Cortez Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cortez Mountains |
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HVAC transmission towers cross Crescent Valley eastward toward the Cortez Mountains in the distance
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mount Tenabo |
| Elevation | 2,790 m (9,150 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Location in Nevada
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| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| District | Eureka and Lander counties |
| Range coordinates | 40°18′39.711″N 116°20′5.277″W / 40.31103083°N 116.33479917°W |
| Topo map | USGS Crescent Valley 30x60 and Battle Mountain 30x60 |
The Cortez Mountains are a mountain range in north central Nevada, United States. This mountain range stretches from the southwest to the northeast. It sits between two valleys called Crescent Valley and Pine Valley.
The highest point in the range is Mount Tenabo. It stands tall at 9,153 feet (2,790 meters) above sea level.
Where Are the Cortez Mountains?
The Cortez Mountains are surrounded by other mountain ranges. To the northwest, you'll find the Shoshone Range. To the east are the Pinon and Sulphur Springs ranges. South of the Cortez Mountains are the Simpson Park Mountains. Finally, to the southwest, across a narrow area called Cortez Canyon, is the Toiyabe Range.
The northeastern tip of the Cortez Mountains reaches the Humboldt River. This is near a town called Palisade, which is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km) southwest of Carlin.
Nature and Wildlife in the Mountains
Most of the Cortez Mountains, about 70%, are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This is a government agency that looks after public lands. The remaining 30% of the land is privately owned.
The mountains are home to different types of plants. You'll mostly see pinyon and juniper trees. There are also shrubs that grow in cooler mountain areas, and wide fields of sagebrush.
Many animals live here too. At least four different kinds of mice have been found in the range. You might also spot the side-blotched lizard or the chisel-toothed kangaroo rat.
How Did the Mountains Get Their Name?
The Cortez Mountains were named after Hernán Cortés. He was a famous Spanish explorer and soldier from the 1500s. He is known for leading an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.
