Mount Clark (California) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Clark
West face from Glacier Point Road, January 2008.
Highest point
Elevation	11,527 ft (3,513 m) NAVD 88
Prominence	722 ft (220 m)
Parent peak	Chip Peak
Listing	SPS Mountaineers peak Western States Climbers Star peak
Geography
Location	Yosemite National Park Mariposa County, California, U.S.
Parent range	Clark Range, Sierra Nevada
Topo map	USGS Merced Peak
Climbing
First ascent	1866 by Clarence King and James T. Gardiner
Easiest route	Rock climb, class 4

Mount Clark is a tall, rocky mountain located in Yosemite National Park, California. It stands at 11,527 feet (about 3,513 meters) high. This impressive peak is part of the Clark Range, which is a smaller group of mountains within the larger Sierra Nevada mountain range. Mount Clark is a popular spot for people who enjoy climbing and exploring nature.

What is Mount Clark?
Who was Galen Clark?
Climbing Mount Clark
Images for kids
See also

What is Mount Clark?

Mount Clark is made mostly of a strong, light-colored rock called granite. Granite is a very common type of rock found in mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada. The mountain is named after a famous early explorer of Yosemite, Galen Clark.

Before it got its current name, Mount Clark was known by a few other names. For a while, people called it Gothic Peak. Later, it was known as The Obelisk. This name was used by the California Geological Survey, a group that mapped California's land.

Near Mount Clark, on its northeast side, there's a lake called Obelisk Lake. It sits at an elevation of 9,853 feet (about 3,003 meters).

Who was Galen Clark?

Galen Clark was a very important person in the history of Yosemite National Park. He was one of the first people to explore the area thoroughly. He also became the park's first official guardian. Because of his important work and contributions to Yosemite, both Mount Clark and the Clark Range were named in his honor.

Climbing Mount Clark

Mount Clark is a favorite destination for mountaineers. The first known climb to the top of Mount Clark happened in 1866. This first ascent was made by two explorers named Clarence King and James Terry Gardiner.

The easiest way to climb Mount Clark is considered a rock climb. It is rated as a class 4 on the Yosemite Decimal System, which is a way to rate how difficult a climb is. This means it's a challenging climb that requires some rock climbing skills.