Rescue efforts underway after four climbers fall on Mount McKinley

Rescue efforts were underway Thursday for four climbers who fell on Mount McKinley, according to the National Park Service. Located in southern Alaska, the mountain, also known as Denali, is the highest peak in North America. At just over 20,000 feet, it is a favorite among thrill-seeking climbers. The climbers were part of a seven-person team and fell somewhere near Denali Pass, located at around 18,000 feet. Their three remaining team members returned to High Camp, 1,200 feet below, and reported the incident.

What’s happening now? The National Park Service says it is actively working to recover the climbers, but the weather on the mountain is preventing a full response. Conditions are improving, however, and the agency is ready to deploy helicopters as soon as it can. The identities of the climbers have not been released, and the National Park Service says that it does not know if, or how badly, the climbers are injured.

Has this happened before? Rangers in Denali National Park regularly carry out rescue and recovery efforts on their mountains. Last year, they assisted 37 climbers and skiers who needed various levels of medical attention and aid. Just this past Wednesday night, two other climbers were evacuated from the mountain via helicopter. The park also saw five deaths in 2024 and 2025.

In its official statement, the National Park Service reminded the public that this is an active incident, and it will release more information as it becomes available.