Location and surroundings
Mount Cleveland is in the United States, in Alaska, within the Unorganized Borough. In the wider mountain system it belongs to the North American Cordillera, then the Alaska-Yukon Ranges, the Aleutian Range, the Aleutian Islands, and finally the Islands of Four Mountains. It is the highest point of that island group and the highest of its two named peaks.
The mountain rises in a remote maritime setting shaped by volcanic terrain, open water and exposed ridges. Around the summit are protected lands, including the Aleutian Islands Wilderness and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, so travel here is usually limited to self-sufficient mountain and sea travel rather than easy road access.
Neighbouring peaks
The nearest named peaks and passes give a sense of how isolated Mount Cleveland is among the islands:
- Mount Carslile — 1,610 m, 10.6 km NW
- Black Peak — 455 m, 12.5 km E
- Kagamil Volcano — 709 m, 23.2 km NE
- Elbow Hill — 32 m, 63.9 km E
- Ikaagux — 106 m, 66.8 km E
- High Hill — 2 m, 75.0 km E
- Teapot Hill — 61 m, 85.2 km NE
- Mount Vsevidof — 2,103 m, 90.5 km E
Among these, Mount Carslile is the closest high neighbour and is only slightly lower. The nearest higher peak is Mount Vsevidof, which is much farther away and rises well above Mount Cleveland.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest peaks are Mount Carlisle at 1,620 m, 10.5 km to the NW, and Herbert Volcano at 1,300 m, 14.0 km to the SW. These are the main high points likely to define the skyline from Mount Cleveland on a clear day.
The surrounding islands and volcanic ridges are lower than the summit, so the view is dominated by nearby island relief, sea, and the broader chain of Aleutian peaks rather than by a dense cluster of tall mountains.
The range
Mount Cleveland belongs to the Islands of Four Mountains, which is the high point of that range. The range has 2 named peaks, and Mount Cleveland ranks first by elevation within it. Its summit is the top point of the island group, while the next highest named peak in the same group is lower.
In the wider hierarchy, the mountain sits inside the Aleutian Islands, then the Aleutian Range, then the Alaska-Yukon Ranges of the North American Cordillera. That setting places it in a long volcanic mountain chain that stretches across Alaska and into island terrain.
Climate and weather
Climate data adjusted to summit height suggest that the warmest month at the top is August, at about -1 °C, while the coldest is March, at about -5 °C. These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data. No month averages above freezing at the summit. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 1,050 mm, with the wettest month in August at about 110 mm and the driest in May at about 65 mm.
In this part of Alaska, weather can change quickly, with wind, low cloud, rain, snow, and poor visibility common. On a volcanic island peak, exposed slopes and maritime storms can make travel difficult even when temperatures are only slightly below freezing.
Best time to visit
At summit level, the monthly mean stays below freezing all year, so there is no true thaw season on the top of Mount Cleveland. The least cold period is late summer, with August the warmest month at about -1 °C. The drier part of the year is around May, while August is the wettest month in the surrounding area.
For a visit, the more workable window is usually the milder part of the year, when snow cover, sea conditions and daylight are more favourable. Even then, the mountain remains a cold, exposed objective where weather can close in fast.
Nature and wildlife
The summit area lies in a protected island environment where volcanic slopes meet maritime tundra and open coastal habitat. At this latitude and elevation, vegetation is sparse near the top, with low plants, mosses and lichens lower down where conditions allow. Wildlife in the wider area is shaped by the sea and the islands, so seabirds and marine mammals are part of the broader landscape.
Protected areas near the summit include the Aleutian Islands Wilderness and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. These designations reflect the ecological value of the islands and the need to limit disturbance in a remote coastal mountain setting.
Guides and organised ascents
For a remote volcanic peak like Mount Cleveland, a certified guide is sensible for climbers who want help with logistics, weather judgement and safety planning. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Examples of established guiding companies working in the mountains of the country include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides.
Guided ascents in Alaska-style terrain usually depend on the number of days, group size, transport, equipment and whether camping or glacier travel is involved. For this mountain, visitors should also check access and land-management rules for the island area before planning a trip.
Safety and preparation
Mount Cleveland demands solid mountain skills, warm clothing, navigation ability and a plan for rapid weather changes. The combination of cold summit temperatures, exposed volcanic terrain and a remote island location means that self-reliance is essential. Snow, wind and poor visibility can all make progress slow and hazardous.
For emergencies in the United States, the number is 911. Dispatchers can alert the local search and rescue team. Because the area is remote, parties should carry reliable communication, extra food and shelter, and be prepared for delays.
Interesting facts
Mount Cleveland is the highest of the two named peaks in the Islands of Four Mountains. Its nearest higher peak is Mount Vsevidof, 90.5 km to the east. Within 25 km, the highest nearby summit is Mount Carlisle at 1,620 m.
The mountain is also part of a protected island landscape, with the Aleutian Islands Wilderness and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge near the summit area. Its maritime setting makes it very different from inland Alaska peaks, with sea weather playing a major role in climbing conditions.
FAQ
How high is Mount Cleveland? It rises to 1,730 m.
Where is Mount Cleveland? It is in Alaska, United States, in the Unorganized Borough on the Islands of Four Mountains.
What range is Mount Cleveland part of? It belongs to the Islands of Four Mountains, within the Aleutian Islands, the Aleutian Range, and the Alaska-Yukon Ranges.
What are the nearest peaks to Mount Cleveland? The closest named peaks are Mount Carslile 10.6 km NW, Black Peak 12.5 km E, and Kagamil Volcano 23.2 km NE.
Is there water on the way to Mount Cleveland? In this cold maritime setting, water is usually from snowmelt or carried supplies rather than reliable streams near the summit. Plan to carry about 1.5-3 litres for a day, more if the approach is long or conditions are dry and windy, and treat any meltwater before drinking.
Are there huts on Mount Cleveland? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How is mobile phone coverage on Mount Cleveland? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On an open top it may be possible to get a signal, but it often fails in low ground and behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.