Mica Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mica Mountain |
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Mica Mountain view from Windy Point
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,668 ft (2,642 m) |
| Prominence | 4,608 ft (1,405 m) |
| Isolation | 20.42 mi (32.86 km) |
| Geography | |
 Mica Mountain
Location in Arizona
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| Location | Pima County, Arizona, United States |
| Parent range | Rincon Mountains |
Mica Mountain is a very tall peak in Arizona, United States. It stands at about 8,668-foot (2,642 m) high. This mountain is part of the Rincon Mountains and is located inside the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park.
Mica Mountain is special because it is the highest point in Saguaro National Park. It is also the highest point in the entire Rincon Mountains range. The mountain is found in Pima County, about 20 miles (32 km) east of the city of Tucson.
Contents
Discovering Mica Mountain
Mica Mountain gets its name from the mineral mica, which is a shiny, flaky rock often found in the area. This mountain is a major landmark in the region. It helps shape the weather and ecosystems around it.
Location and Surroundings
Mica Mountain is a key part of the Rincon Mountains. These mountains form the eastern boundary of Saguaro National Park. The park is famous for its giant saguaro cacti. From the top of Mica Mountain, you can see amazing views of the desert below and other mountain ranges far away.
Exploring the Mountain Trails
Hiking on Mica Mountain is a popular activity for adventurers. There are many trails that lead up the mountain. These trails offer different levels of challenge. As you climb, you will notice the landscape changing. You start in the desert and move into cooler, forested areas.
What to Expect on Your Hike
- Lower Elevations: Near the bottom, you'll see desert plants like saguaro cacti and prickly pear. The weather here can be very hot.
- Mid-Elevations: As you go higher, you'll find oak trees and grasslands. The air becomes cooler.
- Upper Elevations: At the very top, you'll enter a forest of pine and fir trees. This area feels much different from the desert floor. It can even get snow in winter!
Plants and Animals of Mica Mountain
Mica Mountain is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. This is because of its varied elevations. Each elevation has a different climate and supports unique life forms.
Desert Life
At the base of the mountain, you'll find animals adapted to the desert heat. These include:
- Coyotes
- Javelinas (a type of wild pig)
- Desert tortoises
- Many types of lizards and snakes
Forest Dwellers
Higher up, in the cooler forests, you might spot different animals. These include:
- Black bears
- Deer
- Mountain lions (though they are very shy)
- Various bird species, like owls and woodpeckers
The plant life also changes dramatically. You can see everything from desert succulents to tall pine trees. This makes Mica Mountain a great place to study different ecosystems in one spot.
Importance of Mica Mountain
Mica Mountain is more than just a tall peak. It plays an important role in the local environment. Its height helps create different weather patterns. This leads to the diverse plant and animal life found on its slopes.
The mountain is also a vital part of Saguaro National Park. It helps protect a large area of natural wilderness. This wilderness is important for scientific research and for people to enjoy nature.
