Mount Mitchell (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Mitchell |
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 Mount Mitchell
Location in Alberta
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,063 m (10,049 ft) |
| Prominence | 183 m (600 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Alberta, Canada |
| Parent range | Winston Churchill Range |
| Topo map | NTS 83C/05 |
Mount Mitchell is a towering mountain found deep within Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. It stands proudly in the beautiful Sunwapta River valley, about 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) southeast of another peak called Mount Morden Long. This impressive mountain is part of the Winston Churchill Range, which is a section of the mighty Canadian Rockies.
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Exploring Mount Mitchell
Mount Mitchell is a significant peak in the Canadian Rockies. It reaches an impressive height of 3,063 meters (about 10,050 feet) above sea level. Imagine looking up at a mountain that tall! It's a popular spot for adventurers and nature lovers who visit Jasper National Park.
Where is Mount Mitchell Located?
Mount Mitchell is located in Jasper National Park, one of Canada's most famous national parks. This park is in the western part of Alberta, a province known for its stunning natural beauty. Jasper National Park is also part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. This means the area is recognized globally for its unique natural importance.
The mountain sits specifically within the Sunwapta River valley. Rivers often carve out valleys over thousands of years, creating the landscapes we see today. The Sunwapta River is known for its beautiful turquoise waters, fed by glaciers.
How Did Mount Mitchell Get Its Name?
Mount Mitchell was officially named in 1970. It was named in honor of two important engineers: J.H. Mitchell and Mitchell Lobb. These individuals worked for the Department of the Interior, a government department responsible for many things, including national parks and public lands.
J.H. Mitchell played a key role in overseeing the construction of a very famous road called the Icefields Parkway. This parkway is a scenic highway that connects the towns of Jasper and Banff, passing through two of Canada's most incredible national parks: Jasper and Banff National Park. Building a road through such rugged mountain terrain was a huge engineering challenge, and Mitchell's work helped make it possible for many people to enjoy the stunning views and natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies.
The Icefields Parkway Connection
The Icefields Parkway is often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It stretches for 232 kilometers (144 miles) and offers breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Because Mount Mitchell is located near this historic road, it's a reminder of the hard work and dedication that went into opening up these incredible landscapes for everyone to explore and appreciate.
