Bard Peak (Alaska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bard Peak |
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Bard Peak and Shakespeare Shoulder (left) seen from Turnagain Arm
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,850 ft (1,170 m) |
| Prominence | 1,400 ft (430 m) |
| Geography | |
 Bard Peak
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Chugach National Forest Valdez-Cordova Borough Alaska, United States |
| Parent range | Kenai Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Seward C-5 |
Bard Peak is a mountain in Alaska, United States. It stands about 3,850 feet (1,173 meters) tall. You can find it in the Kenai Mountains, inside the Chugach National Forest.
This peak is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) southwest of a town called Whittier, Alaska. It's located where the Kenai Peninsula connects to the mainland. Here, the Kenai Mountains meet the Chugach Mountains.
Even though Bard Peak isn't the tallest mountain, it looks very impressive. This is because its eastern side rises straight up from the sea. It overlooks the western parts of Prince William Sound.
Bard Peak is often seen with Shakespeare Shoulder. This is a slightly smaller peak, about 3,517 feet (1,072 meters) high. They are often photographed together behind Portage Lake. This lake is a popular spot for tourists and outdoor fun.
The name "Bard Peak" was officially chosen in 1969 by the United States Geological Survey. However, it was accidentally spelled "Baird" on some maps. The mountain is named to honor famous poets, known as bards. These include Robert Burns, called 'The Bard of Ayrshire', and William Shakespeare, known as 'The Bard of Avon'.
What is the Climate Like at Bard Peak?
Bard Peak is in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has very long, cold, and snowy winters. The summers are usually mild. Temperatures can drop below -20 °C (-4 °F). With the wind, it can feel even colder, below -30 °C (-22 °F).
This cold climate helps several glaciers to form and stay on the mountain. The Shakespeare Glacier is on the northern side. The Burns Glacier is on the south side. To the west, you'll find the Portage Glacier. On the eastern side is the huge Whittier Glacier, named after a poet named John Greenleaf Whittier.
If you want to climb Bard Peak, the best time to visit is usually May and June. The weather is often more pleasant during these months.
Images for kids
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Bard Peak (Shakespeare Shoulder to left)
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Looking across Portage Lake toward Bard Peak (left)
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Bard Peak
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Bard Peak centered
