Cherry Creek Range facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cherry Creek Range |
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Cherry Creek Range viewed from Spruce Mountain, Nevada
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 10,458 ft (3,188 m) |
| Geography | |
 Location in Nevada
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| Country | United States |
| Range coordinates | 40°3′34.755″N 114°52′59.101″W / 40.05965417°N 114.88308361°W |
| Topo map | USGS Paris Creek |
The Cherry Creek Range is a cool group of mountains in northeastern Nevada, in the western United States. These mountains stretch for about 50 miles (80 km) from north to south. They are located mostly in northern White Pine County and southern Elko County.
The Cherry Creek Range is part of a larger area called the Basin and Range Province. This region is known for its many mountain ranges and flat valleys, which were formed by huge cracks in the Earth's crust called faults. The tallest spot in the Cherry Creek Range is an unnamed peak. It stands super high at 10,458 feet (3,187 meters)! This peak is right near the border between White Pine and Elko counties.
Contents
Discovering the Cherry Creek Range
Where is the Cherry Creek Range?
The Cherry Creek Range is located in a quiet, beautiful part of Nevada. It forms a natural boundary between several valleys and other mountain ranges. Knowing its neighbors helps us understand its place in the landscape.
What Makes These Mountains Special?
These mountains are a great example of how the Earth's crust moves and changes. They were formed by a process called "block faulting." Imagine huge blocks of land being pushed up or dropping down, creating the tall mountains and deep valleys we see today. The highest point in the range, at over 10,000 feet, offers amazing views of the surrounding area.
Exploring Around the Range
Valleys and Neighboring Mountains
To the west of the Cherry Creek Range, you'll find Butte Valley and the Butte Mountains. To the east, there's Steptoe Valley and the Schell Creek Range. You can also find U.S. Route 93 and the historic mining town of Cherry Creek in this eastern area.
North of the Cherry Creek Range is Spruce Mountain, which is connected to the Pequop Mountains. To the east of the Pequop Mountains, you'll find Goshute Valley. This valley turns southwest near the northern part of the Cherry Creek Range, where the town of Currie is located.
Historic Routes and Natural Wonders
South of the Cherry Creek Range are the Egan Range and Egan Canyon. This canyon was once part of the famous Pony Express route. The Pony Express was a mail service in the 1860s that used horseback riders to deliver messages across the western United States very quickly.
Right in the middle of the Cherry Creek Range, there's a deep cut called the Goshute Basin. This area is home to the Goshute Canyon Wilderness Study Area. A wilderness study area is a special place that the government is considering protecting as a wilderness area. These areas are kept wild and natural, with very few human changes, so people can enjoy nature and wildlife can thrive.
