Location and surroundings
Cloud Peak lies in North Slope Borough, Alaska, in the Philip Smith Mountains of the Brooks Range. That places it within the Alaska-Yukon Ranges and the wider North American Cordillera. At 2,407 m, it is the highest mountain in its subrange and the dominant summit in the local landscape.
The surrounding country is high-latitude mountain terrain with broad valleys, exposed ridges and a long snow season. In this part of Alaska, travel is usually shaped by distance, weather and the lack of easy access rather than by developed trail systems.
Neighbouring peaks
- Slope Mountain — 1,209 m, 45.1 km NW
- James Dalton Mountain — 2,179 m, 49.3 km SW
- Imnavait Mountain — 1,115 m, 55.7 km NW
- Njoo Mountain — 1,302 m, 60.7 km E
- Table Mountain — 1,925 m, 66.7 km SW
- Itigaknit Mountain — 1,004 m, 67.0 km NW
- Bend Mountain — 1,578 m, 68.2 km S
- Thibedeau Mountain — 2,291 m, 68.4 km W
Among these nearby summits, Thibedeau Mountain is the closest high rival in height, but Cloud Peak still rises higher at 2,407 m. The other nearby peaks are notably lower, which makes Cloud Peak the clear high point of the immediate area.
The range
Cloud Peak belongs to the Philip Smith Mountains, which are part of the Brooks Range in the Alaska-Yukon Ranges of the North American Cordillera. The Philip Smith Mountains have 39 named peaks, and Cloud Peak ranks as the highest of them.
The range high point is therefore Cloud Peak itself, so there is no higher summit elsewhere in the Philip Smith Mountains. That makes it the key reference peak for the subrange and the main elevation landmark for this part of northeastern Alaska.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data adjusted to summit elevation. At the summit, the coldest month is about -28 °C in January, while the warmest is about 0 °C in July. Around the mountain, precipitation is lowest in winter at about 20 mm a month and highest in July at about 120 mm; the annual total is about 600 mm.
The climate is cold enough that the summit stays below freezing all year. Typical hazards include wind, rapid cooling, drifting snow, poor visibility and wet, unstable conditions during the brief summer thaw. Even in the warmest period, snow and ice can remain a major part of the terrain.
Best time to visit
There are no months above freezing at the summit, so the most workable period is the short Arctic summer, when temperatures are least severe and daylight is long. The drier part of the year is generally late winter into spring, but those months are also much colder and more demanding for travel.
For a visit on foot or by ski, the usual balance in this kind of terrain is to aim for the brief window when snow cover is still manageable but temperatures are less extreme. Even then, conditions can change quickly, so flexible timing matters more than the calendar.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain sits in high Arctic Alaska, where vegetation is sparse and low-growing. Expect tundra plants, mosses, lichens and scattered hardy shrubs in lower and more sheltered ground, with bare rock, snow patches and scree becoming more common higher up.
Wildlife in this region can include animals adapted to cold, open country, such as caribou, foxes and birds that use the short summer season. At higher elevations, life is limited by wind, cold and a short growing season, so the landscape feels open and lightly vegetated.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Cloud Peak, a certified guide is sensible if you are not experienced with remote Arctic travel, cold-weather navigation and self-sufficient climbing. In the United States, the national guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Visitors usually start by checking the guide association and local land-management rules, then choosing a guide based on trip length, group size, equipment needs and whether overnight camping or glacier travel is involved. Established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides. Some peaks in the United States require registration or permits from the land agency, so it is wise to confirm access rules before planning a trip.
Safety and preparation
Cloud Peak demands preparation for cold, wind, isolation and slow travel over rough ground. Even in summer, the summit environment can feel winter-like, so clothing, navigation, emergency shelter and the ability to travel independently are important. The remoteness of North Slope Borough also means that delays can become serious quickly.
For mountain rescue in the United States, the emergency number is 911. Dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or a national park authority. Carry enough insulation, food and water for changing conditions and extra time.
Interesting facts
Cloud Peak is the highest of 39 named peaks in the Philip Smith Mountains, and it is also the high point of the range. Among the nearest named peaks, Thibedeau Mountain is the highest at 2,291 m, but it still stands below Cloud Peak by 116 m.
The mountain is part of the broad chain of the North American Cordillera and sits deep in Alaska’s northern mountain country. Its combination of high latitude, elevation and remoteness makes it a strong reference point for the local landscape.
FAQ
How high is Cloud Peak? It rises to 2,407 m.
Where is Cloud Peak? It is in North Slope Borough, Alaska, in the United States.
What range is Cloud Peak in? It belongs to the Philip Smith Mountains, within the Brooks Range and the broader Alaska-Yukon Ranges.
Is Cloud Peak the highest mountain in its range? Yes. It is the highest point of the Philip Smith Mountains.
What are the nearest peaks to Cloud Peak? Nearby named peaks include Thibedeau Mountain 68.4 km west, James Dalton Mountain 49.3 km southwest and Slope Mountain 45.1 km northwest.
Is there water on the way to Cloud Peak? In this cold, remote terrain, water is usually from snowmelt or natural runoff and should be treated before drinking. Carry about 1.5-3 litres for a day, more if the route is long or conditions are warm.
When is the best time to go? The most workable period is the short summer season, since the summit stays below freezing all year.