Mount Hooker (Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Hooker |
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The steep north face of Mount Hooker rises beyond Grave Lake
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 12,509 ft (3,813 m) |
| Prominence | 704 ft (215 m) |
| Geography | |
 Mount Hooker
Location in Wyoming
Mount Hooker
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sublette and Fremont County, Wyoming, U.S. |
| Parent range | Wind River Range |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Bonneville |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | class 5.0 to class 5.14a |
Mount Hooker is a very tall and impressive mountain located in the Wind River Range in Wyoming, USA. It stands at 12,509 feet (about 3,813 meters) high! This mountain was named after Joseph Dalton Hooker, a famous British scientist and explorer from the 1800s. He was known for studying plants and exploring new places.
About Mount Hooker
Mount Hooker is known for its incredibly steep and tall cliffs, especially on its north and east sides. These cliffs are some of the highest and steepest in Wyoming. The mountain is also quite remote, meaning it's far away from roads. You would have to travel more than 20 miles (about 32 kilometers) to reach it from the nearest road.
Climbing Challenges
The north face of Mount Hooker is especially famous among climbers. It's an 1,800-foot (about 550-meter) tall cliff that is very difficult to climb. The first time this face was successfully climbed was in 1964. A well-known climber named Royal Robbins, along with Dick McCracken and Charlie Raymond, spent more than three days scaling this huge cliff.
In 2013, a team of climbers achieved an amazing feat on Mount Hooker. They managed to "free climb" one part of the cliff that was rated as extremely difficult (class 5.14a). Free climbing means using only your hands and feet to move up the rock, with ropes just for safety if you fall. This climb took several days and involved other very challenging sections.
Staying Safe in the Mountains
When exploring places like the Wind River Range, it's important to be prepared and aware of your surroundings.
- Wildlife: You might encounter animals like bears. It's important to know how to act safely around them.
- Insects: Bugs can sometimes be a nuisance, especially during certain times of the year.
- Weather: The weather in the mountains can change quickly. You might experience cold temperatures at night, even in summer.
- Snow and Wildfires: Depending on the season, you could encounter snow or even wildfires. Always check conditions before you go.
Being prepared with the right gear and knowing what to expect will help you have a safe and fun adventure in the mountains.
