Hawk Mountain (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hawk Mountain |
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![]() Hawk Mountain seen from Jasper station
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 2,553 m (8,376 ft) > |
Prominence | 343 m (1,125 ft) |
Listing | Mountains of Alberta |
Geography | |
Location | Jasper National Park Alberta, Canada |
Parent range | Colin Range Canadian Rockies |
Topo map | NTS 83E/01 |
Type of rock | sedimentary rock |
Hawk Mountain is a cool mountain peak in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. It stands tall at 2,553 meters (about 8,376 feet) above sea level. This makes it a significant part of the Canadian Rockies.
The mountain is found near the northwest end of the Colin Range. This range is a smaller group of mountains within the larger Canadian Rockies. Hawk Mountain is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) northeast of the town of Jasper.
You can easily spot Hawk Mountain from Highway 16. It's also visible from the famous Canadian train route. This makes it a well-known sight in the Athabasca Valley. Its closest taller neighbor is Mount Colin, which is about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) away.
Hawk Mountain got its name in 1916 from Morrison P. Bridgland. He was a Dominion Land Surveyor who explored and named many mountains. He named it because he saw a hawk flying near the summit when he was there. The name was officially recognized in 1956.
Mountain Weather: What to Expect
Hawk Mountain has a subarctic climate. This means it has very cold and snowy winters. Temperatures can drop below -20 °C (-4 °F). With wind, it can feel even colder, sometimes below -30 °C (-22 °F).
Summers are usually mild and pleasant. The best time to visit or climb Hawk Mountain is from June through September. During these months, the weather is much more favorable. Any rain or melting snow from Hawk Mountain flows into the Athabasca River.