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This map of the area between the Yukon River in the north and Cook Inlet in the south,  published in 1911, represents a foundational topographical survey of the area surrounding North America's highest peak.

The map was produced under the direction of Alfred H. Brooks, a prominent geologist with the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The survey, which took place between 1902 and 1906, aimed to chart the largely uncharted terrain of Alaska’s interior, capturing the topography, major rivers, and mountain ranges that dominate the landscape. At a scale of 1:625,000, the map offers a detailed look at this remote wilderness, with a contour interval of 200 feet to represent elevation changes.  

One of the most striking features of the map is the Alaska Range, which stretches across the region, with Mt. McKinley (now known as Denali) as its crown jewel. The map includes detailed depictions of the Toklat and Kantishna Rivers, key waterways that drain the region and provide important routes for early explorers and indigenous peoples. Glaciers, valleys, and rugged peaks surrounding Denali are also rendered with precision, illustrating the formidable geography of the area. Several lakes are shown, including Wonder Lake, which would later become a landmark within Denali National Park.

The history of exploration in the Mt. McKinley region began in earnest in the late 19th century, as gold prospectors and fur traders ventured deeper into Alaska's wilderness. Although indigenous peoples had long inhabited the area, European and American exploration was largely motivated by the discovery of gold in nearby regions, spurring increased interest in mapping and surveying the land. Denali itself was first sighted by non-Natives in 1794 by George Vancouver’s expedition, though the peak remained largely inaccessible until the early 20th century. The first recorded attempt to ascend the mountain occurred in 1903 by Judge James Wickersham, though it was unsuccessful. The early 1900s also saw growing scientific interest, and surveys like this one by the USGS were vital in providing more accurate data for future expeditions and development.

By the time this map was published in 1911, the Mt. McKinley region had attracted both adventurers and scientists eager to explore its geological significance and natural beauty. The efforts of Alfred H. Brooks and his team laid the groundwork for future scientific work, including the first successful ascent of Denali in 1913 by Hudson Stuck’s expedition.