Darwin Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Darwin Hills |
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Ophir Mountain, the highest point in the Darwin Hills.
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Ophir Mountain |
| Elevation | 1,832 m (6,010 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Inyo County |
| Range coordinates | 36°17′24.787″N 117°35′56.247″W / 36.29021861°N 117.59895750°W |
| Topo map | USGS Darwin |
The Darwin Hills are a mountain range in Inyo County, California. They are located near other mountain ranges like the Argus Range, Panamint Range, and Inyo Mountains. Inside the Darwin Hills, you can find Darwin Falls and the Darwin Falls Wilderness. These hills were named after Dr. Darwin French, who was a local rancher, miner, and explorer. The highest point in the Darwin Hills is Ophir Mountain, which stands at 6,010 feet (1,832 meters) tall.
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What are the Darwin Hills?
The Darwin Hills are a group of mountains located in the desert areas of California. They are part of Inyo County, a large county in the eastern part of the state. These hills are not far from other well-known mountain ranges. These include the Argus Range, the Panamint Range, and the Inyo Mountains. The area is known for its dry climate and unique desert plants and animals.
Why are they called Darwin Hills?
The Darwin Hills got their name from a person named Dr. Darwin French. He was an important figure in the history of this part of California. Dr. French was a rancher, which means he raised animals on a large farm. He was also a miner, looking for valuable minerals in the ground. On top of that, he was an explorer, traveling to new places and mapping them out. The people in the area decided to name these hills after him to honor his contributions.
What's the highest point?
The tallest part of the Darwin Hills is a peak called Ophir Mountain. A peak is the very top of a mountain. Ophir Mountain reaches a height of 6,010 feet (which is about 1,832 meters) above sea level. This makes it the highest spot in the entire Darwin Hills range. From its summit, you can see amazing views of the surrounding desert and other mountain ranges.
What can you find there?
The Darwin Hills are home to some interesting natural features. One of the most famous is Darwin Falls. This is a beautiful waterfall that flows even in the dry desert environment. It's a surprising sight to see water cascading down rocks in such a place.
Another important area is the Darwin Falls Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place where nature is protected. It means that human activities like building roads or large structures are limited. This helps to keep the natural environment safe for plants and animals. People can visit these areas to enjoy nature, often by hiking or observing wildlife.
