Mount Le Conte (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Le Conte |
|
|---|---|
Mount Le Conte from Boreal Plateau.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,936 ft (4,248 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 1,003 ft (306 m) |
| Parent peak | Mount Whitney |
| Listing |
|
| Geography | |
 Mount Le Conte
Location in California
|
|
| Location | Inyo and Tulare counties, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Whitney |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | July 1925 by Norman Clyde |
| Easiest route | Exposed scramble, class 3 |
Mount Le Conte (also spelled LeConte) is a tall mountain in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. It sits right on the border between Inyo and Tulare counties.
The mountain got its name in 1895. It was named after Joseph Le Conte, who lived from 1823 to 1901. He was the very first professor of geology (the study of Earth's rocks and soil) and natural history at the University of California.
Where is Mount Le Conte?
Mount Le Conte is located about 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) southeast of Mount Whitney. Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the continental United States. Mount Le Conte has Mount Mallory to its northwest and Mount Corcoran to its southeast.
Water Flow Around the Mountain
Water from the southwest side of Mount Le Conte flows into Rock Creek. This creek then joins the Kern River, which eventually reaches the Central Valley of California.
The north side of Mount Le Conte drains into Meysan Creek. This creek flows into Lone Pine Creek, which ends up in the Owens Valley. Water from the east side of the mountain goes into Tuttle Creek. This creek then flows into Diaz Lake in the Owens Valley.
Parks and Wilderness Areas
The southwest part of Mount Le Conte is inside Sequoia National Park. The north and east sides are part of the John Muir Wilderness. This wilderness area is managed by the Inyo National Forest.
The Pacific Crest Trail is a famous long-distance hiking trail. It enters Sequoia National Park about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Mount Le Conte. The trail then runs through the park, a few miles west of the main Sierra mountain ridge.
