Kichatna Spire, Mountain summit in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska.
Kichatna Spire is a rocky peak in the Kichatna Mountains within Alaska's Range, rising to about 8,985 feet. The mountain features near-vertical rock walls on its southern and eastern sides, which draw climbers seeking technical challenges.
Kichatna Spire was first climbed on 23 September 1966 by Arthur Davidson and Richard G. C. Millikan. On 13 and 14 July 2005, Joseph Puryear and Chad Kellogg reached the summit by The Black Crystal Arete (VI 5.10 A2, 900 m). The peak lies in the Cathedral Spires group, with a ridge running north to The Citadel, 1.29 km away.
Kichatna Spire belongs to the group of peaks called Cathedral Spires, and its name comes from the Kichatna Mountains and the Kichatna River drainage. Climbers know the mountain for routes such as The Black Crystal Arete, a 900-metre line rated VI 5.10 A2, first climbed by Joseph Puryear and Chad Kellogg on 13 and 14 July 2005.
You can only reach this peak by aircraft, as its remote location offers no road access. Plan for sudden weather shifts and harsh high-altitude conditions that demand solid climbing experience and proper gear.
Kichatna Spire is the highest peak of the Kichatna Mountains and belongs to the group of summits called Cathedral Spires. A ridge links it to The Citadel, a summit 1.29 km to the north. Cul-de-sac Glacier starts on its northwest flank, Shadows Glacier on its northeast flank.
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