Mount Graham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Graham |
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Mount Graham, Safford
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 10,724 ft (3,269 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 6,320 ft (1,926 m) |
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| Geography | |
 Mount Graham
Location in Arizona
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| Location | Graham County, Arizona, U.S. |
| Parent range | Pinaleño Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Graham |
Mount Graham is a tall mountain in Arizona, United States. It is located in Graham County, about 70 miles (113 km) northeast of Tucson. The mountain is also known as Dził Nchaa Sí'an in the Western Apache language. This name means 'Big Seated Mountain'.
Mount Graham stands at 10,724 feet (3,269 meters) high. It is the highest point in Graham County. It is also the tallest peak in the Pinaleño Mountains and the Coronado National Forest. This mountain is the southernmost place in the continental U.S. that is over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) tall. People often call the peak "High Peak" because "Mount Graham" can refer to the whole mountain range. It is one of the most prominent peaks in the United States.
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Exploring Mount Graham's Unique Nature
Mount Graham is home to many streams that flow through five different plant zones. These zones are like different natural neighborhoods. The mountain is located between the Rocky Mountains and Mexico's Sierra Madre Occidental. Because it has been isolated for a very long time, it has become a safe place for special plants and animals. These species have adapted to conditions from the Ice Age.
Ancient Trees and Rare Animals
You can find some of the oldest conifer trees in the U.S. Southwest here. These trees provide homes for animals that are threatened or endangered. One very special animal is the Mount Graham red squirrel. This squirrel is found only in this area.
Mount Graham's Sacred Importance
Mount Graham, or Dził Nchaa Sí'an, is a very important place for Native American people. It is one of the four holiest mountains for the Western Apache. All Native peoples in the region consider it sacred. In 2002, a large part of the mountain was recognized as important for its history. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fish and Other Life on the Mountain
Mount Graham is also a home for two types of native Arizona trout: the Gila trout and the Apache trout. There are also three other types of trout that were brought to the area. At the base of the mountain, the St. Paisius Orthodox Monastery was founded in 1993.
Mount Graham International Observatory
Mount Graham is where the Mount Graham International Observatory is located. This area has several large telescopes. Different groups have built these observatories. The U.S. Congress allowed them to build here in 1988. This was a special permission that set aside some environmental laws.
Why the Observatory is Controversial
The observatories on Mount Graham have caused some disagreement. Many Native American groups, including the four Western Apache tribes, are against them. They believe the mountain is a sacred site. Environmental groups, like the Sierra Club, also oppose the observatory. This is because the higher parts of the mountain are the last remaining home for the endangered Mount Graham Red Squirrel.
See also
In Spanish: Monte Graham para niños
