Explore US map showing mountain ranges located in the United States, it is home to several major mountain ranges, each with distinct features and geological significance. The Rocky Mountains, stretching over 3,000 miles from Canada to New Mexico, are known for their stunning peaks and diverse wildlife. The Appalachian Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, extend from Canada to Alabama and are famed for their rich biodiversity and the scenic Appalachian Trail. The Sierra Nevada, located in California and Nevada, houses the highest peak in the contiguous US, Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet. The Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest is noted for its volcanic activity, with Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier being prominent peaks. These mountain ranges not only offer recreational opportunities but also play crucial roles in the climate, water resources, and ecosystems of their regions.
Explore US Mountain Ranges Map showing all the mountain ranges and major mountain peaks in United States of America.
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Methods to Measure the Summit of a Mountain or Hill
A summit's characteristics are quantified through three distinct topographic measurements, each providing unique insights into its geographical and physical significance. These measurements include topographic elevation, topographic prominence, and topographic isolation. Below, we explore these metrics in detail with examples and rankings of significant summits in the United States.
Topographic Elevation
The topographic elevation of a summit measures its height above geodetic sea level. This metric determines the absolute vertical position of a summit and is commonly used to rank mountains. For instance:
Mount Denali: Located in Alaska, it is the highest peak in the United States, with an elevation of 20,310 feet (6,190 meters).
Mount Whitney: Situated in California, this summit reaches an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 meters).
The table below ranks the 100 highest major summits in the United States by elevation, highlighting their impressive heights.
Topographic Prominence
Topographic prominence measures how much a summit rises above its surrounding terrain. It is a critical indicator of a mountain's visual and geographical dominance. For example:
Mount Rainier: Located in Washington, it has a prominence of 13,211 feet (4,027 meters), making it the most prominent summit in the contiguous United States.
Mount Denali: With a prominence of 20,146 feet (6,144 meters), it is also the most prominent peak in North America.
The second table ranks the 50 most prominent summits in the United States, providing a clearer understanding of their dominance over surrounding landscapes.
Topographic Isolation
Topographic isolation, also known as the radius of dominance, measures the distance to the nearest point of equal elevation. This metric illustrates the remoteness and unique positioning of a summit. Examples include:
Mount Denali: With an isolation of over 4,600 miles (7,402 kilometers), it is one of the most isolated summits in the world.
Mount Whitney: Its isolation is approximately 1,647 miles (2,651 kilometers), emphasizing its significance in the Sierra Nevada range.
The third table ranks the 50 most isolated major summits in the United States, showcasing their distinct geographic locations.
The Hundred highest summits of USA with at least Five Hundred meters of Topographic Prominence
The United States is home to numerous towering summits that define its diverse topography. Among the 100 highest major summits, Denali stands out as the only peak exceeding 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) in elevation. Four summits surpass 5,000 meters (16,404 feet), and all 100 peaks rise above 4,012 meters (13,163 feet), making them some of the most prominent and awe-inspiring landscapes in the nation.
Geographic Distribution of the 100 Highest Summits
The distribution of the 100 highest major summits reveals the geographical diversity of the United States. These peaks are spread across several states, reflecting the varied topography of the country:
Colorado: 53 summits, predominantly located in the Rocky Mountains.
Alaska: 23 summits, including the 10 highest peaks in the United States.
California: 14 summits, mostly situated in the Sierra Nevada range.
Wyoming: 5 summits, mainly in the Wind River Range and the Teton Range.
Hawaiʻi: 2 summits, with volcanic peaks such as Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
Washington, Utah, and New Mexico: 1 summit each, representing unique high-altitude features in these states.
International Borders and Unique Features
A few of these summits are notable for their location along international boundaries:
Five summits are located on the border between Alaska and Yukon in Canada.
One summit is situated on the border between Alaska and British Columbia.
The Ten Highest Summits
All ten of the highest major summits in the United States are located in Alaska, underscoring the state's prominence in hosting the nation's tallest peaks. These include:
Denali: The highest peak in North America at 6,190 meters (20,310 feet).
Other notable peaks such as Mount Saint Elias, Mount Foraker, and Mount Bona, all exceeding 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).
