Mount Gilbert (Chugach Mountains) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Gilbert |
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Mount Gilbert, south aspect
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 9,638 ft (2,938 m) |
| Prominence | 2,638 ft (804 m) |
| Isolation | 4.6 mi (7.4 km) |
| Parent peak | Mount Gannett |
| Geography | |
 Mount Gilbert
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Chugach National Forest Valdez-Cordova Borough Alaska, United States |
| Parent range | Chugach Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Anchorage A-4 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1962 |
| Easiest route | Mountaineering |
Mount Gilbert is a tall, icy mountain peak in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska, United States. It stands about 9,638 feet (2,938 meters) high. This impressive mountain is located about 54 miles (87 km) east of Anchorage. It's also about 32 miles (51 km) northeast of Whittier. Mount Gilbert is part of the beautiful Chugach National Forest. Even though it's not the tallest mountain in the world, it looks very grand. This is because it rises sharply from the water of Harriman Fjord in Prince William Sound.
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How Did Mount Gilbert Get Its Name?
Mount Gilbert was named in 1908. Two explorers, Ulysses Sherman Grant and Daniel F. Higgins, gave it its name. They named it after Grove Karl Gilbert (1843-1918). He was a geologist who worked for the United States Geological Survey. Grove Karl Gilbert was part of a special trip in 1899 called the Harriman Alaska expedition. This group explored the area where the mountain is located. The mountain's name became official in 1910. This was decided by the United States Board on Geographic Names.
Who Climbed Mount Gilbert First?
The first time anyone successfully climbed to the top of Mount Gilbert was on May 29, 1962. The climbing team included Paul B. Crews, Hans Metz, Helga Bading, and Bob Bailey. They made their way to the summit even though the weather conditions were described as poor. Climbing a mountain like Mount Gilbert requires a lot of skill and courage!
What's the Weather Like on Mount Gilbert?
Mount Gilbert is in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has very long, cold, and snowy winters. The summers are usually cool. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C (which is −4 °F). With the wind chill, it can feel even colder, sometimes below −30 °C (−22 °F).
This cold climate helps several large glaciers stay frozen. To the south of Mount Gilbert, you'll find the Serpentine Glacier. The Colony Glacier is to the north and west. To the east, there are the Barry and Cascade Glaciers. If you want to climb Mount Gilbert, the best time to visit is usually from May through June. This is when the weather is most favorable for climbing.
Images for kids
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Aerial view of summit from north
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Aerial view from west
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Aerial view from the south
