Rock Glacier - Peter Lougheed Provincial Park - Kananaskis, Alberta
Posted by: 
wildwoodke
N 50° 36.828 W 115° 00.406
11U E 641016 N 5608775
Rock Glacier in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is easily accessed from the highway and up a short path near the summit of Highwood Pass in Kananaskis, Alberta.
Waymark Code: WM5M13
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 01/20/2009
Views: 10
From the interpretive sign: "This massive deposit of rock was once a part of western slope of Mount Rae. Over thousands of years, erosion has chiseled millions of tonnes of rock from the mountain. The continual precipitation of rock debris provides a source of new rock to this slowly moving mass, or rock glacier.
Look for low mounds and ripples on the surface of the rock glacier. These pressure ridges are evidence of the movement of this rock mass. The develop over hundreds of years as the weight of the newer rock falling from Mt. Rae pushes older deposits down the slope.
The fact that trees are able to grow on the glacier is graphic evidence of the slow movement of this massive mountain feature. In a few centuries, this glacier of rock will cross the highway and eventually pile agains the mountains across the valley."
From Hwy 1, turn onto Hwy 40 and head south for 64.5 km. On the left side of the road, there will be a Rock Glacier sign with a small pull-out area. Just remember that this road closes yearly from December 1st to June 15th.
Elevation Gain: 15 m (49 ft) - Easy 10 minute interpretive walk while learning (and seeing) rock glaciers. You might even see a rock rabbit or pika!
Mountain / landmass name: Mount Rae
Park name (if any): Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Glacier type: rock
Parking / trail head / boat launch:
Highway 40
Kananaskis, Alberta Canada
Travel time (approximate): 12:00 AM
Final access method: Hiking trail
Safe viewing location: N 50° 36.828 W 115° 00.406
Photograph submitted: yes
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Visit Instructions:
To log an existing waymark, you must post a photograph of you and the glacier [TAKEN FROM A SAFE LOCATION], and describe briefly how you arrived there.