Pika Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pika Peak |
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 Pika Peak
Location in Alberta
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,053 m (10,016 ft) |
| Prominence | 13 m (43 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Alberta, Canada |
| Parent range | Slate Range |
| Topo map | NTS 82N/08 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1911 |
| Easiest route | Scramble |
Pika Peak is a beautiful mountain found in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. It stands tall between two other mountains, Mount Richardson and Ptarmigan Peak.
This mountain got its name in 1928. It was named after the pika, a tiny animal that looks like a small rabbit. Pikas are known for living in rocky, high-altitude areas, just like where Pika Peak is located!
The Lake Louise Mountain Resort is built on the southern side of a mountain ridge called Merlin Ridge. This ridge includes Pika Peak, along with Mount Richardson and Ptarmigan Peak. You can also find a campground at the base of Pika Peak, close to Hidden Lake.
The very first time someone successfully climbed Pika Peak was in 1911. Two climbers, L.L. Delafield and L.M. Earle, made this first ascent. They had help from experienced guides named Rudolph Aemmer and Edward Feuz Jr.
Contents
Exploring Pika Peak
Climbing Routes and Adventures
Climbing Pika Peak can be a fun challenge for experienced hikers. One common way to reach the top is by following a route called the "scrambling route." This route goes through a low point between Mount Richardson and Pika Peak, known as the Richardson-Pika col.
Reaching the Col
To get to the Richardson-Pika col, you have a couple of choices. You can climb up Mount Richardson first, which is considered an easier scramble. Or, you can head directly towards the lower parts of Pika Peak from the area above Hidden Lake. Both paths lead to the col, where the more challenging part of the climb begins.
The West Ridge Scramble
Once you are at the col, the route continues along the west ridge of Pika Peak. This part of the climb is rated as difficult. It involves "scrambling," which means you'll need to use both your hands and feet to climb over rocks and steep sections. It's like a mix between hiking and rock climbing, but usually without ropes.
