The Moose's Tooth

The Moose's Tooth is a technical climbing peak in Denali National Park characterized by steep rock faces and ice couloirs on its eastern side overlooking Ruth Gorge. The summit reaches approximately 10,335 feet and presents various routes of differing difficulty for experienced mountaineers.

The summit was first reached in June 1964 by four German climbers: Walter Welsch, Klaus Bierl, Arnold Hasenkopf, and Alfons Reichegger. This early ascent marked an important moment in the exploration of the Ruth Gorge massif.

The peak takes its name from a translation provided by the United States Geological Survey based on Athabaskan language roots. This naming reflects the connection between the mountain and the indigenous cultures of the Alaska Range region.

Climbers access the mountain by ski planes landing on the Buckskin Glacier or Root Canal, with Talkeetna serving as the main departure point. Proper acclimatization and specialized climbing gear are essential, as the route involves technical sections with snow and ice.

The Ham and Eggs Route, first established in 1975, is a popular climbing path with approximately 760 meters of vertical gain. This route remains one of the most frequently used paths to the summit for climbers with advanced skills.