McArthur Peak facts for kids

McArthur Peak is a very tall peak located in the Saint Elias Mountains in Yukon, Canada. It stands as one of the highest peaks in the Yukon. This impressive mountain is about 11 kilometres (7 miles) northeast of Mount Logan, which is the tallest mountain in all of Canada. There's also a smaller peak nearby, about two kilometres to the east, called McArthur East.

What is McArthur Peak?

McArthur Peak is part of the huge Saint Elias Mountains range. This range stretches across parts of Yukon, Alaska in the United States, and British Columbia in Canada. The mountains here are known for their massive glaciers and very high peaks. McArthur Peak itself reaches an elevation of 4,344 metres (14,252 feet) above sea level. This makes it a significant landmark in the region.

Where is McArthur Peak Located?

This mighty peak is found in the southwestern part of the Yukon, a territory in northern Canada. The Yukon is famous for its wild, untouched nature and vast landscapes. Being in the Saint Elias Mountains, McArthur Peak is surrounded by other towering peaks and large icefields. It's a remote area, meaning it's far from cities and towns.

How McArthur Peak Got Its Name

McArthur Peak was named after a man named James Joseph McArthur. He was a Dominion Land Surveyor. A surveyor is someone who measures and maps land. James Joseph McArthur was also a skilled climber. In 1887, he was the first person to climb a Canadian peak over 3,047 metres (10,000 feet) tall. That mountain was Mount Stephen. Naming the peak after him was a way to honor his important work and achievements in exploring and mapping Canada's wilderness.

First Climb to the Top

The very first time anyone successfully climbed to the summit of McArthur Peak was in 1961. This exciting adventure was completed by a team of five climbers. They were Barbara Lilley, Alexander McDermott, Donald Monk, Seymour Ossofsky, and George Wallerstein.

The Climbing Route

The team started their climb from the Hubbard Glacier. A glacier is a huge, slow-moving river of ice. They then made their way up the north ridge of the mountain. Climbing a mountain like McArthur Peak involves navigating through snow, ice, and sometimes rocky sections. It requires special equipment and a lot of skill to move safely across these icy and snowy slopes. The first climbers showed great courage and determination to reach the top of this challenging peak.