Mount Isto

Mountain Highest peak of Alaska's Brooks Range

In the Brooks Range Mount Isto ranks among the range’s highest peaks; its appeal lies in remote alpine routes, Arctic wilderness expeditions and technical climbs far from roads.

Main image

Mount Isto is a mountain in the northern Brooks Range of Alaska. Modern geodetic surveys have identified it as the highest peak in the Brooks Range.

The mountain sits in remote Arctic alpine terrain; approaches require long overland routes or air support and conditions are typically alpine and glaciated. It is primarily of interest to mountaineers and scientific teams rather than casual tourists.

Located in northern Alaska’s Brooks Range, the peak is distant from major settlements and is approached from remote staging points.

  • Brooks Range high point: Identified by modern surveys as the highest peak in Alaska's Brooks Range, a result that updated previous peak rankings following high-precision measurements.
  • Remoteness: Extremely remote alpine terrain requiring technical travel and logistical support for approaches and climbs.
Mount Isto
69.2024, -143.8021
Free (no formal visitor facilities)

How to Get to Mount Isto #

Access to the Brooks Range generally requires chartered flights to regional bush strips, then overland travel by guide and specialist equipment. Common staging points include Fairbanks and regional bush air services; travel plans should be made with experienced polar outfitters.

Tips for Visiting Mount Isto #

  • This Arctic peak is extremely remote-travelers require serious polar logistics and permission from relevant Alaskan authorities.
  • Monitor USGS and NPS advisories for Arctic access and wildlife safety information.
  • Visit only with experienced Arctic operators who provide appropriate survival equipment and trained guides.

Best Time to Visit Mount Isto #

Accessible only in summer and only with specialist logistics due to extreme remoteness and Arctic conditions.

Arctic summer
June-August · 0-8°C (32-46°F)
The only practical window for access; continuous daylight but unpredictable weather.

Weather & Climate near Mount Isto #

Climate

Mount Isto's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -33°C to 4°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
Warmest Month
-33°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -22°C and lows of -30°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-26°
Feels Like Freezing
-26°C
Temperature
-30° -22°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -21°C and lows of -29°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-25°
Feels Like Freezing
-25°C
Temperature
-29° -21°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is the coldest month with highs of -27°C and lows of -33°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-30°
Feels Like Freezing
-30°C
Temperature
-33° -27°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of -21°C and lows of -28°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

-24°
Feels Like Freezing
-24°C
Temperature
-28° -21°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -14°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -10°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with 53 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-10° -6°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -22°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-18°
Feels Like Freezing
-18°C
Temperature
-22° -14°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -28°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-24°
Feels Like Freezing
-24°C
Temperature
-28° -20°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-24°
Feels Like Freezing
-24°C
Temperature
-28° -20°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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