Holy Cross Mountain

Holy Cross Mountain is a 2,650-metre summit in Alberta’s Highwood Range, rising steeply above the Highwood Valley and visible from surrounding highways and even Calgary on clear days. George Pocaterra named it in the early 1900s for the white cross that appears on its east slope as spring snowfields melt, and the name was officially adopted in 1980. Raymond M. Patterson made the first recorded ascent in 1937, and a nearby peak was later named in his honor. Formed from ancient sedimentary rock during major mountain-building events, the mountain also stands out for its dramatic relief, seasonal snow pattern, and challenging subarctic climate.

Alberta · Canada