Rescuers are working to reach four climbers who fell on Alaska's Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America, according to the National Park Service on Thursday. The climbers' conditions remain unknown after the incident, which was reported overnight to rangers at Denali National Park and Preserve. Rangers are awaiting a favorable weather window to access the area by helicopter, the agency stated.
The four climbers were part of a seven-person team. The three other members of the group attended to those who fell before returning to camp, the statement said. The fall occurred near Denali Pass, at an elevation of approximately 18,200 feet (5,547 meters). The climbers were later moved to a high camp area around 17,000 feet (5,181 meters). Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, stands at about 20,310 feet (6,190 meters).
Risky Terrain on Denali
According to the park, numerous climbing injuries and fatalities have occurred on the traverse between high camp and Denali Pass over the years, primarily due to unprotected falls. Park rangers and mountain guides routinely install and maintain snow pickets—used to build anchors for extra protection on steep slopes—along this route. However, climbers are advised to carry their own pickets in case the installed protection is missing or buried under snow.
The park service noted that weather conditions on the mountain were improving and should soon allow helicopter operations. The agency did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
Climbing Season and Recent Incidents
The typical climbing season for Mount McKinley runs from late April to mid-July. It is unclear how many climbers are currently on the mountain. In a separate incident on Wednesday, two climbers were evacuated from the mountain by helicopter around 11 p.m., but the park service provided no further details.
