Wapta Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wapta Mountain |
|
|---|---|
Wapta Mountain marks the end of Fossil Ridge
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,778 m (9,114 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Wapta Mountain
Location in British Columbia
|
|
| Parent range | President Range |
| Topo map | NTS 082N08 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1901 |
Wapta Mountain is a tall mountain found in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It sits between Emerald Lake and Yoho Valley, inside Yoho National Park in British Columbia, Canada. This mountain is special because it's just north of a ridge that holds the famous Burgess Shale fossil beds.
Wapta Mountain, along with a peak called The Vice President and Mount Burgess, creates a beautiful background for Emerald Lake. It also marks the southern end of a group of mountains known as the President Range. In 1901, James Outram, J. H. Scattergood, and their guide C. Bohren, were the first people known to climb Wapta Mountain. The mountain also offers a great view of Takakkaw Falls, which is 1,247 feet tall and the second highest waterfall in western Canada. The name "Wapta" comes from the Stoney language, where it means "river."
Contents
Exploring Wapta Mountain's Location
Wapta Mountain is a key part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, a huge mountain range in western North America. Its location in Yoho National Park makes it a popular spot for nature lovers and hikers. The park is known for its stunning landscapes, including tall peaks, deep valleys, and beautiful waterfalls.
Where is Wapta Mountain Located?
This mountain is found in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It's positioned between two important natural features: Emerald Lake and the Yoho Valley. These areas are well-known for their natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Wapta Mountain and the President Range
Wapta Mountain is the southern end of the President Range. This range is a group of mountains that includes other notable peaks like The Vice President and Mount Burgess. Together, these mountains create a dramatic backdrop for the clear, green waters of Emerald Lake.
Discovering the Burgess Shale Connection
One of the most fascinating things about Wapta Mountain is its close link to the Burgess Shale. This area is famous worldwide for its incredible collection of fossils.
What is the Burgess Shale?
The Burgess Shale is a fossil site that holds the remains of ancient sea creatures from over 500 million years ago. These fossils are incredibly well-preserved and have taught scientists a lot about early life on Earth. Wapta Mountain stands just north of the ridge where these important fossils were found.
The First Climb of Wapta Mountain
Climbing a mountain like Wapta is a big achievement. The first recorded ascent of Wapta Mountain happened over a century ago.
Who First Climbed Wapta Mountain?
In 1901, a team of climbers made history by reaching the top of Wapta Mountain. This team included James Outram, J. H. Scattergood, and their guide, C. Bohren. Their successful climb marked an important moment in the exploration of the Canadian Rockies.
Takakkaw Falls: A Nearby Wonder
Wapta Mountain offers amazing views, including one of Canada's most impressive waterfalls.
Viewing Takakkaw Falls
From Wapta Mountain, you can see Takakkaw Falls. This waterfall is an incredible sight, plunging 1,247 feet down. It is the second tallest waterfall in western Canada, making it a major attraction in Yoho National Park.
The Meaning Behind the Name "Wapta"
Many places in Canada have names that come from Indigenous languages, and Wapta Mountain is one of them.
What Does "Wapta" Mean?
The name "Wapta" comes from the Stoney language. In this language, "Wapta" means "river." This name likely reflects the importance of rivers and water in the landscape around the mountain.
