Albion Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Albion Mountains |
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Albion Mountains from Heyburn
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Cache Peak |
| Elevation | 10,339 ft (3,151 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 49 mi (79 km) N/S |
| Width | 36 mi (58 km) E/W |
| Area | 1,082 sq mi (2,800 km2) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
The Albion Mountains are a cool mountain range mostly in Idaho and a tiny bit in Utah. They are part of the Great Basin Divide, which is like a big line that separates where water flows. The tallest point is Cache Peak, standing at 10,339 feet (3,151 meters) high!
Most of these mountains are part of the Sawtooth National Forest. This means they are protected and managed for everyone to enjoy.
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Exploring the Albion Mountains
The Albion Mountains are surrounded by other interesting places. To the southeast, you'll find the Raft River Mountains. The Black Pine Mountains are to the east. To the north is the wide Snake River Plain.
Water and Lakes
All the streams in the Albion Mountains flow into the Snake River. This river is a big tributary of the Columbia River. There are six beautiful alpine lakes hidden in these mountains. Lake Cleveland is north of Mount Harrison. Four other lakes, called the Independence Lakes, are north of Cache Peak.
Nearby Towns
Several towns are close to the mountains. Almo, Elba, and Malta are to the east. Albion, Burley, and Heyburn are to the north. Oakley is located to the west.
Fun Activities in the Mountains
The Albion Mountains are a great place for outdoor adventures! There are many roads and trails to explore.
Outdoor Adventures
You can go hiking on scenic trails. Some areas are perfect for off-road vehicle riding. Fishing in the mountain streams is also popular. If you like hunting, there are opportunities for that too.
Rock Climbing and Skiing
The southern part of the range has City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park. These spots are super popular for rock climbing because of their unique rock formations. If you love winter sports, the Pomerelle ski area is in the mountains. It has two chairlifts for skiers and snowboarders.
Unique Plants and Animals
The Albion Mountains are home to some very special living things. Some plants and birds found here live nowhere else in the world!
Rare Plants
Christ's Indian Paintbrush is Idaho's rarest plant. It grows only on the upper slopes of Mount Harrison. Another unique plant, Davis' springparsley, is also found only in the Albion Mountains.
Special Birds
The South Hills crossbill is a type of bird that lives only in the Albion Mountains and the nearby South Hills. Scientists believe it's a separate species from the more common crossbill. This happened because they adapted to their specific mountain home.
A Bit of History
In February 1945, a B-24 Liberator Army Bomber crashed on Mount Harrison. This happened during a training flight in thick fog. It was a sad event.
Gallery
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Map of City of Rocks and the southern Albion Range
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Bath Rock in the City of Rocks
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City of Rocks
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City of Rocks
