Climb to the top of North America’s highest peak, Mount Denali, with Summit Expeditions on an unforgettable adventure that pushes your limits and rewards you with unparalleled views. Standing at a towering 20,310 feet, Denali offers one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Our seasoned guides, who are intimately familiar with the mountain, will lead you through its demanding conditions, ensuring your safety while maximising your chances of success.
The climb to Denali's summit is a true test of strength, stamina, and perseverance. You'll navigate glaciers, icefalls, and rocky ridgelines, each day providing new challenges and awe-inspiring vistas of the vast Alaskan wilderness. Summit Expeditions provides a fully supported experience, including high-quality gear, detailed pre-trip preparation, and world-class logistical support, allowing you to focus on the climb itself and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of standing on the roof of the Americas.
Whether you're an experienced mountaineer looking to test your skills or a passionate adventurer seeking to conquer one of the Seven Summits, this climb offers both physical challenges and the reward of reaching the ultimate peak in the Americas. Join Summit Expeditions and be part of a team dedicated to your success and safety, while exploring one of the most stunning and remote mountains in the world.
TRIP ACTIVITY
Expedition
ACTIVITY RATING
Extreme
SKILL RATING
Technical
DURATION
25 Days
DESTINATION
Seven Summits, United States
GROUP SIZE
8
Tour Highlights
Climb the Highest Mountain in North America
Explore Alaska
Climb one of the Seven Summits
Itinerary
DAY 1: MEET IN ANCHORAGE.
Our Team Meetings are scheduled for 10 a.m. and serve as a crucial expedition orientation and equipment check. This is an essential session that all climbers must attend to ensure everyone is fully prepared for the journey ahead. To make sure you’re on time, we recommend arriving in Anchorage at least a day in advance.
Included in your trip fee is two nights’ accommodation at the Lakefront Anchorage (formerly the Millennium Alaska Hotel), a conveniently located hotel with free airport transfers, so you can easily settle in and rest before the adventure begins.
And when the time comes, you’ll take off on a thrilling ski plane ride to the SE Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier—your gateway to Denali’s towering peaks. It’s the start of a journey that promises incredible challenges and life-changing views.
DAY 2: TRAVEL TO TALKEETNA AND FLY TO THE GLACIER.
We provide comfortable transportation to Talkeetna for all our Denali climbers using our own vans and trailers, giving us the flexibility to operate on our own schedule rather than relying on third-party services. The scenic drive takes just over two hours, with a planned stop for coffee and snacks along the way to keep you energized for the journey ahead.
Upon arrival in Talkeetna, we’ll unload, organize, and weigh all of our equipment and supplies to ensure everything is set for the climb. We’ll also complete the final registration steps with the National Park Service (NPS) and attend a pre-climb orientation led by one of the NPS climbing rangers. This session is invaluable, providing crucial information on safety, regulations, and tips for the climb.
Once the NPS admin is finalized, we’ll board a ski plane (weather permitting) and take off for the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. Upon landing, it’s all hands on deck to establish our base camp for the night—this is where the real adventure begins, and the towering peaks of Denali are just a breath away.
DAY 3: SINGLE CARRY TO 7,800′ CAMP
Departing base camp, we’ll drop down the infamous Heartbreak Hill and onto the broad Kahiltna Glacier. Our goal will be to move camp to about 7,800′, near the junction with the NE Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. This is a moderately tough day of about 5 miles and is a good warm up for the upcoming days. Throughout the expedition we will typically follow the “climb high, sleep low” technique for better acclimatization; however, the altitude difference between Base Camp and 7,800′ Camp is minimal enough to permit us to generally “single-carry” this stretch. On the late May and June expeditions, we may climb early in the morning to avoid excessive heat and soft snow conditions on the lower glacier.
DAY 4: HAUL LOADS UP TO KAHILTNA PASS.
We’ll depart from 7,800′ Camp and begin the challenging carry up the 1,800′ Ski Hill. This stretch of the journey offers a variety of campsite options between 9,000′ and 11,000′, depending on the weather, snow conditions, and the strength of the team. The carry is moderately difficult, covering 7-9 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 2,000′-3,000′. After reaching our designated campsite and unloading our gear, we’ll return to 7,800′ Camp for the night to rest and recover, preparing for the next leg of the climb. It’s a demanding day, but a rewarding one, setting the stage for the ascent ahead.
*Quick Stats: 12.87 km / 8 miles round trip, with 670 m / 2,200’ of elevation gain and loss. Climbing Time: ~ 6-8 hours.
DAY 5: MOVE EVERYTHING TO 11,000′ CAMP
Our second camp is typically set up in the stunning 11,000’ basin, right at the base of Motorcycle Hill. This spot is nothing short of breathtaking—an expansive, open area where the sun casts a warm alpenglow across the surrounding peaks as it moves around the north side of the mountain. The beauty of this location is unmatched, with towering mountains on every side and the crisp, cool air of the high-altitude wilderness filling your lungs. It’s the perfect place to pause, take in the incredible views, and rest before continuing the climb.
