Mount John Laurie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount John Laurie |
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|---|---|
| Mount Yamnuska | |
Yamnuska
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,240 m (7,350 ft) |
| Listing | Mountains of Alberta |
| Geography | |
 Mount John Laurie
Location in Alberta
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| Parent range | Canadian Rockies |
| Topo map | NTS 82O/03 |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Paleozoic |
| Mountain type | Limestone and shale |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Unknown |
| Easiest route | Scramble |
Mount John Laurie is a famous mountain in the Canadian Rockies, located in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is also widely known as Mount Yamnuska. This mountain is a popular spot for outdoor adventures and has a rich history.
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What's in a Name?
This mountain has a few different names! Its official name, Mount John Laurie, was given in 1961. But many people also call it Mount Laurie, or by its traditional Nakoda name, Mount Yamnuska. Sometimes, it's even called just Yamnuska.
The Meaning of Yamnuska
The word Yamnuska comes from the Stoney Nakoda word Iyamnathka. It means "wall of stone" or "the flat faced mountain." This name perfectly describes the mountain's steep, flat cliffs.
Who Was John Laurie?
The mountain was renamed in honor of John Lee Laurie (1899–1959). He was an important educator and activist. John Laurie helped start the Indian Association of Alberta. From 1944 to 1956, he worked as the secretary for this group. He spent his life working to support and improve the lives of Indigenous peoples in Alberta. The Stoney Nakoda First Nation asked for the mountain to be renamed in his honor in 1961.
A Peak for Adventure
Mount John Laurie stands tall at about 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level. It's the last mountain on the north side of the Bow River valley before the land flattens out into foothills and prairies.
Popular for Climbing
Because it's close to Calgary, Mount John Laurie is a favorite spot for outdoor activities. It's known as a "great scramble," which means it's a fun climb that doesn't always need special gear. It's also a very popular place for rock climbing. There are over 100 different climbing routes on its face, offering challenges for all skill levels.
How the Mountain Was Formed
Mount John Laurie has a very interesting geological story. It was created by something called the McConnell Thrust Fault. Imagine two giant pieces of the Earth's crust pushing against each other.
Ancient Rocks on Top
In this case, very old, strong rock (called Cambrian carbonate rock from the Eldon Formation) was pushed on top of much younger, softer rock (called Cretaceous clastic rock from the Belly River Formation). The fault line, where these rocks meet, is at the base of the mountain's cliff. This means that rocks that are about 450 million years different in age are now sitting one on top of the other! This unique setup is what gives Mount John Laurie its distinct "wall of stone" look.
A Place of Spiritual Importance
In 1987, Mount John Laurie was recognized as part of a special global network of natural spiritual places. This network includes other famous and sacred sites around the world.
Global Spiritual Sites
Some of the other places in this network are:
- Mount Fuji in Japan
- Stonehenge in England
- Mount Shasta in the United States
- Machu Picchu in Peru
- Ularu in Australia
- The pyramids of the Yucatan in Mexico
Getting There
It's easy to find Mount John Laurie! If you are at the intersection of Highway 1X and Highway 1A (also known as Bow Valley Trail), travel east for about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). You will then see a signed parking lot that says "Yamnuska." Turn in there, and you've arrived!
