The Richardson Highway is 15 mi (24 km) to the east, with Hayes, McGinnis, and Moffit dominating the landscape along the drive south.

Enormous rockslides fell from McGinnis Peak during the 2002 Denali earthquake, which had an epicenter 35 miles to the west.

[9] This climate supports the Trident, Black Rapids, and McGinnis Glaciers surrounding this peak.

The first ascent of this peak was made August 5, 1964, by Larry Muir and Tom Knott via the West Ridge.

[10] The second ascent was made June 21, 1976, by John Garson and James Brady via the knife-edge Northeast Ridge.