Mount McKinley

From ArticleWorld

Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, is in Alaska and, standing at approximately 20,320 feet (6,194 meters), is the highest point in North America. It is more commonly known by natives of the area as Denali and is the focus point of Denali National Park. The State of Alaska recognizes Denali, meaning "the great one" in the Dena’ina language, as the official name for the mountain peak.

The mountain officially received the name Mount McKinley in 1897. It was named by, Willaim Dickey, a gold prospector, after United States president, William McKinley. The man named it after McKinely as an act of opposition towards those who wanted the silver dollar to be made standard. Several attempts have been made to switch the official name of the mountain back to Denali nationwide because Indian-rights activists and mountain communities both prefer the name. However, none of these campaigns have ever passed in Congress.

In 1903, Frederick Cook claimed to have made the first full ascent of the mountain, but that climb was later proved false. The first real ascent was led by Hudson Stuck on June 7, 1913. Barbara Washburn became the first woman to ever reach the summit in 1947. Today many people still try to conquer Mt. McKinley; approximately 1,000 people attempt the climb each climbimg season. Out of these climbers, an average 500 make it and, on average, three die. The climbing season starts in April and lasts through July. There are about 30 climbing routes and the hike is approximately 46 miles round trip.

Because of its extreme northern location and outstanding height, Mount McKinley has one of the coldest average summit temperatures of any other mountain range, except for Antarctic peaks. Tmperatures on the summit are below zero degrees Fahrenheit almost year round and bitterly cold winds blow constantly.