Marcellina Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marcellina Mountain |
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Marcellina Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 11,353 ft (3,460 m) |
| Prominence | 2,728 ft (831 m) |
| Isolation | 5.08 mi (8.18 km) |
| Listing | Colorado prominent summits |
| Geography | |
 Marcellina Mountain
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Gunnison County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Parent range | West Elk Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Marcellina Mountain, Colorado |
Marcellina Mountain is a very noticeable mountain peak in the West Elk Mountains. This mountain range is part of the larger Rocky Mountains in North America. Standing at 11,353-foot (3,460 m) (about 3,460 meters) tall, it's a significant landmark.
You can find Marcellina Mountain in the Raggeds Wilderness area. This wilderness is part of the Gunnison National Forest in Gunnison County, Colorado, United States. It's located about 24 kilometers (15 miles) west-northwest of the Town of Crested Butte.
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Discover Marcellina Mountain
Marcellina Mountain is known for its impressive height and how much it stands out from the land around it. When a mountain is called "prominent," it means it rises high above its surroundings. This makes it easy to spot and a great place for amazing views.
Where is Marcellina Mountain?
This mountain is located in the beautiful state of Colorado. It's specifically in Gunnison County, which is known for its rugged and wild landscapes. The area around Marcellina Mountain is protected.
The Raggeds Wilderness
The Raggeds Wilderness is a special place where nature is kept wild. It's part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This means that human activities are limited to protect the natural environment. People can enjoy activities like hiking and camping, but they must do so in a way that doesn't harm the wilderness.
Gunnison National Forest
Marcellina Mountain is also within the Gunnison National Forest. National Forests are large areas of land managed by the U.S. Forest Service. They are used for many things, including recreation, wildlife protection, and timber production. It's a place where you can explore nature and see different plants and animals.
How Mountains Like This Formed
Marcellina Mountain is a type of mountain called a laccolith. This is a cool geology term! A laccolith forms when hot, melted rock (magma) pushes up into layers of rock deep underground. Instead of breaking through to the surface like a volcano, the magma spreads out sideways. It forms a dome shape, pushing the rock layers above it upwards. Over a very long time, the softer rock layers on top wear away, leaving the harder, dome-shaped rock of the laccolith exposed as a mountain.
This process shows how powerful Earth's forces are. It takes millions of years for mountains like Marcellina to be shaped by both internal forces (magma pushing up) and external forces (wind, water, and ice wearing rock away).
Exploring the West Elk Mountains
Marcellina Mountain is part of the West Elk Mountains. This range is known for its rugged peaks, deep valleys, and beautiful forests. It's a popular area for outdoor adventures.
- Hiking: Many trails wind through the West Elk Mountains, offering chances to see stunning scenery.
- Wildlife: You might spot animals like elk, deer, bears, and various birds living in these mountains.
- Scenery: The views from and around Marcellina Mountain are breathtaking, especially during the fall when the leaves change color.
The West Elk Mountains are a great example of the natural beauty found in Colorado. They offer a chance to connect with nature and learn about geology and ecosystems.