*Quick Stats: 7.64 km / 4.75 miles one way, with 1,036 m / 3,400’ of elevation gain. Climbing Time: ~ 5.5-7 hours.
DAY 6: BACK-CARRY DAY.
This will be an “active rest day,” where we drop back down to retrieve the cache we left near Kahiltna Pass. While it’s a break from the higher elevations, it’s still a productive day, allowing us to not only pick up our gear but also giving us an additional opportunity to acclimatize before pushing onward. The descent helps reduce the strain on our bodies, and the extra rest is key to preparing for the higher, more challenging sections of the climb. It’s a strategic pause that will help ensure our success as we move toward the summit.
*Quick Stats: 2.4 km / 1.5 miles round trip, with 365 m / 1,200’ of elevation loss and gain. Climbing Time: 1.5 hours round-trip.
DAY 7: HAUL LOADS AROUND WINDY CORNER (13,300′).
Climbing the steep, snow-covered slopes of Motorcycle Hill, which rises 1,000 feet, rewards you with breathtaking views that make every step worth it. The total distance for the day is about four miles round trip, with a solid 2,000 feet of elevation gain, giving you a real sense of progress as you ascend. The fun intensifies as you tackle the climb with crampons and an ice axe, navigating your way around the notorious Windy Corner. As you reach the top, the upper mountain opens up before you in all its glory—this is the moment when Denali’s majestic presence truly takes hold. Be sure to have your camera ready; the vistas are unforgettable!
*Quick Stats: 6.43 km / 4 miles, with 700 m / 2,300’ of elevation gain. Climbing Time: ~ 6-7 hours round-trip.
DAY 8: MOVE CAMP TO 14,200′.
This will be a long, demanding day, but it brings us closer to the summit. Our next stop is typically the well-equipped 14,200’ Camp, situated in the expansive Genet Basin. As we climb higher, the loads are getting lighter, but the air is growing thinner, making each step feel more challenging. Upon arrival at 14,200’, it’s all hands on deck to set up camp. We’ll need to fortify our tents, as this area is known for its unpredictable and often severe winds. Teamwork is crucial here—together, we’ll create a solid base camp that will provide the shelter and safety needed to rest and prepare for the next stages of the climb.
*Quick Stats: 4 km / 2.5 miles, with 914 m / 3,200’ of elevation gain. Climbing Time: ~ 5-7 hours.
DAY 9: BACK-CARRY DAY.
Today will be another “active rest day,” allowing us to maintain momentum while continuing to acclimatize. The team will descend from Genet Basin to the Windy Corner cache, where we’ll gather our supplies and bring everything back up to 14,200’. The round-trip is about 1.6 km (1 mile), with an elevation loss and gain of 213 m (700’). This will take roughly 1.5 hours of climbing time, making it a relatively short but important task.
In the afternoon, we’ll focus on refining our climbing techniques, preparing for the more technical sections ahead. This is a crucial day to hone our skills, improve our efficiency, and ensure we’re fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead on Denali’s upper slopes. It’s a mix of rest and productivity—keeping the climb moving forward while ensuring we’re at our best when the time comes to push higher.
DAY 10: CLIMB UP THE HEADWALL TO THE RIDGE.
Today’s goal is to cache supplies up on the ridge above us before returning to 14,200’. This is a physically demanding day, as we’ll be tackling the notorious “Headwall”—the steep section of the route that runs from 15,500’ to 16,100’, with fixed lines to aid our ascent. Carrying a heavy pack through this terrain makes it one of the more strenuous days of the trip, as the incline is steep, the air is thinner, and every step requires extra effort.
The stats for the day are 3.8 km (2.4 miles) round-trip, with a significant 670 m (2,200’) of elevation gain and loss. Expect to spend 5-7 hours on this climb, which will challenge your endurance and focus. However, the views from the ridge, where you’ll have a panoramic perspective of Denali’s vast landscape, are truly awe-inspiring and well worth the effort. The beauty of the mountain combined with the rarefied air makes for an unforgettable experience—one that will leave you with a deep sense of accomplishment and connection to the mountain.
DAY 11: REST DAY.
Rest/acclimatisation day
DAY 12: MOVE TO HIGH CAMP.
Weather and team strength will be the deciding factors for today’s climb. While there is a camp site at 16,100’, it’s very exposed, so we typically push for the more secure 17,200’ site, which offers better shelter from the elements.
This will be a tough day—our loads are heavy, and some of the terrain is steep, making every step a challenge. However, the rewards for all that hard work are well worth it. The climbing along the ridge is absolutely stunning, with sections that weave in and out of rocks, and even some knife-edge stretches where exposure is at its peak. The sense of being on top of the world is real, as you navigate the ridge with breathtaking views on all sides.
