Liberty Cap (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Liberty Cap |
|
|---|---|
Liberty Cap is next to Nevada Fall
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 7,080 ft (2,160 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 956 ft (291 m) |
| Parent peak | Half Dome |
| Geography | |
| Location | Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Half Dome |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Cretaceous |
| Mountain type | Granite dome |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Scramble, class 2–3 |
Liberty Cap is a cool granite dome (a rounded rock formation) located in Yosemite National Park in California, United States. It sits right at the edge of the Little Yosemite Valley. You can find it next to Nevada Fall, a famous waterfall, and it's also along the well-known John Muir Trail.
This impressive dome rises about 1,700 feet (520 m) from the bottom of Nevada Fall. Its highest point reaches an elevation of 7,080 ft (2,158 m). Close by, there's a smaller, flat-topped dome called Mount Broderick.
How Liberty Cap Got Its Name
Liberty Cap received its name in a unique way! In 1865, Leland Stanford, who was the Governor of California at the time, visited Yosemite Valley. He was with James Hutchings, a famous early settler of Yosemite.
When they visited Nevada Fall, Governor Stanford wasn't happy with any of the names suggested for the nearby dome. Legend says that Hutchings then showed him a half-dollar coin. On the coin, there was a picture of a "cap of liberty" (also known as a Phrygian cap). Governor Stanford thought the dome looked a lot like this cap on the coin. So, he decided that "Liberty Cap" was the perfect name for the granite dome!
Climbing to the Top
Climbing Liberty Cap can be an exciting adventure! The easiest way to reach the top starts from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. From there, you can follow either the John Muir Trail or the Mist Trail. Both trails lead you to the top of Nevada Fall.
Once you're at the top of Nevada Fall, you'll cross a bridge over the Merced River. After crossing, you'll climb a short ridge. From the smooth granite rocks on this ridge, you can ascend the Northeast Gully. This part is considered a Class 2–3 scramble, which means it involves using your hands for balance but isn't usually a difficult climb.
For more experienced climbers, there are also several challenging technical climbing routes on Liberty Cap. These routes range in difficulty from class 5.8 to 5.11, which means they require special climbing gear and skills.
