How four men conquered North America's highest peak in 1913

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Climbing Denali Before Modern Airplanes Existed

Denali in 1913 required a 93-day dog sled trek

In 1913, mountaineers could not take a bush plane to base camp. Instead, they survived a grueling 93-day journey using dog teams and hunted game.

Carving a 3-mile ice staircase after losing their supplies

After losing vital supplies to an accidental fire, the 1913 team overcame earthquake-shattered glaciers by hand-cutting three miles of steps in solid ice.

Disaster After Disaster on the First Denali Ascent

An archdeacon, a prospector, and a native youth conquered Denali

Instead of seasoned alpine mountaineers, the first successful summit expedition united an English archdeacon, a prospector, a mission worker, and a young Alaska Native.

The Unlikely Crew That Conquered Denali

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The 21-Year-Old Who Made Mountaineering History

The first person to set foot on Denali's summit

On summit day in 1913, the expedition leader honored Walter Harper's dedication by letting the 21-year-old Alaska Native take the first step onto the summit.

[01:07.600] Climbing Denali Before Modern Airplanes Existed
[01:54] Disaster After Disaster on the First Denali Ascent
[03:41] The Unlikely Crew That Conquered Denali
[04:18.000] The 21-Year-Old Who Made Mountaineering History

How four men conquered North America's highest peak in 1913

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