University Peak

University Peak is a mountain in the Saint Elias range that rises to 4,410 meters. Its slopes remain covered in snow and ice throughout the year, creating steep and rugged terrain.

The mountain received its name in 1952 from Terris Moore, President of the University of Alaska. This naming came after Moore's earlier discovery of the peak.

The first successful climb occurred on June 19, 1955, when Keith Hart led a team of university students to reach the peak's summit.

Climbing begins near McCarthy, where mountaineers typically use small bush planes to reach Beaver Basin. From this starting point around 3,000 meters, the technical climbing portions of the mountain begin.

The East Face route was established in 1997 and demands advanced climbing skills. It combines challenging sections of snow, ice, and rock in varied patterns that test different techniques.

Location: Valdez–Cordova Census Area

Elevation above the sea: 4,410 m

GPS coordinates: 61.32710,-141.78698

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08