Mount Mary Austin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Mary Austin |
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 Mount Mary Austin
Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,057 ft (3,980 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 518 ft (158 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Inyo County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Kearsarge Peak |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | May 3, 1965 by Andy Smatko, Tom Ross, Ellen Siegal and Eric Schumacher |
| Easiest route | Scramble, class 2 |
Mount Mary Austin is a tall mountain located in the state of California, U.S.. It stands proudly in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This peak is found east of the main Sierra Crest and west of a town called Independence, California.
Contents
Discover Mount Mary Austin
Mount Mary Austin reaches a height of 13,057 feet (about 3,980 meters) above sea level. It is part of the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, which stretch along much of California. The mountain is located in Inyo County.
Where is Mount Mary Austin?
This mountain is situated in a beautiful natural area. It is found within the John Muir Wilderness. This wilderness area is named after John Muir, a famous naturalist and writer. He helped protect many wild places in California.
First Climbers and Routes
The first recorded climb to the top of Mount Mary Austin happened on May 3, 1965. A group of climbers, including Andy Smatko, Tom Ross, Ellen Siegal, and Eric Schumacher, made this first ascent. The easiest way to climb Mount Mary Austin is by a method called "scrambling." This means climbing over rocks and steep terrain using both your hands and feet. It is not as difficult as technical rock climbing, but it still requires skill.
Who was Mary Hunter Austin?
Mount Mary Austin is named to honor a very special person: Mary Hunter Austin. She was an important American writer and a natural historian. A natural historian studies nature and writes about it.
Mary Austin's Life and Work
Mary Hunter Austin lived in the town of Independence, California, which is close to the mountain. She was known for her deep love and understanding of the natural world. Her most famous book is The Land of Little Rain. This book describes the landscapes, plants, and animals of the Mojave Desert and the eastern Sierra Nevada. She helped people appreciate the beauty and challenges of these dry lands. Naming a mountain after her was a way to remember her contributions to literature and nature.
Protecting Wildlife in the Wilderness
The area around Mount Mary Austin is part of the John Muir Wilderness. This means it is a protected place where nature can thrive. It is home to many animals, including a special kind of sheep.
Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep
The Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep live in this mountain region. These sheep are an endangered species. This means there are very few of them left in the wild, and they are at risk of disappearing forever. Because these sheep are so rare, special rules are sometimes needed to protect their habitat. In the past, permits were required to enter certain parts of this area. This helped to keep the sheep safe from too much human disturbance. It is always a good idea to check with local authorities, like the U.S. Forest Service, for the most current information on rules and permits.
Rules for Visitors
The U.S. Forest Service also advises against using pack goats in this specific area. This rule helps protect the natural environment and the bighorn sheep. Pack goats can sometimes spread diseases to wild sheep or disturb their habitat. Following these rules helps keep the wilderness healthy for everyone, including the animals that call it home.
