Blanshard Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blanshard Peak (Blanshard Needle) |
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Blanshard Peak seen from near the summit of Golden Ears (mountain)
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,550 m (5,090 ft) |
| Prominence | 170 m (560 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Parent range | Garibaldi Ranges |
| Topo map | NTC 92G/14 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1918 P. James, Don Munday, M. Worsley |
| Easiest route | 30 m of 5th class, 4th class scramble |
Blanshard Peak is a cool, pointy rock formation in Golden Ears Provincial Park, British Columbia. It's also known as The Blanshard Needle by people who like to climb mountains. You can see this unique peak from many places in the Lower Mainland, which is the busy area around Vancouver.
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What is Blanshard Peak?
Blanshard Peak is a very distinct rock pinnacle. A pinnacle is like a tall, pointed rock tower that stands out. It's part of the larger Golden Ears Group of mountains. This peak is a popular spot for experienced climbers.
Where is Blanshard Peak Located?
Blanshard Peak is found within Golden Ears Provincial Park. This park is a beautiful natural area in British Columbia, Canada. The peak is part of the Garibaldi Ranges, a group of mountains in the Coast Mountains.
How Tall is Blanshard Peak?
Blanshard Peak stands at an elevation of 1,550 meters (about 5,085 feet) above sea level. Its prominence is 170 meters. Prominence measures how much a peak rises above the lowest point connecting it to a higher peak.
The Story Behind the Name
Blanshard Peak was named after Richard Blanshard. He was the very first governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island. A governor was like a leader or ruler of a new territory. This colony was a British settlement established in 1849.
Why is the Name Confusing?
There can be some confusion about the name "Blanshard Peak." On some maps, the name Mount Blanshard is used for the entire Golden Ears massif. A massif is a compact group of mountains. So, sometimes "Mount Blanshard" refers to the whole mountain range, not just this specific peak. However, climbing guides often use "Blanshard Peak" for the distinct summit at the southern end of the Golden Ears group.
First Climbers of Blanshard Peak
The first recorded climb to the top of Blanshard Peak happened in 1918. The climbers were P. James, Don Munday, and M. Worsley. It was a big achievement to reach the summit back then! The easiest way to climb it involves some challenging sections, including what climbers call "5th class" and "4th class" scrambling. This means it's more than just walking; you need to use your hands and sometimes ropes.
