Mount Isto

Mount Isto is a peak in the Brooks Range reaching about 8,976 feet (2,736 m) and stands as the highest summit of this mountain chain. The massif dominates the northern Alaska landscape and features steep slopes, small glaciers, and exposed rock faces across its terrain.

The peak received its name in 1966 honoring Reynold E. Isto, a civil engineer who advanced Alaska's mapping efforts through helicopter survey work. This naming reflected broader initiatives to document key geographical landmarks across Arctic regions.

Scientists and mountaineers regularly study this peak to understand Arctic climate patterns and geological formations within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge boundaries.

Access requires helicopter transport to remote tundra valleys since no roads lead to the base. From there, mountaineers must navigate steep ridges and glaciated terrain to reach the summit.

Advanced surveying technology confirmed in 2014 that this peak holds the rank of highest in the chain, surpassing earlier measurements of Mount Chamberlin. This reassessment showed how precise technology can correct previous geographical assumptions.

Location: Alaska

GPS coordinates: 69.20250,-143.80194

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:49