With 3.21 km (2 miles) to cover and an elevation gain of 914 m (3,000’), this is one of the more demanding days of the climb, taking approximately 6-8 hours to complete. But the physical exertion is balanced by the incredible beauty and sense of accomplishment as you press onward, making this one of the most memorable days of the entire route.
DAY 13: REST DAY.
Rest/acclimatisation day
DAY 14: SUMMIT DAY.
If the weather is favorable, we’ll make our push for the summit, but only when the conditions are right. Patience is key on a peak like Denali, and we will wait for a window of mostly clear skies and calm winds before attempting the final push. The decision to attempt the summit will be made by our highly experienced guide staff, who know the mountain and the risks involved better than anyone. Your safety and success are their top priorities, and they will make this crucial decision based on weather and team readiness.
Summit day is serious, and it’s often the most grueling part of the expedition—some climbers say it’s the hardest day of their lives. The climb will take anywhere from eight to twelve hours or more, with a challenging round-trip distance of 8 km (5 miles) and 914 m (3,000’) of elevation gain and loss. You’ll depart early in the morning, usually between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., as we make our way up to Denali Pass (18,000’) and then follow the route past Arch Deacon’s Tower and the Football Field. As we approach the slopes leading to the Summit Ridge, the views become more awe-inspiring with each step. From this spectacular ridge, you’ll often catch sight of the Ruth Glacier below, along with iconic peaks like the Moose’s Tooth, Mount Huntington, and Mount Hunter.
Summit day is a true test of endurance and willpower, and while it’s physically demanding, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. But remember—everyone must demonstrate that they have the capacity to reach the summit safely. Our guides will make the call, and if they feel that a climber is not capable of continuing safely, they will make the difficult but necessary decision to turn back. While such decisions are rare, your safety is our highest priority. Reaching the summit is a monumental achievement, but getting everyone home healthy is the ultimate goal.
DAYS 15-16: DESCENT.
The descent from High Camp typically takes one to two days, depending on the team’s strength and motivation to get back home. While descending may seem easier, it can often be tougher than the ascent, especially since we carry some of the heaviest loads of the trip on the way down from High Camp to Camp 2. The physical toll of the descent, combined with the weight of the gear, makes this part of the climb just as challenging as going up.
Weather plays a major role in when we can finally fly out to Talkeetna for a well-earned rest, food, and showers. After days of exertion on the mountain, nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of sitting down to a hearty steak and salad at the West Rib Tavern. It’s the ultimate reward after the grueling work on Denali—and the perfect way to unwind, reflect, and celebrate the accomplishment of a lifetime!
DAYS 17-22 CONTINGENCY DAYS.
Denali has a well-deserved reputation for arctic weather, and it is common to take weather days at some point on the mountain.
DAY 23: RETURN TO ANCHORAGE AND FLY HOME
We will provide group transportation back to Anchorage and you can make plans to fly home as early as this evening. If you are staying in Alaska, we are happy to assist in making any necessary lodging reservations; however, lodging after the climb is not included in trip cost. This is a true transition day from the intensity of the mountain to the relative “big city” life of Anchorage.
Tour Package Details
What’s Included?
Not Included
Included in the expedition fee:
- Unlimited pre-trip access to our office resources.
- Up to two nights lodging (shared room) at the Lakefront Hotel in Anchorage before your climb.
- Airport transfer as provided by the Lakefront Hotel.
- Team transportation in Anchorage for last-minute shopping on the day of your Team Meeting.
- Round-trip, scheduled group transportation between Anchorage and Talkeetna.
- Scheduled flights between Talkeetna and Base Camp.
- All food while on the mountain.
- All group equipment (tents, kitchen, ropes, sleds, snow pickets, shovels, group med kit, satellite phone, GPS tracker, etc.).
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP
Not included in the expedition fee:
- Flights to and from Alaska.
- Personal clothing and equipment, per our equipment list.
- Any additional lodging including post expedition lodging.
- Meals while not on the mountain.
- Travel and/or rescue insurance.
- Guide Gratuity (typically 10-20% of trip cost)
- Mountaineering special use fee (2025: $340 for climbers 24 years old and younger; $440 for climbers 25+ years old) and Denali National Park entrance fee ($15).
- Costs incurred due to evacuation or unplanned departure from the mountain due to illness, other problems or by choice. Costs may include, but are not limited to: additional lodging, shipping costs to return gear to you, and transportation.
- Costs incurred as a result of delays beyond the control.
- Costs as a result of force majeure.
Tour Gallery
Upcoming Group Departures
Start Date - End Date
Price
Tour Operator
Availability
Action
[event_list_show]
Upcoming Group Departures
Start Date - End Date
Tour Operator
Availability
Action
Price
Private group Tours
Arrange a private group tour and have the flexibility to customise the itinerary based on your interests, schedule and budget. Contact us today!
