Mount Hayes
Mountain Remote Alaska Range peak noted for huge relief
In eastern Alaska, Mount Hayes challenges climbers with steep faces and glaciated approaches. Its remote location attracts experienced alpinists seeking long, technical ascents away from developed base camps.
Mount Hayes is a major, remote mountain in the eastern Alaska Range with a summit roughly 4,217 metres (13,832 feet) above sea level. The peak is notable for its large, glaciated faces and long approaches.
The mountain is primarily visited by experienced mountaineers; routes involve glacier travel, crevasse navigation and long, committing climbs. Weather and remoteness make climbs logistically challenging and objective hazards significant.
Mount Hayes sits in interior eastern Alaska within a rugged subrange known as the Hayes Range, surrounded by glaciers and alpine terrain.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is approximately 4,217 metres (13,832 feet), making it the highest peak of the Hayes Range.
How to Get to Mount Hayes #
Mount Hayes is a remote Alaskan peak with no direct road access. Reaching mountaineering approaches normally requires a flight by bush plane or helicopter to a glacier or remote base camp followed by long glacier travel; there are no regular road or ferry services to the mountain itself. The peak is approached from remote valleys and is commonly accessed via air support from larger Alaskan hubs.
Because of its remoteness, arrangements are typically made through experienced Alaska guide services or air-taxi operators based in the region.
Tips for Visiting Mount Hayes #
- Mount Hayes is a remote, technical Alaskan peak that requires a true expedition mindset - expect long glacier travel, complex route-finding, and the need for crevasse-rescue skills and alpine experience.
- Most ascents require a multi-day approach and often a bush-plane drop or long ski/sled approach; plan logistics well in advance, carry reliable communication, and be prepared for self-supported travel in changing Alaskan weather.
- The ideal climbing window is late spring to early summer when daylight is long and snow conditions are generally more stable; even then, weather and objective hazards can dictate long waits, so build flexibility into your schedule.
Best Time to Visit Mount Hayes #
Best attempted in late spring to early summer when daylight is long and conditions are most favorable for glacier travel; otherwise it is a remote, technical Alaskan peak.
Weather & Climate near Mount Hayes #
Mount Hayes'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 -25°C to 1°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -23°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -21°C and lows of -25°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -22°C. The driest month with just 11 mm.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with 97 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -23°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -21°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
