Three climbers died and a fourth was rescued after falling near Denali Pass on Alaska's Mount McKinley, the National Park Service confirmed Friday. The four were members of a Latvian mountaineering expedition that fell Wednesday while traversing an exposed section of North America's tallest peak at approximately 18,200 feet above sea level.
The seven-person team was attempting the West Buttress route, the most popular path to the summit, when the fall occurred near Denali Pass—a section known for its dangerous terrain where many climbing injuries and fatalities have happened over the years. The three other members of the group tended to those who fell before returning to camp, according to park officials.
The rescued climber was brought off the mountain by Denali National Park and Preserve search and rescue personnel late Thursday afternoon. Two additional climbers not part of the incident group were evacuated by helicopter Wednesday.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators and some Republican lawmakers argued that climbers accept personal responsibility when attempting dangerous ascents. Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado wrote on social media that "Mount McKinley is one of the most dangerous peaks in the world—and those who climb it understand the risks."
The American Alpine Club emphasized that climbing safety ultimately rests with individual expedition leaders and their teams. The organization has advocated for voluntary safety standards rather than additional federal regulations, arguing that mandatory requirements could limit access to public lands.
Some Republican lawmakers have opposed increased funding for National Park Service rescue operations, saying such costs should be borne by climbers through user fees or private insurance rather than taxpayers. Senator Mike Lee of Utah has argued that park visitors should cover the full cost of their recreation, including emergency services.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive advocacy groups focused on public lands said the tragedy highlights the need for increased safety measures on federal wilderness areas. The Sierra Club issued a statement saying that while mountaineering carries inherent risks, the National Park Service should ensure adequate rescue resources are available for climbers in distress.
Democratic lawmakers from western states have long advocated for more robust search and rescue funding. Senator Patty Murray of Washington has sponsored legislation to provide federal grants for mountain rescue operations, arguing that climbers on public lands deserve access to emergency services regardless of their ability to pay.
Environmental groups also note that changing conditions on high-altitude routes may be increasing hazards. The Mountaineering Federation said warming temperatures are affecting ice stability on traditional climbing paths, requiring ongoing assessment of route safety.
What the Numbers Show
Mount McKinley stands at approximately 20,310 feet (6,190 meters). More than 130 people have died on the mountain in the history of the park, according to National Park Service records.
Only about 1,000 to 1,200 climbers attempt to reach the summit each year, with most expeditions occurring during May and June. The typical climb takes approximately 17 days.
Last year, less than half of attempted climbers—fewer than 500—successfully reached the summit, according to park statistics. There were two fatalities in 2025, both skiers, while rangers evacuated 16 people from the mountain.
The most dangerous section lies between high camp at around 17,200 feet and Denali Pass at approximately 18,200 feet. Most deaths along this traverse have occurred during descents, primarily resulting from unprotected falls, according to park data.
As of Thursday, there were 516 climbers on the mountain, said Scott Carr, a park service spokesperson. The West Buttress route is known for its crevasses, steep ice, and exposed ridges.
The Bottom Line
The deaths mark one of the deadliest single incidents on Mount McKinley in recent years. Park rangers and mountain guides install and maintain snow pickets—anchors used to build safety lines—between high camp and Denali Pass during climbing season, though such measures cannot eliminate all risks on the mountain.
The incident raises questions about international climbing expeditions on U.S. public lands and whether current rescue capacity meets demand as mountaineering popularity grows. The State Department may work with Latvian authorities regarding support for the surviving expedition members.
Investigators will likely review the circumstances of the fall, including weather conditions, route selection, and equipment used at the time of the incident. Families of the deceased climbers are expected to be notified through Latvian diplomatic channels.