Alaska's Tallest Peak Officially Named Denali: Feds Mandate Name Change on All Maps and Records

The federal government just made it official: the mountain, located at 63 degrees 04 minutes 12 seconds North latitude and 151 degrees 00 minutes 18 seconds West longitude in Alaska, is Denali. This isn't just a suggestion—the bill requires that all U.S. laws, maps, regulations, and records use the name "Denali," ditching any other names. (SEC. 1.)

Making it Official

This bill is pretty straightforward. It cements the name "Denali" in every corner of federal documentation. This means that if you're looking at a government map, reading a federal regulation, or digging through official records, you'll see "Denali," and only "Denali." For Alaskans, especially native Alaskans who have long used this name, it’s a clear win, aligning federal practice with local and historical usage.

Why Denali?

It formally recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the name "Denali" to Alaska's indigenous people. Think of it like finally getting everyone to agree on what to call your hometown—it's about respect and recognition. This change impacts anyone dealing with federal documents related to Alaska: park rangers, researchers, even cartographers updating maps. They all now have a single, mandated name to use, which streamlines things and honors the name’s deep roots.