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Paxson Woelber CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Mount Foraker

Mountain

Neighbor to Denali in Alaska's central Alaska Range, Mount Foraker is a technical 17,000-foot peak sought by experienced climbers. Routes cross glaciers and require alpine skills; the massif dominates panoramas from the Denali National Park corridor.

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In this guide

Mount Foraker essentials

Address: Mount Foraker, Denali Borough, Alaska, USA
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About Mount Foraker

Mount Foraker is a major peak in the central Alaska Range located within Denali National Park and Preserve. It rises to about 5,304 m (17,400 ft) and forms a prominent, heavily glaciated massif near other high Alaska Range summits.

The mountain is noted for steep, technical routes and extensive glaciers on its flanks, making it a serious objective for experienced mountaineers rather than casual hikers. Climbs require glacier travel, crevasse navigation, and sustained alpine technical climbing over long approaches.

Foraker is a natural alpine feature of the Alaska Range; it is not a constructed site and has been shaped by glaciation and tectonic uplift. Over time its glaciers and faces have been the focus of exploratory and technical climbs.

Geographically the peak sits in the central Alaska Range within Denali National Park and Preserve in southern central Alaska. It lies among the high massif region of the park and is reachable only by extended backcountry approaches or air support.

  • Elevation: Elevation 5,304 m (17,400 ft).
  • Access: Located inside Denali National Park and Preserve; access is remote and typically involves glacier travel and multi-day approaches.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mount Foraker

Climbs are typically attempted in late spring to early summer; expect glaciated approaches and extended self-sufficiency.

Climbing season
May-July · -15-0°C (5-32°F) near summit
Long daylight and more stable windows for alpine climbing.

Weather & Climate near Mount Foraker

Climate

Mount Foraker's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -27°C to -7°C. Moderate rainfall (757 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
-7°
Warmest Month
-27°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -20° - -15° -32° 47 mm - - 11.9 m/s - -
February - -18° - -14° -28° 62 mm - - 8.6 m/s - -
March - -27° - -26° -39° 60 mm - - 6.7 m/s - -
April - -26° - -25° -38° 34 mm - - 6.8 m/s - -
May - -18° - -17° -29° 22 mm - - 6.9 m/s - -
June - -13° - -10° -22° 104 mm - - 8.9 m/s - -
July - -11° - -7° -19° 118 mm - - 9.0 m/s - -
August - -11° - -9° -20° 108 mm - - 9.3 m/s - -
September - -15° - -14° -26° 63 mm - - 10.3 m/s - -
October - -24° - -17° -34° 36 mm - - 9.5 m/s - -
November - -23° - -17° -34° 49 mm - - 10.0 m/s - -
December - -20° - -14° -31° 54 mm - - 12.6 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mount Foraker

Approaches begin from the Talkeetna area or via long glacier flights that deposit parties on nearby icefields. Most expeditions involve aircraft support and are organized by experienced Alaskan guide services.

Tips for Visiting Mount Foraker

  • Prepare for long approaches and glacier travel - Mount Foraker is remote and technical.
  • Use Talkeetna or Willow as logistical bases and hire AMGA-certified guides for serious routes.
  • Monitor weather carefully - Alaska's ranges develop storms rapidly and rescues are difficult and expensive.