Tokosha Mountains
{{Short description|Mountain in Alaska, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Tokosha Mountains
| photo = Tokosha Mountains from Flickr.jpg
| photo_caption = Tokosha Mountains, east aspect
| elevation_ft = 6148
| prominence_ft = 2898
| prominence_ref = {{cite peakbagger|pid=-54505|name=Grand Tokosha|accessdate=2019-05-19}}
| isolation_mi = 10.12
| isolation_ref = {{cite web|url=https://listsofjohn.com/peak/148912|title=Tokosha Mountains AK - 6,148'|website=listsofjohn.com|accessdate=2020-07-08}}
| range = Alaska Range
| map = USA Alaska
| map_caption = Location in Alaska
| label_position = right
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 8
| mapframe-caption = Interactive map of Tokosha Mountains
| country = United States
| state = Alaska
| region = Matanuska-Susitna
| region_type = Borough
| part_type = Protected area
| part = Denali National Park
| coordinates = {{coord|62|43|0|N|150|37|54|W|type:mountain_region:US-AK_scale:100000|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| topo = USGS Talkeetna C-2
| first_ascent = 1975 David Johnston, Brian Okonek
| easiest_route =
| rock = Granite
}}
Tokosha Mountains is a {{convert|6148|ft|-1|abbr=on|}} multi-peak massif located in the Alaska Range, in Denali National Park and Preserve, in Alaska, United States. It is situated between the toes of Ruth Glacier and Tokositna Glacier, {{convert|27|mi|km|0|abbr=on}} south-southeast of Denali and {{convert|26|mi|km|0|abbr=on}} northwest of Talkeetna.{{cite gnis|id=1411057|name=Tokosha Mountains|accessdate=2019-05-19}} Despite its relatively low elevation, it is notable for its Teton-esque granite spires which can be seen from the George Parks Highway. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into the Tokositna River → Chulitna River → Susitna River. Topographic relief is significant as the highest summit, Grand Tokosha, rises {{convert|3850.|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} above the Ruth Glacier in one mile (1.6 km).
History
In the Denaʼina language, tokosha means "treeless" or "treeless area". The mountain was named in 1906 by explorer Belmore Browne of the Cook Expedition which attempted to climb Denali. This landform's toponym was officially adopted in 1962 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. The first ascent of Grand Tokosha was made on March 3, 1975, by David Johnston and Brian Okonek.[http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12197643303/print American Alpine Club]
Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Tokosha Mountains are located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and short cool summers.{{cite journal | author = Peel, M. C. |author2=Finlayson, B. L. |author3=McMahon, T. A. | year = 2007 | title = Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification | journal = Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. | volume = 11 | issn = 1027-5606}} Winter temperatures can drop below 0 °F with wind chill factors below −10 °F. The months of May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.[https://www.alpineinstitute.com/articles/faqs/denali-faq/#:~:text=1.-,What%20do%20you%20recommend%20as%20the%20best%20month%20to%20climb,combination%20of%20weather%20and%20conditions. Denali FAQ, American Alpine Institute], alpineinstitute.com, Retrieved 2024-10-29.
Gallery
File:Tokosha Mountains Alaska.jpg|Tokosha Mountains seen from the George Parks Highway
File:The north side of Tokosha Mountains.jpg|The north side of Tokosha Mountains seen flying over Ruth Glacier
File:Tokosha Mountains and Denali.jpg|Aerial view of Tokosha Mountains in lower half of frame, with Ruth Glacier and Denali in the distance
File:Tokosha Mountains viewed from the South Viewpoint off Highway 3.jpg|Tokosha Mountains viewed from the south viewpoint along Highway 3.
Mts. Hunter/Stevens in upper right.
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- Weather forecast: [https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-5876379/United%20States/Alaska/Matanuska-Susitna/Tokosha%20Mountains Tokosha Mountains]
Category:Mountains of Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska