Mount Merritt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Merritt
Mount Merritt from Glenns Lake
Highest point
Elevation	10,009 ft (3,051 m)
Prominence	2,904 ft (885 m)
Geography
Mount Merritt Location in Montana Show map of Montana Mount Merritt Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Glacier County, Montana, U.S.
Parent range	Lewis Range
Topo map	USGS Ahern Pass, MT
Climbing
First ascent	1924 (Norman Clyde)

Mount Merritt is a towering mountain located in the Lewis Range within Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana. It stands at an impressive height of 10,009 feet (3,051 m). This makes it one of only six peaks in Glacier National Park that rise above 10,000 feet (3,048 m).

Mount Merritt is found in the northeastern part of the park. It rises dramatically, about a vertical mile, above the rivers nearby. This makes it a very noticeable and majestic sight.

Exploring Mount Merritt's Location

Mount Merritt is a key part of the Lewis Range, a mountain range that stretches through parts of Montana and Canada. It is entirely within the borders of Glacier National Park. This park is famous for its stunning landscapes, including tall mountains, deep valleys, and beautiful lakes.

Getting to the Mountain

Reaching Mount Merritt is an adventure because it's quite remote. To get to the base of the summit, you need to hike about 13 miles (21 km) one way. This long hike means that only experienced hikers usually attempt to reach its summit. The journey offers amazing views of the park's wilderness.

Features of Mount Merritt

Near the top of Mount Merritt, you can find the Old Sun Glacier. This glacier is a large, slow-moving mass of ice that hangs along the mountain's east ridge. Glaciers are important because they shape the landscape over many years.

How Mount Merritt Got Its Name

Mount Merritt was named in 1891. It was named after General Wesley Merritt. He was an important military leader in the United States. Members of Troop C, 1st Cavalry, who were visiting the area while stationed at Fort Assiniboine, decided to name the peak in his honor.

First Climbers of the Peak

The first recorded climb to the summit of Mount Merritt happened in 1924. The climber was Norman Clyde, a well-known mountaineer. He was famous for his many first ascents of peaks in the American West.

Mount Merritt as viewed from the Elizabeth Lake Trail. The large snowfield flanking the mountain's east face is Old Sun Glacier, and the sharp prominence to the right is known as Natoas Peak.