The Ascent of Denali (Mount McKinley) A Narrative of the First Complete Ascent of the Highest Peak in North America

In this vivid chronicle, a devoted explorer recounts his daring 1913 expedition to the summit of North America’s highest peak. From the moment the party sets foot on the rugged Yukon foothills, the narrative immerses listeners in the stark beauty of frozen lakes, glacial rivers and endless tundra, while also revealing the deep respect the climbers hold for the land’s original peoples and their names for the mountain.

The ascent itself unfolds as a relentless test of endurance: treacherous icefalls, soaring crevasses and unpredictable weather push the team to their limits. Along the way, the author interweaves scientific observations with personal reflections, offering a rare glimpse into early 20th‑century mountaineering and the cultural clash surrounding the mountain’s naming. Listeners will feel the cold wind on their faces and hear the echo of distant native chants, as the story captures both the triumph of human spirit and the timeless grandeur of the Alaskan wilderness.