Rank
Mountain peak
Mountain range
State
Elevation
Isolation
Prominence
1
Denali
Alaska Range
Alaska
20,310 ft (6190.5 m)
7,450.24
20,146 ft (6141 m)
2
Mount Saint Elias
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, Yukon
18,009 ft (5489 m)
25.6 mi (41.3 km)
11,250 ft (3429 m)
3
Mount Foraker
Alaska Range
Alaska
17,400 ft (5304 m)
14.27 mi (23 km)
7,250 ft (2210 m)
4
Mount Bona
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska
16,550 ft (5044 m)
49.7 mi (80 km)
6,900 ft (2103 m)
5
Mount Blackburn
Wrangell Mountains
Alaska
16,390 ft (4996 m)
60.7 mi (97.6 km)
11,640 ft (3548 m)
6
Mount Sanford
Wrangell Mountains
Alaska
16,237 ft (4949 m)
40.3 mi (64.8 km)
7,687 ft (2343 m)
7
Mount Fairweather (Fairweather Mountain)
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, British Columbia
15,325 ft (4671 m)
124.4 mi (200 km)
12,995 ft (3961 m)
8
Mount Hubbard
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, Yukon
14,951 ft (4557 m)
21.3 mi (34.4 km)
8,061 ft (2457 m)
9
Mount Bear
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska
14,831 ft (4520 m)
20.1 mi (32.4 km)
5,054 ft (1540 m)
10
Mount Hunter
Alaska Range
Alaska
14,573 ft (4442 m)
6.88 mi (11.07 km)
4,653 ft (1418 m)
11
Mount Whitney
Sierra Nevada
California
14,505 ft (4421 m)
2,649.47
10,080 ft (3072 m)
12
Mount Alverstone (Boundary Point 180)
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, Yukon
14,500 ft (4420 m)
2.25 mi (3.62 km)
1,950 ft (594 m)
13
University Peak
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska
14,470 ft (4410 m)
3.71 mi (5.97 km)
3,210 ft (978 m)
14
Mount Elbert
Sawatch Range
Colorado
14,440 ft (4401.2 m)
1,079.15
9,093 ft (2772 m)
15
Mount Massive
Sawatch Range
Colorado
14,428 ft (4398 m)
5.06 mi (8.14 km)
1,961 ft (598 m)
16
Mount Harvard
Sawatch Range
Colorado
14,421 ft (4395.6 m)
14.92 mi (24 km)
2,360 ft (719 m)
17
Mount Rainier
Cascade Range
Washington
14,417 ft (4394 m)
731 mi (1,177 km)
13,210 ft (4026 m)
18
Mount Williamson
Sierra Nevada
California
14,379 ft (4383 m)
5.41 mi (8.7 km)
1,676 ft (511 m)
19
Blanca Peak
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Colorado
14,351 ft (4374 m)
103.4 mi (166.4 km)
5,326 ft (1623 m)
20
La Plata Peak
Sawatch Range
Colorado
14,343 ft (4372 m)
6.28 mi (10.11 km)
1,836 ft (560 m)
21
Uncompahgre Peak
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
14,321 ft (4365 m)
85 mi (136.8 km)
4,277 ft (1304 m)
22
Crestone Peak
Sangre de Cristo Range
Colorado
14,300 ft (4359 m)
27.4 mi (44 km)
4,554 ft (1388 m)
23
Mount Lincoln
Mosquito Range
Colorado
14,293 ft (4356.5 m)
22.5 mi (36.2 km)
3,862 ft (1177 m)
24
Castle Peak
Elk Mountains
Colorado
14,279 ft (4352.2 m)
20.9 mi (33.6 km)
2,365 ft (721 m)
25
Grays Peak
Front Range
Colorado
14,278 ft (4352 m)
25 mi (40.2 km)
2,770 ft (844 m)
26
Mount Antero
Sawatch Range
Colorado
14,276 ft (4351.4 m)
17.67 mi (28.4 km)
2,503 ft (763 m)
27
Mount Evans
Front Range
Colorado
14,271 ft (4350 m)
9.79 mi (15.76 km)
2,770 ft (844 m)
28
Longs Peak
Front Range
Colorado
14,259 ft (4346 m)
43.6 mi (70.2 km)
2,940 ft (896 m)
29
Mount Wilson
San Miguel Mountains
Colorado
14,252 ft (4344 m)
33 mi (53.1 km)
4,024 ft (1227 m)
30
White Mountain Peak
White Mountains
California
14,252 ft (4344 m)
67.4 mi (108.6 km)
7,196 ft (2193 m)
31
North Palisade
Sierra Nevada
California
14,248 ft (4343 m)
32.2 mi (51.8 km)
2,894 ft (882 m)
32
Mount Princeton
Sawatch Range
Colorado
14,204 ft (4329.3 m)
5.19 mi (8.36 km)
2,177 ft (664 m)
33
Mount Yale
Sawatch Range
Colorado
14,200 ft (4328.2 m)
5.55 mi (8.93 km)
1,896 ft (578 m)
34
Mount Shasta
Cascade Range
California
14,179 ft (4321.8 m)
335 mi (539 km)
9,772 ft (2979 m)
35
Maroon Peak
Elk Mountains
Colorado
14,163 ft (4317 m)
8.06 mi (12.97 km)
2,336 ft (712 m)
36
Mount Wrangell
Wrangell Mountains
Alaska
14,163 ft (4317 m)
14.79 mi (23.8 km)
5,613 ft (1711 m)
37
Mount Sneffels
Sneffels Range
Colorado
14,158 ft (4315.4 m)
15.71 mi (25.3 km)
3,050 ft (930 m)
38
Capitol Peak
Elk Mountains
Colorado
14,137 ft (4309 m)
7.44 mi (11.98 km)
1,750 ft (533 m)
39
Pikes Peak
Front Range
Colorado
14,115 ft (4302.31 m)
60.6 mi (97.6 km)
5,530 ft (1686 m)
40
Windom Peak
Needle Mountains
Colorado
14,093 ft (4296 m)
26.3 mi (42.4 km)
2,187 ft (667 m)
41
Mount Augusta
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, Yukon
14,070 ft (4289 m)
14.41 mi (23.2 km)
5,082 ft (1549 m)
42
Handies Peak
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
14,058 ft (4284.8 m)
11.18 mi (18 km)
1,908 ft (582 m)
43
Culebra Peak
Culebra Range
Colorado
14,053 ft (4283 m)
35.4 mi (56.9 km)
4,827 ft (1471 m)
44
San Luis Peak
La Garita Mountains
Colorado
14,022 ft (4273.8 m)
26.9 mi (43.4 km)
3,113 ft (949 m)
45
Mount of the Holy Cross
Sawatch Range
Colorado
14,011 ft (4270.5 m)
18.41 mi (29.6 km)
2,113 ft (644 m)
46
Sunshine Peak
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
14,007 ft (4269.5 m)
1.27 mi (2.05 km)
501 ft (153 m)
46
Grizzly Peak
Sawatch Range
Colorado
13,995 ft (4265.6 m)
6.77 mi (10.89 km)
1,928 ft (588 m)
47
Mount Humphreys
Sierra Nevada
California
13,992 ft (4265 m)
14.71 mi (23.7 km)
2,563 ft (781 m)
48
Mount Keith
Sierra Nevada
California
13,982 ft (4262 m)
3.09 mi (4.97 km)
1,936 ft (590 m)
49
Mount Ouray
Sawatch Range
Colorado
13,961 ft (4255.4 m)
13.58 mi (21.9 km)
2,659 ft (810 m)
50
Vermilion Peak
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
13,900 ft (4237 m)
9.07 mi (14.6 km)
2,105 ft (642 m)
51
Atna Peaks
Wrangell Mountains
Alaska
13,860 ft (4225 m)
3.64 mi (5.86 km)
2,210 ft (674 m)
52
Regal Mountain
Wrangell Mountains
Alaska
13,845 ft (4220 m)
12.25 mi (19.72 km)
4,395 ft (1340 m)
53
Mount Darwin
Sierra Nevada
California
13,837 ft (4218 m)
7.13 mi (11.48 km)
1,891 ft (576 m)
54
Mount Hayes
Alaska Range
Alaska
13,832 ft (4216 m)
125.5 mi (202 km)
11,507 ft (3507 m)
55
Mount Silverheels
Front Range
Colorado
13,829 ft (4215 m)
5.48 mi (8.82 km)
2,283 ft (696 m)
56
Rio Grande Pyramid
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
13,827 ft (4214.4 m)
10.76 mi (17.31 km)
1,881 ft (573 m)
57
Gannett Peak
Wind River Range
Wyoming
13,809 ft (4209.1 m)
290 mi (467 km)
7,076 ft (2157 m)
58
Mount Kaweah
