Lotus Flower Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lotus Flower Tower |
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Lotus Flower Tower by Tom Frost, 1968
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,570 m (8,430 ft) |
| Prominence | 160 m (520 ft) |
| Parent peak | Mount Sir James MacBrien |
| Geography | |
| Location | Northwest Territories, Canada |
| Parent range | Mackenzie Mountains |
| Topo map | NTS 95L4 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | July 16, 1960, William J. Buckingham and party |
The Lotus Flower Tower is a famous mountain peak in the Northwest Territories of Canada. It is known for its incredibly steep rock walls. These walls are a dream come true for rock climbers from all over the world. The tower is part of the Mackenzie Mountains.
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Exploring Lotus Flower Tower
This amazing peak is found in a special area called the Cirque of the Unclimbables. It is located about one kilometer southwest of Mount Sir James MacBrien. Even though it is not the tallest peak around, its very steep rock faces make it stand out. These walls are home to some of the most famous and challenging rock climbs.
The First Climbers
The first people to ever reach the top of Lotus Flower Tower were William J. Buckingham and his team. They made their historic climb on July 16, 1960. They found a way to the summit by traveling along a ridge from a nearby peak called "Tathagata Tower."
Challenging the Southeast Face
The second time anyone climbed the peak was in 1968. This time, climbers Harthon "Sandy" Bill, Tom Frost, and James McCarthy made the first ascent of the huge 2,200-foot southeast face. This was a very difficult and important climb.
Later, in 1977, Steve Levin, Mark Robinson, and Sandy Stewart completed the first "free ascent" of the McCarthy-Frost-Bill route. A "free ascent" means climbers use ropes and gear only for safety, not to help them move up the rock. They rely on their own strength and skill.
A Classic Climb
The stunning climbing route on Lotus Flower Tower was recognized as one of the Fifty Classic Climbs of North America. This list includes some of the most important and beautiful rock climbs on the continent. Many people have called the Lotus Flower Tower's southeast face "one of the most aesthetically beautiful rock faces in the world."
