Hollister Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hollister Peak |
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Hollister Peak
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,411 ft (430 m) NAVD 88 |
| Geography | |
| Location | San Luis Obispo County, California |
| Parent range | Santa Lucia Range |
| Topo map | USGS Morro Bay South |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 20 million years |
| Mountain type | Volcanic plug |
| Volcanic field | Nine Sisters |
Hollister Peak is a cool mountain in California, standing about 1,404 feet tall. It's a special type of mountain called a volcanic plug, which is like the leftover core of an ancient volcano. Hollister Peak is one of a group of nine unique hills known as the Nine Sisters, all formed by old volcanoes. This peak was named after the family who lived nearby in 1884. It was also very important for religious reasons to the Chumash people, who are the native people of that area.
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What is a Volcanic Plug?
Hollister Peak is a great example of a volcanic plug. Imagine a volcano that was active millions of years ago. When it erupted, lava flowed out. But sometimes, magma (melted rock) would cool and harden inside the volcano's vent, which is like its chimney. Over a very long time, the softer rock around this hardened core wore away due to wind and rain. What was left standing was the super hard plug of rock that had been inside the volcano. That's what Hollister Peak is! It's basically the tough "heart" of an old volcano.
The Nine Sisters
Hollister Peak is part of a famous group of nine hills called the Nine Sisters. These hills stretch across San Luis Obispo County, California, near the coast. Each one is a volcanic plug, just like Hollister Peak. They were all formed around 20 million years ago from the same ancient volcanic activity. They stand out in the landscape and are a unique natural feature of the area.
Why is it Called Hollister Peak?
The name "Hollister Peak" comes from a family who lived at the base of the mountain. In 1884, the Hollister family settled in the area. It was common for natural landmarks to be named after local families or important people. So, the peak became known as Hollister Peak, carrying on the name of those early residents.
Its Importance to the Chumash People
For the Chumash people, who have lived in this part of California for thousands of years, Hollister Peak was a very important place. It held deep religious and spiritual meaning for them. Many natural features, like mountains and rivers, were sacred to indigenous peoples. They were often seen as places where spirits lived, or where important ceremonies took place. While we don't know all the specific details today, we know that Hollister Peak was a significant part of the Chumash's spiritual world.
Can You Visit Hollister Peak?
It's important to know that Hollister Peak is located on private property. This means that there is no public access to the mountain. Unlike some other natural areas, you cannot hike or visit Hollister Peak without permission from the landowners. It's always important to respect private property rules when exploring natural areas.