Sierra Nevada
California
13,807 ft (4209 m)
10.73 mi (17.27 km)
2,027 ft (618 m)
59
Mauna Kea
Island of Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi
13,803 ft (4207.3 m)
3,947.00
13,803 ft (4207 m)
60
Grand Teton
Teton Range
Wyoming
13,775 ft (4198.7 m)
69.4 mi (111.6 km)
6,545 ft (1995 m)
61
Mount Cook
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, Yukon
13,760 ft (4194 m)
14.54 mi (23.4 km)
7,710 ft (2350 m)
62
Mount Morgan
Sierra Nevada
California
13,758 ft (4193.4 m)
9.86 mi (15.87 km)
2,648 ft (807 m)
63
Fremont Peak
Wind River Range
Wyoming
13,750 ft (4191 m)
64
Mount Gabb
Sierra Nevada
California
13,747 ft (4190 m)
4.28 mi (6.89 km)
2,601 ft (793 m)
65
Bald Mountain
Front Range
Colorado
13,690 ft (4173 m)
7.51 mi (12.09 km)
2,099 ft (640 m)
66
Mount Oso
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
13,690 ft (4173 m)
5.41 mi (8.71 km)
1,664 ft (507 m)
67
Mauna Loa
Island of Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi
13,679 ft (4169 m)
25.4 mi (40.8 km)
7,099 ft (2164 m)
68
Mount Jackson
Sawatch Range
Colorado
13,676 ft (4168.5 m)
3.21 mi (5.16 km)
1,810 ft (552 m)
69
Mount Tom
Sierra Nevada
California
13,657 ft (4163 m)
4.77 mi (7.67 km)
1,992 ft (607 m)
70
Bard Peak
Front Range
Colorado
13,647 ft (4159 m)
5.43 mi (8.74 km)
1,701 ft (518 m)
71
West Spanish Peak
Spanish Peaks
Colorado
13,631 ft (4155 m)
19.87 mi (32 km)
3,686 ft (1123 m)
72
Mount Powell
Gore Range
Colorado
13,586 ft (4141 m)
21.5 mi (34.6 km)
3,000 ft (914 m)
73
Hagues Peak
Mummy Range
Colorado
13,573 ft (4137 m)
15.7 mi (25.3 km)
2,420 ft (738 m)
74
Mount Dubois
White Mountains
California
13,565 ft (4135 m)
9.63 mi (15.5 km)
2,339 ft (713 m)
75
Tower Mountain
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
13,558 ft (4132 m)
4.88 mi (7.86 km)
1,652 ft (504 m)
76
Treasure Mountain
Elk Mountains
Colorado
13,535 ft (4125 m)
6.92 mi (11.13 km)
2,828 ft (862 m)
77
Kings Peak
Uinta Mountains
Utah
13,534 ft (4125 m)
166.6 mi (268 km)
6,358 ft (1938 m)
78
North Arapaho Peak
Front Range
Colorado
13,508 ft (4117 m)
15.38 mi (24.8 km)
1,665 ft (507 m)
79
Mount Pinchot
Sierra Nevada
California
13,500 ft (4115 m)
4.71 mi (7.58 km)
2,110 ft (643 m)
80
Mount Natazhat
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska
13,435 ft (4095 m)
15.49 mi (24.9 km)
5,985 ft (1824 m)
81
Mount Jarvis
Wrangell Mountains
Alaska
13,421 ft (4091 m)
11.15 mi (17.95 km)
4,771 ft (1454 m)
82
Parry Peak
Front Range
Colorado
13,397 ft (4083 m)
9.46 mi (15.22 km)
1,720 ft (524 m)
83
Bill Williams Peak
Williams Mountains
Colorado
13,389 ft (4081 m)
3.72 mi (5.98 km)
1,682 ft (513 m)
84
Sultan Mountain
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
13,373 ft (4076 m)
4.59 mi (7.39 km)
1,868 ft (569 m)
85
Mount Herard
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Colorado
13,345 ft (4068 m)
4.63 mi (7.45 km)
2,040 ft (622 m)
86
West Buffalo Peak
Mosquito Range
Colorado
13,332 ft (4064 m)
9.61 mi (15.46 km)
1,986 ft (605 m)
87
Tressider Peak
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska
13,315 ft (4058 m)
3.32 mi (5.34 km)
1,665 ft (507 m)
88
Summit Peak
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
13,308 ft (4056.2 m)
39.6 mi (63.7 km)
2,760 ft (841 m)
89
Middle Peak
San Miguel Mountains
Colorado
13,306 ft (4056 m)
4.78 mi (7.69 km)
1,960 ft (597 m)
90
Antora Peak
Sawatch Range
Colorado
13,275 ft (4046 m)
6.75 mi (10.86 km)
2,409 ft (734 m)
91
Henry Mountain
Sawatch Range
Colorado
13,261 ft (4042 m)
10.94 mi (17.61 km)
1,674 ft (510 m)
92
Hesperus Mountain
La Plata Mountains
Colorado
13,237 ft (4035 m)
24.5 mi (39.5 km)
2,852 ft (869 m)
93
Mount Silverthrone
Alaska Range
Alaska
13,220 ft (4029 m)
7.9 mi (12.72 km)
3,240 ft (988 m)
94
Jacque Peak
Gore Range
Colorado
13,211 ft (4027 m)
4.52 mi (7.28 km)
2,065 ft (629 m)
95
Bennett Peak
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
13,209 ft (4026 m)
17.08 mi (27.5 km)
1,743 ft (531 m)
96
Wind River Peak
Wind River Range
Wyoming
13,197 ft (4022.4 m)
35.1 mi (56.6 km)
2,572 ft (784 m)
97
Conejos Peak
San Juan Mountains
Colorado
13,179 ft (4017 m)
8.15 mi (13.12 km)
1,912 ft (583 m)
98
Mount Marcus Baker
Chugach Mountains
Alaska
13,176 ft (4016 m)
126.3 mi (203 km)
10,751 ft (3277 m)
99
Cloud Peak
Bighorn Mountains
Wyoming
13,167 ft (4013.3 m)
145 mi (233 km)
7,077 ft (2157 m)
99
Wheeler Peak
Taos Mountains
New Mexico
13,167 ft (4013.3 m)
37 mi (59.6 km)
3,409 ft (1039 m)
100
Francs Peak
Absaroka Range
Wyoming
13,164 ft (4012.3 m)
47.2 mi (76 km)
4,056 ft (1236 m)
Top 50 Topographically Prominent Summits in USA
The 50 most prominent summits in the United States represent a unique measure of a mountain's prominence in relation to its surroundings. Among these peaks, Denali stands out as the only summit exceeding 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) in topographic prominence. These peaks are recognized as ultra-prominent summits due to their significant elevation differences from their base.
Prominence Metrics
The topographic prominence of these 50 summits reveals their substantial height above surrounding terrain:
One summit: Denali exceeds 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).
Three summits: Surpass 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).
The 50 prominent peaks are spread across various states and regions, reflecting the diversity of the U.S. landscape:
Alaska: Home to 27 of these summits, highlighting its rugged terrain and towering peaks.
Washington: Contains five peaks, including Mount Rainier.
California: Also features five peaks, largely in the Sierra Nevada range.
Hawaiʻi: Hosts three volcanic peaks, including Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
Wyoming: Three peaks, including those in the Teton and Wind River Ranges.
Nevada and Oregon: Each state includes two peaks.
Colorado, Utah, and Arizona: Each state is home to one prominent summit.
International Border Peaks
Several of these summits lie on international borders, emphasizing their geographical importance:
Three summits: Located along the border between Alaska and Yukon, Canada.
One summit: Positioned on the border between Alaska and British Columbia.
