intrusions, and Cenozoic volcanic rocks. |
| Chugach Mountains | Mount Marcus Baker (13,176 ft / 4,016 m) | Characterized by extensive glaciation and a mix of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. |
Note: The exact number of "mountains" can vary significantly based on the definition of a mountain (eg, prominence, elevation above surrounding terrain).
What Defines Alaska as a Mountainous State?
The debate over the "most mountainous state" often hinges on the definition of "mountainous." Is it the sheer number of peaks, the highest average height, or the prevalence of the rugged, ineffective area? While Alaska excels in the raw count of high peaks, other states have their unique claims.
Alaska's terrain is overwhelmingly rugged and undeveloped. It features numerous major mountain ranges, such as the Alaska Range, Brooks Range, Chugach Mountains, and St. Elias Mountains, which are extensions of North America's major cordilleras. These ranges are characterized by massive glaciers (Alaska has an estimated 100,000 glaciers, covering 5% of the state), active volcanoes, and vast stretches of remote, challenging wilderness.
Which U.S. State has the Highest Average Elevation?
When considering the average elevation of an entire state, Colorado often appears first. Indeed, Colorado boasts the highest mean elevation of any US state, averaging around 6,800 feet (2,073 meters) above sea level, according to Britannica. This means that even its "lower" areas are at a considerable altitude, contributing to a generally mountainous feel across a significant portion of the state.
Check Out:What is No Tax on Overtime and No Tax on Tips? Explained
What is the Number of Peaks and Prominence in Alaska?
While a certain count is challenging due to different definitions, Alaska is dominating some height in terms of mountains above the threshold. For example, it has the highest peak of almost all of the United States. However, "fourteen" is famous in places like Colorado. With over 50 peak conferences that are above 14,000 feet, they are a well-liked space for peak bagging enthusiasts. Whereas, more than 300 mountain ranges have been named in Nevada, which is well known for rugged areas of the state.
In conclusion, while Colorado and California offer spectacular mountainous regions and high peaks, Alaska's vastness and extreme topography make it the clear winner when it comes to the sheer volume and height of mountains. Its untouched wilderness and remote peaks offer an unparalleled mountainous experience.
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation