West Buttress: The West Buttress route was pioneered in 1951 by Dr. Bradford Washburn. A steady and gradual ascent over a period of days is undertaken with emphasis on proper acclimatization for team members. It is not considered a highly technical climb, because there is no rock or vertical ice climbing on the route. Rather, it is the physical environment that presents much of the challenge of climbing Denali: miles of heavily glaciated terrain, extremes of temperature and weather, climbing and camping at altitude and familiarization with accompanying skills. In addition to extensive glacier travel on the lower mountain, many of Denali’s steeper slopes above 15,000’ may have fixed rope in place to climb with mechanical ascenders.

West Buttress Expedition  $4,895

West Rib: A beautiful line of ascent with technical climbing at altitude, the West Rib offers the qualified applicant an exciting alternative on Denali.  Slope angles vary from forty to sixty degrees throughout the length of the route.  The expedition will be staffed with one RMI guide for every two climbers.  Experience with altitude and technical climbing is required for this expedition.  Upon review of your climbing resume, West Rib lead guide, Casey Grom, will contact you directly.

West Rib Expedition  $6,250

Custom Expedition: To maximize your mountain experience, consider arranging a custom adventure to Mount McKinley with your own group and the guide of your choice. Whether it is your family, corporate team, friends or you alone, a custom climb allows you to design a trip that best fits your schedule and goals along with receiving exceptional personal attention from your guide. Please contact the RMI office for additional details.

Applicants should be confident with their physical conditioning. The combination of fierce weather, high altitude and heavy loads carried (60+ lbs.) require being in top shape and great health.

McKinley Calendar                          McKinley Registration Form