Mount Sheldon

Mount Sheldon is a summit in Alaska, United States.

Description

Mount Sheldon is located in the Alaska Range and in Denali National Park and Preserve. It is situated northwest of Polychrome Mountain. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Toklat River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises nearly above the river in 1.7 mile.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Sheldon is located in a tundra climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and mild summers. Winter temperatures can drop below −20 °F with wind chill factors below −30 °F. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.

Etymology

The mountain's name was shown on a 1916 U.S. Geological Survey document and the toponym has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names. The name honors Charles Alexander Sheldon, naturalist and author of The Wilderness of Denali, who studied Dall sheep and other wildlife in the Mount McKinley area in 1906–1908. He was the instrumental figure in Mount McKinley's establishment as a National Park.