Charybdis (mountain) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charybdis |
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 Charybdis
Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,102 ft (3,993 m) NAVD88 |
| Prominence | 1,056 ft (322 m) |
| Isolation | 1.52 mi (2.45 km) to Black Giant |
| Parent peak | Black Giant |
| Listing | Sierra Peaks Section (Mountaineers Peaks) |
| Naming | |
| Etymology | Ancient Greek legend of Scylla and Charybdis |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | YDS Class 3 |
Charybdis is a tall mountain in the Sierra Nevada range in California. It stands at about 13,102 feet (3,993 meters) high. This mountain is deep inside Kings Canyon National Park. It is in one of the hardest-to-reach parts of the mountain range.
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Exploring Charybdis
Charybdis is quite a challenge to visit. The shortest way to get there is a 16-mile trip. This journey starts from the Sabrina Lake trailhead. It involves a lot of walking across rough, open land. This kind of terrain is called "class 3" in the Yosemite Decimal System. This means you might need to use your hands for balance.
If you prefer a path with less difficult cross-country travel, there is another option. This route is 23 miles long. It begins at the South Lake trailhead. Both paths show how remote and wild this area is.
Charybdis and the Enchanted Gorge
Charybdis has a "sister peak" named Scylla. These two mountains stand on opposite sides of the Enchanted Gorge. Charybdis rises from the east side, and Scylla from the west. They guard the upper part of the gorge.
How Did Charybdis Get Its Name?
The name "Charybdis" comes from an old Greek legend. Theodore Solomons named the mountain in 1895. He was on an expedition exploring the area. He also named the nearby peak Scylla.
The Ancient Greek Legend
In the ancient Greek story, Scylla and Charybdis were two sea monsters. They lived very close to each other in a narrow sea passage. This passage was the Strait of Messina. Sailors found it almost impossible to avoid one monster without getting too close to the other. This made sailing through the strait very dangerous. Solomons likely felt the two mountains, guarding the narrow Enchanted Gorge, were similar to these legendary monsters.
