Location:Alaska, United States of America
Elevation:4,091 meters
An eroded shield volcano, found in the Wrangell Mountains in Eastern Alaska, Mount Jarvis, is part of the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park. It is 10 miles from the summit of Mount Wrangell and nearby is a series of grand cliffs and spectacular icefalls.
Do you know how a dumbbell appears? If you take a detour from your regular gym, and instead take the route towards Alaska, you might get an idea of what it can look like. If you see Mount Jarvis from above, it bears an uncanny resemblance to one, with its two prominent peaks.
The mountain’s main summit is one of the many thirteeners because it rises to 13,421 feet. Thirteeners, although unfamiliar to the non-mountaineers, is well-known among hikers as a mountain that exceeds a height over 13,000 feet.
A climb to the park of Mt. Jarvis may be pricey. To have amounted is the price of plane tickets, meals, insurance, and lodging. A guide to hire and thus pay for is also essential because the trail can become tricky and unfamiliar because there isn’t much accessible information about it.
If you wish to climb this thirteener, it’s crucial to know more about it to carefully plot and strategize a memorable journey and successful climb.
History of Mt. Jarvis
This mountain was named in 1903 by F.C. Scharder, from U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This landform got its name from Captain David Henry Jarvis, from Revenue-Cutter Service (USRCS), who spent a fraction of his life in Alaska.
David Henry Jarvis was a Congressional Gold Medal Awardee for his heroic act to aid his struggling fellowmen. In the years 1897 to 1898, harsh winters had met their area. Jarvis, who was then a first lieutenant, led the Overland Relief Expedition. This was to bring a team of three men with a reindeer heard across 1,500 miles of pack-ice and tundra to Point Barrow, Alaska. It was there that 265 whalers needed sustenance after being stranded in northern Alaska’s icy coast.
The Safety and Preparations of Mt. Jarvis
- Rarely Hiked To
This can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because a hiker doesn’t have much competition in all the 365 days in a year, as it is very rarely hiked to. There isn’t so much information about the hikes, which is why it’s a curse. The lack of hikers that give information makes it harder for others to prepare unexpected things.
Why are only a few people interested in climbing this mountain? Observe the set-ups of national parks like in the Denali National Park or Mt. Rainier Park. They have well-organized tourist infrastructures. However, Mt. Jarvis doesn’t have this as of writing. Hence, it draws only the attention of some. This is no hindrance though to it being worth the adventure.
- Easy Hike
Unlike other daunting peaks like Mt. Everest, or the snowy summits in Europe that require knowledge on technicalities, the hike around is relatively easy, compared to the other summits. However, it’s still not a mountain to underestimate. Personal preparation of oneself and completing every single thing that’s essential for a hike is vital.
- Weather Conditions
When hiking up to higher altitudes, it’s only natural that there should be a time allotted for hikers to adjust to the unforgiving weather. Sometimes the weather could be rough and freezing. Some mountaineers have attested to the need to cover up with plenty of layers and issues with the visibility because of the snow getting in the way. There may be strong winds and frigid temperatures, but a quote says: “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes!”
Reasons to hike Mt. Jarvis
Mt. Jarvis’ South Ridge or Slope catches the eye of many beginners to mountain climbing. It is the perfect introductory peak to climbing the towering giants of Alaska. It’s also great for those who wish to go skiing. It also doesn’t lack in giving visitors the best panoramic sights. When to the south, one can take a glimpse of the serrated Wrangell Skyline.
Most visitors also visit the high plateau under the mountain to camp. Many enjoy seeing the caribous, the falling of vast chunks of ice down the slope, and the distinct wildlife. The unparalleled mountain view and the snow that adorns it makes it the perfect picture to keep in your mind in addition to the sense of accomplishment when successfully reaching the top.
Quite nearby is Mt. Wrangell, and so hikers can hit two birds with one stone. Just ten miles away. Mt. Jarvis is a massive shield volcano and is one of Alaska’s major peaks. A majority of climbers have decided in the past to climb both mountains and have succeeded. Take note that it could be wiser to climb Mt. Jarvis first because it is a shorter climb.
By trampling on the underrated mountain, people resound its name to the ears that find it unfamiliar. Mt. Jarvis is unknown to many, but the thrill of venturing towards paths that have not been marked deeply by human footsteps is a unique, extraordinary experience.