Is the Mountain Out?

Along the Alaska road system, the question, "Is the mountain out?" means only one thing--is Mount McKinley visible. In other words, is the weather clear enough that you can see the highest peak in North America. Often, it is, though for best viewing from the road, 100 miles or more of visibility is in needed.

Absolutely the best place to view the mountain from the road system is along the Parks Highway, the road between Anchorage and Fairbanks, about 140 miles north of Anchorage. In the space of a few miles there are two turnouts with lots of parking, restrooms, and unbelievable views of Mount McKinley--if the weather's good.

I like the views from the southern turnout the best, though both are excellent. There is lots of parking at both well-marked turnouts, but on bright sunny summer days things can get a little crowded as virtually everybody, including the locals, stops to gawk.