This large vertical relief contributes to Mount Hayes being the 51st most topographically prominent peak in the world.

[4] On 29 July 1941 Bradford Washburn, Barbara Washburn,[5] Benjamin Ferris, Sterling Hendricks, Henry Hall, and William Shand reached 12,650 ft. via the North Ridge but a storm was approaching and, with the summit only a little over 1000ft higher and just half a mile away, the party decided that they should descend to safety.

On August 1, 1941 the party made another attempt, Hall remained in camp but the others were successful in making the first ascent of Mount Hayes.

Mount Hayes is not frequently climbed due to its remoteness and the resulting access difficulties.

Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Tanana River drainage basin.