Rank
Mountain peak
Mountain range
State
Elevation in Feets
Elevation in Meters
Prominence in Feets
Prominence in Meters
1
Denali
Alaska Range
Alaska
20,310
6,191
20,146
6,141
2
Mauna Kea
Island of Hawaiʻi
Hawaii
13,803
4,207
13,803
4,207
3
Mount Rainier
Cascade Range
Washington
14,417
4,394
13,210
4,026
4
Mount Fairweather
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, British Columbia
15,325
4,671
12,995
3,961
5
Mount Blackburn
Wrangell Mountains
Alaska
16,390
4,996
11,640
3,548
6
Mount Hayes
Alaska Range
Alaska
13,832
4,216
11,507
3,507
7
Mount Saint Elias
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, Yukon
18,009
5,489
11,250
3,429
8
Mount Marcus Baker
Chugach Mountains
Alaska
13,176
4,016
10,751
3,277
9
Mount Whitney
Sierra Nevada
California
14,505
4,421
10,080
3,072
10
Haleakalā
Island of Maui
Hawaiʻi
10,023
3,055
10,023
3,055
11
Mount Shasta
Cascade Range
California
14,179
4,322
9,772
2,979
12
Shishaldin Volcano
Unimak Island
Alaska
9,414
2,869
9,414
2,869
13
Redoubt Volcano
Chigmit Mountains
Alaska
10,197
3,108
9,147
2,788
14
Mount Elbert
Sawatch Range
Colorado
14,440
4,401
9,093
2,772
15
Mount Baker
Skagit Range
Washington
10,786
3,287
8,845
2,696
16
Mount Torbert
Alaska Range
Alaska
11,413
3,479
8,688
2,648
17
San Jacinto Peak
San Jacinto Mountains
California
10,834
3,302
8,339
2,542
18
San Gorgonio Mountain
San Bernardino Mountains
California
11,503
3,506
8,294
2,528
19
Charleston Peak (Mount Charleston)
Spring Mountains
Nevada
11,916
3,632
8,258
2,517
20
Mount Pavlof
Alaska Peninsula
Alaska
8,250
2,515
8,200
2,499
20
Mount Veniaminof
Alaska Peninsula
Alaska
8,225
2,507
8,200
2,499
22
Mount Adams
Cascade Range
Washington
12,281
3,743
8,136
2,480
23
Mount Hubbard
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, Yukon
14,951
4,557
8,061
2,457
24
Mount Isto
Brooks Range
Alaska
8,976
2,736
7,901
2,408
25
Iliamna Volcano
Chigmit Mountains
Alaska
10,016
3,053
7,866
2,398
26
Mount Olympus
Olympic Mountains
Washington
7,980
2,432
7,838
2,389
27
Mount Cook
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, Yukon
13,760
4,194
7,710
2,350
28
Mount Hood
Cascade Range
Oregon
11,249
3,429
7,706
2,349
29
Mount Sanford
Wrangell Mountains
Alaska
16,237
4,949
7,687
2,343
30
Mount Tom White
Chugach Mountains
Alaska
11,191
3,411
7,641
2,329
31
Wheeler Peak
Snake Range
Nevada
13,065
3,982
7,568
2,307
32
Glacier Peak
Cascade Range
Washington
10,545
3,214
7,518
2,291
33
Mount Kimball
Alaska Range
Alaska
10,350
3,155
7,425
2,263
34
Mount Griggs
Alaska Peninsula
Alaska
7,650
2,332
7,300
2,225
35
Mount Foraker
Alaska Range
Alaska
17,400
5,304
7,250
2,210
36
White Mountain Peak
White Mountains
California
14,252
4,344
7,196
2,193
37
Mount Crillon
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska
12,726
3,879
7,176
2,187
38
Mauna Loa
Island of Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi
13,679
4,169
7,099
2,164
39
Cloud Peak
Bighorn Mountains
Wyoming
13,167
4,013
7,077
2,157
40
Gannett Peak
Wind River Range
Wyoming
13,809
4,209
7,076
2,157
41
Mount Vsevidof
Umnak Island
Alaska
7,051
2,149
7,051
2,149
42
Mount Hesperus
Alaska Range
Alaska
9,828
2,996
6,978
2,127
43
Mount Bona
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska
16,550
5,044
6,900
2,103
44
Mount Drum
Wrangell Mountains
Alaska
12,010
3,661
6,760
2,060
45
Mount Chiginagak
Aleutian Range
Alaska
6,925
2,111
6,675
2,035
46
Grand Teton
Teton Range
Wyoming
13,775
4,199
6,545
1,995
47
Sacajawea Peak
Wallowa Mountains
Oregon
9,843
3,000
6,393
1,949
48
Mount Neacola
Aleutian Range
Alaska
9,426
2,873
6,376
1,943
49
Kings Peak
Uinta Mountains
Utah
13,534
4,125
6,358
1,938
50
Mount Graham
Pinaleño Mountains
Arizona
10,724
3,269
6,340
1,932
Top 50 Topographically Isolated Summits in USA
Of the 50 most isolated major summits in the United States, only Denali exceeds 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) of topographic isolation, making it the most isolated summit in the nation. Mauna Kea follows with an isolation of over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), and Mount Whitney surpasses 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles). Additionally:
Seven peaks: Have isolations greater than 1,000 kilometers (621.4 miles).
12 peaks: Exceed 500 kilometers (310.7 miles).
