Glacier Pikes facts for kids

Glacier Pikes is a fascinating natural landmark in British Columbia, Canada. It's a special type of mountain called a Lava dome, which means it was formed by thick, sticky lava flowing out of the ground a very long time ago. You can find Glacier Pikes in the Garibaldi Lake volcanic field, and it's known for its two rocky points that stand out at the southern end of the Sentinel Glacier Neve.

What is Glacier Pikes?

Glacier Pikes is not a typical pointy mountain. Instead, it's a dome-shaped hill made from hardened lava. Imagine very thick, gooey toothpaste slowly squeezing out of a tube and piling up – that's a bit like how a lava dome forms! This particular dome has two distinct rocky peaks that make it easy to spot.

Where is Glacier Pikes Located?

Glacier Pikes is found in the beautiful province of British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada. It's part of a larger area called the Garibaldi Lake volcanic field. This field is a region where many volcanoes and volcanic features exist, even though most of them are not active today. The area is famous for its stunning landscapes, including clear blue lakes and rugged mountains.

How Was Glacier Pikes Formed?

Glacier Pikes is a Lava dome, which means it was created by a specific kind of volcanic eruption. Unlike volcanoes that explode with ash and fast-flowing lava, lava domes form when very thick, sticky lava pushes its way out of the Earth's crust. This lava is so thick that it doesn't flow far; instead, it piles up around the vent, creating a dome shape.

Glacier Pikes was formed during the Pleistocene epoch. This was a very long time ago, often called the "Ice Age," which lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. The last time lava erupted to form Glacier Pikes was also during the Pleistocene. This means the dome has been standing for thousands of years, shaped by ancient volcanic forces.

Reaching the Top: Exploring Glacier Pikes

Glacier Pikes stands tall at 2,145 meters (about 7,037 feet) above sea level. While it's a significant height, reaching its summit is considered a "scramble." Scrambling is a type of climbing that's more challenging than hiking but usually doesn't require ropes or special climbing gear. It often involves using your hands to help you balance and move over rocky terrain.

The first recorded ascent of Glacier Pikes happened in 1911. A group from the BCMC (British Columbia Mountaineering Club) successfully made their way to the top, exploring this unique volcanic feature for the first time. Today, it remains a destination for adventurers who enjoy exploring the rugged beauty of British Columbia's volcanic landscapes.