Moose Mountain (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moose Mountain |
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Lookout and helipad at the top of Moose Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,437 m (7,995 ft) |
| Prominence | 593 m (1,946 ft) |
| Listing | Mountains of Alberta |
| Geography | |
 Moose Mountain
Location in Alberta
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| Topo map | NTS 82J15 Bragg Creek |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | August 12, 1858 Thomas Blakiston |
| Easiest route | Strenuous hike |
Moose Mountain is a tall mountain in Alberta, Canada. It stands about 2,437 meters (7,995 feet) high. You can find it about 19 kilometers (12 miles) west of a town called Bragg Creek, Alberta, in a beautiful area known as Kananaskis Country.
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About Moose Mountain
Moose Mountain got its name in 1949 because it looks like a resting moose when you see it from far away on the horizon. This mountain is a very popular spot for people who love to be outdoors. Many visitors, especially those from nearby Calgary, enjoy coming here.
Fun Activities on Moose Mountain
Moose Mountain is a great place for hiking and Mountain biking. There is a well-kept trail that leads all the way to the top. It is a challenging hike, but the views are worth it!
The mountain also has 27 popular bike trails, making it a favorite for mountain bikers. On sunny summer weekends, it is common to see many people reaching the summit.
The Fire Lookout
At the very top of Moose Mountain, there is a special building called a Forestry Service fire lookout. This building helps protect the forests from fires. It is the third lookout building to be built on this spot, with the first one going up in 1929.
The staff at the lookout are very important. They watch over more than 5,000 square kilometers (about 1,900 square miles) of forest. Their job is to spot forest fires, figure out where they are, and report them so firefighters can stop them quickly.
Many people visit the summit each year, sometimes as many as 8,000 visitors from all over the world. If you visit, please remember to respect the privacy of the fire lookout staff. It is important that they can focus on their job without distractions.
Safety Tips for Visitors
When you are on Moose Mountain, it is important to be aware of the weather. It is not safe to be above the treeline if there is a lightning storm coming or happening. Always take precautions to stay safe.
There is also an active helicopter landing pad on the west side of the summit. Be careful around this area, as helicopters may be landing or taking off.
Moose Mountain in Movies
Moose Mountain has even been featured in movies and TV shows! Some scenes from the films Land and Brokeback Mountain were filmed on and around the mountain. Also, parts of the first season of the TV series Tin Star were shot here.
Mountain Races
If you love running, you might be interested in the annual trail running events held on Moose Mountain. These include the Moose Mountain Trail Races, which offer distances of 16 km, 29 km, and 42 km. There are also the Iron Legs Mountain Races, with longer distances of 60 km, 50 miles, and 100 km.