44 peaks: Surpass 200 kilometers (124.3 miles).
All 50 peaks: Are more than 160 kilometers (99.42 miles) away from another summit of equal elevation.
Geographic Distribution
The geographic distribution of these isolated summits highlights the diverse topography of the United States:
18 summits: Located in Alaska, showcasing the state's vast and rugged landscapes.
Four summits: Found in California, including peaks in the Sierra Nevada.
Three summits: Situated in Washington, home to iconic peaks such as Mount Rainier.
Two summits each: Found in Hawaiʻi, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New York, and Oregon.
One summit each: Located in North Carolina, New Hampshire, Arkansas, West Virginia, New Mexico, Maine, Idaho, South Dakota, and Montana.
International Border Summit
Among these 50 peaks, one summit lies on the international border between Alaska and British Columbia, highlighting its geographical significance.
Rank
Mountain peak
Mountain range
State
Isolation
Elevation in Feets
Elevation in Meters
Prominence in Feets
Prominence in Meters
1
Denali
Alaska Range
Alaska
7,450
20,310
6,191
20,146
6,141
2
Mauna Kea
Island of Hawaii
Hawaiʻi
3,947
13,803
4,207
13,803
4,207
3
Mount Whitney
Sierra Nevada
California
2,649
14,505
4,421
10,080
3,072
4
Mount Mitchell
Blue Ridge Mountains
North Carolina
1,913
6,684
2,037
6,092
1,857
5
Mount Washington
White Mountains
New Hampshire
1,319
6,288
1,917
6,158
1,877
6
Mount Rainier
Cascade Range
Washington
1,177
14,417
4,394
13,210
4,026
7
Mount Elbert
Sawatch Range
Colorado
1,079
14,440
4,401
9,093
2,772
8
Shishaldin Volcano
Unimak Island
Alaska
545 mi, 877 km
9,414
2,869
9,414
2,869
9
Tanaga Volcano
Tanaga Island
Alaska
407 mi, 656 km
5,925
1,806
5,925
1,806
10
Mount Isto
Brooks Range
Alaska
394 mi, 634 km
8,976
2,736
7,901
2,408
11
Signal Hill (Mount Magazine)
Ouachita Mountains
Arkansas
381 mi, 613 km
2,753
839
2,143
653
12
Mount Shasta
Cascade Range
California
335 mi, 539 km
14,179
4,322
9,772
2,979
13
Gannett Peak
Wind River Range
Wyoming
290 mi, 467 km
13,809
4,209
7,076
2,157
14
Mount Osborn
Seward Peninsula
Alaska
282 mi, 453 km
4,714
1,437
4,377
1,334
15
Mount Igikpak
Brooks Range
Alaska
282 mi, 453 km
8,276
2,523
6,126
1,867
16
Humphreys Peak
San Francisco Peaks
Arizona
246 mi, 396 km
12,637
3,852
6,039
1,841
17
Wheeler Peak
Snake Range
Nevada
232 mi, 373 km
13,065
3,982
7,568
2,307
18
Mount Vsevidof
Umnak Island
Alaska
223 mi, 358 km
7,051
2,149
7,051
2,149
19
Mount Veniaminof
Alaska Peninsula
Alaska
209 mi, 337 km
8,225
2,507
8,200
2,499
20
Kawaikini
Island of Kauaʻi
Hawaiʻi
204 mi, 328 km
5,243
1,598
5,243
1,598
21
Hall Island high point
Hall Island
Alaska
192.9 mi, 310 km
1,665
507
1,665
507
22
Kuskokwim high point
Kuskokwim Mountains
Alaska
191.6 mi, 308 km
5,250
1,600
4,475
1,364
23
Spruce Knob
Allegheny Mountains
West Virginia
175.4 mi, 282 km
4,863
1,482
2,791
851
24
Kings Peak
Uinta Mountains
Utah
166.6 mi, 268 km
13,534
4,125
6,358
1,938
25
Sierra Blanca Peak
Sacramento Mountains
New Mexico
165.7 mi, 267 km
11,981
3,652
5,553
1,693
26
San Gorgonio Mountain
San Bernardino Mountains
California
162.5 mi, 262 km
11,503
3,506
8,294
2,528
27
Katahdin
Longfellow Mountains
Maine
158.3 mi, 255 km
5,270
1,606
4,293
1,309
28
Peak 4030
Nulato Hills
Alaska
158.2 mi, 255 km
4,030
1,228
1,640
500
29
Mount Baldy
White Mountains
Arizona
154 mi, 248 km
11,409
3,477
4,728
1,441
30
Borah Peak
Lost River Range
Idaho
150.8 mi, 243 km
12,668
3,861
6,002
1,829
31
Cloud Peak
Bighorn Mountains
Wyoming
145 mi, 233 km
13,167
4,013
7,077
2,157
32
Black Elk Peak (Harney Peak)
Black Hills
South Dakota
140.2 mi, 226 km
7,244
2,208
2,932
894
33
Slide Mountain
