Denali, previously known as Mount McKinley, is not technically part of the Rocky Mountains. Instead, it is the highest peak in the Alaska Range, which is a separate mountain range lying to the north of the Rockies. The Alaska Range stretches over 600 miles across central Alaska and is home to several other notable peaks, making it distinct from the Rocky Mountain range that extends from Canada down through the United States into New Mexico.
While both the Rocky Mountains and the Alaska Range are significant mountain systems in North America, they have different geological histories, formations, and characteristics. The Rockies mainly formed from tectonic activity related to the movement of the North American Plate, while the Alaska Range was shaped by tectonic forces and glacial activity in a distinct geological context.
In summary, Denali is a majestic mountain that stands as part of the Alaska Range, highlighting the diverse and complex geology of North America’s mountain landscapes.