Jepson Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jepson Peak |
|
|---|---|
| Jepson Peak | |
 Jepson Peak
Location in California
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 11,209 ft (3,417 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 125 ft (38 m) |
| Listing | Hundred Peaks Section |
| Geography | |
| Location | San Bernardino County, California |
| Parent range | San Bernardino Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS San Gorgonio Mountain |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Strenuous hike, class 1 |
Jepson Peak is a mountain top located in Southern California. It sits about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) west of San Gorgonio Mountain. This peak is part of the beautiful San Gorgonio Wilderness area. Even though it's the second highest point in Southern California, many experts don't count it as a main peak. This is because it doesn't rise very far above the land around it.
Contents
About Jepson Peak
Jepson Peak reaches an elevation of 11,209 feet (3,416 meters) above sea level. It is part of the San Bernardino Mountains range. This area is known for its rugged beauty and challenging hiking trails. The peak offers amazing views of the surrounding wilderness.
What is a Summit?
A summit is simply the highest point of a mountain or hill. Think of it as the very top of a peak. Jepson Peak is considered a summit because it's a distinct high point. However, not all summits are counted as "independent peaks."
Why Isn't it an Independent Peak?
For a mountain to be considered an "independent peak," it usually needs to have a certain amount of prominence. Prominence measures how much a peak rises above the lowest point connecting it to a higher peak. Jepson Peak only has about 125 feet (38 meters) of prominence. This means it doesn't stand out enough from the much taller San Gorgonio Mountain nearby. Because of this, it's often seen as a smaller bump on the side of a larger mountain.
Who Was Jepson Peak Named After?
Jepson Peak gets its name from a famous person named Willis Linn Jepson. He was a botanist, which means he studied plants. Willis Jepson worked at the University of California. He was also one of the first members of a group called the Sierra Club. This club works to protect nature and explore wild places. Naming a peak after him honors his contributions to science and conservation.
How Can You Visit Jepson Peak?
Reaching Jepson Peak involves a strenuous hike. The easiest route is considered a Class 1 climb. This means it's a challenging walk, but you don't need special climbing gear. Hikers often combine a visit to Jepson Peak with a trip to San Gorgonio Mountain. The area is popular for experienced hikers who enjoy tough trails and stunning natural scenery.