Catskill Mountains
New York
136.4 mi, 220 km
4,180
1,274
3,295
1,004
34
Mount Griggs
Alaska Peninsula
Alaska
135.4 mi, 218 km
7,650
2,332
7,300
2,225
35
Charleston Peak (Mount Charleston)
Spring Mountains
Nevada
135.1 mi, 218 km
11,916
3,632
8,258
2,517
36
Junipero Serra Peak
Santa Lucia Range
California
131.8 mi, 212 km
5,865
1,788
4,447
1,355
37
Mount Baker
Skagit Range
Washington
131.5 mi, 212 km
10,786
3,287
8,845
2,696
38
Mount Marcy
Adirondack Mountains
New York
129.6 mi, 209 km
5,343
1,629
4,919
1,499
39
Mount Marcus Baker
Chugach Mountains
Alaska
126.3 mi, 203 km
13,176
4,016
10,751
3,277
40
Mount Hayes
Alaska Range
Alaska
125.5 mi, 202 km
13,832
4,216
11,507
3,507
41
Sacajawea Peak
Wallowa Mountains
Oregon
125.5 mi, 202 km
9,843
3,000
6,393
1,949
42
Steens Mountain
Steens Mountain
Oregon
124.7 mi, 201 km
9,738
2,968
4,383
1,336
43
Mount Fairweather
Saint Elias Mountains
Alaska, British Columbia
124.4 mi, 200 km
15,325
4,671
12,995
3,961
44
Tooth Benchmark
Saint Lawrence Island
Alaska
112.5 mi, 181.1 km
2,207
673
2,207
673
45
Delano Peak
Tushar Mountains
Utah
112.1 mi, 180.5 km
12,174
3,711
4,709
1,435
46
Mount Olympus
Olympic Mountains
Washington
108 mi, 173.7 km
7,980
2,432
7,838
2,389
47
Black Mountain
Brooks Range
Alaska
103.5 mi ,166.6 km
5,020
1,530
3,346
1,020
48
Blanca Peak
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Colorado
103.4 mi, 166.4 km
14,351
4,374
5,326
1,623
49
Mount Tozi
Ray Mountains
Alaska
99.5 mi, 160.1 km
5,519
1,682
4,169
1,271
50
Mount Cleveland
Lewis Range
Montana
99.4 mi, 159.9 km
10,479
3,194
5,246
1,599
Mountain Ranges in the United States
The United States boasts several prominent mountain ranges, each offering unique landscapes and ecological significance.
The Rocky Mountains extend over 3,000 miles from Canada to New Mexico, featuring rugged peaks, alpine forests, and diverse wildlife. Notable peaks include Mount Elbert in Colorado, the highest point in the Rockies at 14,440 feet.
The Appalachian Mountains, among the oldest mountain ranges globally, run from Canada to Alabama. They are renowned for their rich biodiversity and scenic trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail which spans approximately 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine.
The Sierra Nevada range, located in California and Nevada, is home to the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, which stands at 14,505 feet. This range is also known for its stunning granite cliffs, clear mountain lakes, and the iconic Yosemite National Park.
The Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest is notable for its volcanic activity. Peaks like Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Mount Hood are part of this range. Mount Rainier, at 14,411 feet, is the highest peak in the Cascades and an active volcano.
The Alaska Range, including Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet, offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the United States. This range is known for its extreme weather and vast glaciers.
The Adirondack Mountains in New York are part of the larger Appalachian system but are unique due to their dome-like shape, formed by uplift rather than folding. Mount Marcy, the highest peak in the Adirondacks, reaches 5,344 feet.
Each of these mountain ranges contributes to the diverse topography of the United States, providing habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna and offering numerous recreational opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. They play crucial roles in regional climates and water resources, making them vital to both the environment and human activity.
