Chicoma Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chicoma Mountain |
|
|---|---|
From Los Alamos
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 11,561 ft (3,524 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 4,281 ft (1,305 m) |
| Geography | |
 Chicoma Mountain
Location in New Mexico
|
|
| Location | Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Parent range | Jemez Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Polvadera Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Chicoma Mountain, also spelled Tschicoma or Tchicoma, is the tallest point in the Jemez Mountains. This important mountain range is found in the state of New Mexico, USA. Chicoma Mountain is easy to see from nearby towns like Los Alamos, Santa Fe, and Española. You can also spot it from other areas in the Rio Grande valley in northern New Mexico. Even though it is a very tall mountain, trees grow almost all the way to its top.
Contents
About Chicoma Mountain
Chicoma Mountain reaches a height of 11,561 feet (about 3,524 meters) above sea level. It is known for its high tree line, which means trees grow higher up its slopes than on many other mountains. This makes the mountain look very green and forested almost to its very top.
How Chicoma Mountain Formed
Like the rest of the Jemez Mountains, Chicoma Mountain was created by volcanic activity. It sits on the edge of a huge bowl-shaped depression called the Valles Caldera. A caldera is a large crater that forms when a volcano erupts and then collapses inward. The Valles Caldera is one of the best examples of this type of landform in the United States.
Chicoma Mountain and Native American Culture
Chicoma Mountain is a very special place for many of the Puebloan peoples of New Mexico. These Native American communities have lived in the area for a long time. They traditionally see Chicoma Mountain as the "center of all" things. This means it holds deep spiritual and cultural importance for them.
Much of Chicoma Mountain is located within the land of the Santa Clara Pueblo. Because of its sacred meaning, access to some parts of the mountain is limited. This helps protect the mountain and its cultural importance.
Visiting Chicoma Mountain
While some areas are restricted, the top of Chicoma Mountain can be reached through public lands on its northern side. This allows hikers and others to experience the mountain's beauty.
Near Chicoma Mountain, you can find the Puye Cliff Dwellings. This is an important archaeological site where ancient Pueblo people once lived in homes built into cliffs. The Puye Cliff Dwellings are not directly on Chicoma Mountain. They are located in Santa Clara Canyon, about 30 minutes south of the mountain. This site is on the Santa Clara Pueblo's land and is sometimes open to the public for a fee.
Images for kids
-
Chicoma Mountain seen from the north
