Geography
Alaska vs California: Highest Point
Alaska's highest point is Denali (Mount McKinley) at 20,310 ft, higher than California.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for highest point.
Alaska
#1 · Denali (Mount McKinley) (20,310 ft)
California
#2 · Mount Whitney (14,505 ft)
Lowest
Highest
Top 10 States — Highest Point
#1
Alaska
Denali (Mount McKinley) (20,310 ft)
Alaska
#2
California
Mount Whitney (14,505 ft)
California
#3
Colorado
Mount Elbert (14,440 ft)
Colorado
#4
Washington
Mount Rainier (14,411 ft)
Washington
#5
Wyoming
Gannett Peak (13,809 ft)
Wyoming
#6
Hawaii
Mauna Kea (13,803 ft)
Hawaii
#7
Utah
Kings Peak (13,534 ft)
Utah
#8
New Mexico
Wheeler Peak (13,167 ft)
New Mexico
#9
Nevada
Boundary Peak (13,147 ft)
Nevada
#10
Montana
Granite Peak (12,807 ft)
Montana
Alaska ranks 1st and California ranks 2nd nationally for highest point.
What this means
Alaska vs California: Highest Point in context
Alaska's highest point is Denali (Mount McKinley) (20,310 ft), compared with Mount Whitney (14,505 ft) in California, a gap of 40.0%. Highest natural point in the state, with summit elevation.
Alaska
Denali (Mount McKinley) (20,310 ft)
California
Mount Whitney (14,505 ft)
People also ask
Alaska vs California Highest Point — common questions
QWhat is Alaska's highest point?
Alaska's highest point is Denali (Mount McKinley) (20,310 ft).
QWhat is California's highest point?
California's highest point is Mount Whitney (14,505 ft).
QWhich state has a higher highest point — Alaska or California?
Alaska's highest point is Denali (Mount McKinley) at 20,310 ft, higher than California.
More comparisons: Alaska vs California
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Data source and freshness
Primary source
Data period
Reference data
Dataset reviewed
July 23, 2026
Method note
Highest named natural point and summit elevation.