Basin Mountain (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basin Mountain |
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Basin Mountain's east face in winter
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13187+ ft (4020+ m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 421 ft (128 m) |
| Listing | Sierra Peaks Section |
| Geography | |
 Basin Mountain
Location in California
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| Location | Inyo County California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Tom |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | November 9, 1930, by Norman Clyde via the North Slope |
| Easiest route | Simple Scramble, class 2 via the North Slope |
Basin Mountain is a tall and impressive peak in California's eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. It stands out near the city of Bishop. Even though it's not as tall as some of its neighbors like Mount Tom, Basin Mountain looks huge from Bishop. It rises high above an area called the Buttermilks, which is famous for outdoor activities. Getting to the top of Basin Mountain is a fun adventure, often called a "scramble." From the summit, you can see amazing views, especially of Mount Tom. At night, the lights of Bishop and the Owens Valley look spectacular.
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About Basin Mountain
Basin Mountain is a really cool mountain located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This range runs along the eastern side of California. Basin Mountain is easy to spot from the city of Bishop. It's a big mountain that stands out against the sky.
Where is Basin Mountain?
This mountain is found in Inyo County, California, in the U.S.. It's part of the Sierra Nevada range. You can see it clearly from Bishop, especially as it rises above an area known as the Buttermilks. The Buttermilks are famous for rock climbing and bouldering.
How Tall is It?
Basin Mountain reaches a height of over 13,187 feet (4020 meters)! While this is very tall, some nearby mountains like Mount Tom and Mount Humphreys are even higher. Still, Basin Mountain looks very grand and important from the valley below.
Climbing to the Top
Reaching the summit of Basin Mountain is considered a relatively easy climb. It's often called a "simple scramble." This means you might need to use your hands a bit to climb over rocks, but it's not like difficult rock climbing that requires special ropes and gear. The easiest way to the top is usually by following the North Slope.
First Ascent
The first recorded climb to the top of Basin Mountain was on November 9, 1930. A famous mountaineer named Norman Clyde made this first ascent. He climbed the mountain using the North Slope route, which is still known as the easiest way up today.
Amazing Views
When you reach the top of Basin Mountain, the summit itself might not be super fancy. However, the views from the top are absolutely incredible! You get a fantastic look at Mount Tom, which is a much taller peak just to the north. It really dominates the skyline.
Night-Time Spectacle
If you happen to be on Basin Mountain at night, the views are even more amazing. You can see the sparkling lights of Bishop and the entire Owens Valley spread out below you. It's a truly spectacular sight!
