Mount Johnson (Alaska)
Mount Johnson is an 8,400+ ft (2,560+ m) mountain summit located in the Alaska Range, in Denali National Park and Preserve, in Alaska, United States. It is situated on the west side of the Ruth Gorge, 15 mi (24 km) southeast of Denali and 6 mi (10 km) south-southwest of The Moose's Tooth. Its nearest higher peak is Mount Wake, 0.69 miles (1.11 km) to the northwest. Despite its relatively low elevation, it is notable for its north face with over 4,000 feet of vertical sheer granite with climbing routes called the Escalator and Stairway to Heaven.[2] The first ascent of the peak was made in 1979 by Gary Bocarde, Charlie Head, John Lee, and Jon Thomas via the south ridge.[3] The mountain was named by famed explorer Dr. Frederick Cook who claimed the first ascent of Mount McKinley in 1906, but was later disproved.[4]
| Mount Johnson | |
|---|---|
 Aerial view of Mount Johnson | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,400+ ft (2,560+ m) [1] |
| Prominence | 1,150 ft (350 m) [1] |
| Coordinates | 62°53′41″N 150°42′28″W [1] |
| Geography | |
  Mount Johnson Location of Mt. Johnson in Alaska | |
| Location | Denali National Park and Preserve Matanuska-Susitna Borough Alaska, United States |
| Parent range | Alaska Range |
| Topo map | USGS Talkeetna D-2 |
| Geology | |
| Type of rock | Granite |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1979 |
Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Johnson is located in an alpine climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers.[5] Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.
References
- "Mount Johnson". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
- https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/ams2014.htm
- http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12199607100/The-Elevator-Shaft-A-Wild-Ride-to-the-Summit-of-Mount-Johnson
- http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12198052500/North-America-United-States-Alaska-Four-Ascents-in-the-Great-Gorge-of-the-Ruth-Glacier
- Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L. & McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification". Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 11: 1633–1644. ISSN 1027-5606.
External links
- NOAA weather: Talkeetna
- Localized weather: Mountain Forecast
- YouTube: First ascent of Stairway to Heaven route
- Mts Johnson and Wake: Flickr
