The United States is home to some of the world’s most remarkable physical extremes. Within a single country, you can travel from arctic alpine summits shrouded in perpetual ice to scorching desert basins lying far below sea level. In this article, we’ll explore the highest and lowest natural points in the United States. Let’s read.
The Highest and Lowest Points in the United States
| Geographic Extreme | Place | Elevation | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest point in the United States | Mount McKinley (Denali) | 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level | Alaska |
| Lowest point in the United States | Badwater Basin | 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level | California |
| Highest point in the Contiguous United States | Mount Whitney | 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) above sea level | California |
| Lowest point in the Contiguous United States | Badwater Basin | 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level | California |
The Highest Point in the United States: Mount McKinley (Denali), Alaska
Rising majestically above the Alaska Range, Mount McKinley (also widely known as Denali) is the highest mountain peak in the United States and all of North America. Standing at an astounding 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level, it is renowned not only for its elevation but also for its immense vertical rise.
Although Mount Everest is much higher above sea level, Mount McKinley (Denali) is taller when measured from its base to its summit on land. The mountain rises approximately 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) from the surrounding plain, giving it an exceptionally imposing appearance.
The Lowest Point in the United States: Badwater Basin, California
At the opposite extreme lies Badwater Basin, located within Death Valley National Park in California. At 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, it is the lowest natural point in both the United States and North America.
Surrounded by steep mountain ranges, Death Valley acts as a giant heat trap, with Badwater Basin lying at its lowest point. This unique setting has helped make Death Valley one of the hottest places on Earth, where some of the world’s highest air temperatures have been measured.
(Also read: Highest and Lowest Recorded Temperatures in the United States)
The Highest Point in the Contiguous United States: Mount Whitney
Mount Whitney in California is the highest point in the contiguous United States. It has an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) above sea level. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it is renowned for its rugged granite slopes and breathtaking alpine scenery. Despite its lofty elevation, the summit can be reached by hikers via the Mount Whitney Trail.
Fun fact: Mount Whitney and Badwater Basin are only 85 miles apart in eastern California.