Johnson Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Johnson Peak |
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Johnson Peak
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 11,040 ft (3,360 m) NAVD 88 |
| Geography | |
| Location | Yosemite National Park, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cathedral Range |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Cretaceous |
| Mountain type | Granite |
Johnson Peak is a tall mountain located in Tuolumne Meadows, within Yosemite National Park in California. It stands at 11,040 feet (3,365 meters) high.
This mountain is mostly made of granite, a very hard rock. The granite here, called Johnson Granite Porphyry, is about 85 million years old. It's the newest granite rock found in Yosemite National Park. Even though it's now a mountain, it actually formed deep underground, beneath the Earth's crust. Over millions of years, it slowly pushed its way up to the surface.
Johnson Peak is known for having amazing views from its top. Even though it's a fairly easy hike, fewer people climb it compared to other nearby mountains. From the top, you can see many other beautiful peaks. These include Unicorn Peak, Cockscomb Peak, Echo Peaks, and Matthes Crest. If you look north and east, you might spot Mount Conness, Mount Dana, and Mammoth Peak. To the southeast, you can see Mount Maclure and Mount Lyell.
Naming Johnson Peak
Johnson Peak was named in the 1890s by R.B. Marshall. He was a surveyor, which means he measured and mapped land. Marshall named the peak to honor a man who helped him on his survey trips. This helper was a teamster (someone who drives a team of animals) and a guide. He assisted Marshall and Professor Davidson during their work, and they even climbed Mount Conness together.
Johnson Peak is part of a group of mountains called the Cathedral Range.
Geology and Nearby Areas
The special type of rock found here, called Johnson granite porphyry, gets its name from Johnson Peak. Scientists think that a very long time ago, there might have been a volcano or a large caldera (a big bowl-shaped hollow formed after a volcano collapses) high above where Johnson Peak is now.
Johnson Peak is also quite close to a beautiful place called Elizabeth Lake.
