Mount Muir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Muir |
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The East Face of Mount Muir
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 14,018 ft (4,273 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 298 ft (91 m) |
| Parent peak | Mount Whitney |
| Listing |
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| Geography | |
 Mount Muir
Location in California
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| Location | Inyo and Tulare counties, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Whitney |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1919 by LeRoy Jeffers |
| Easiest route | Hike and scramble from the west, class 3 |
Mount Muir is a tall mountain peak in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. It stands about 0.95 miles (1.5 km) south of Mount Whitney, which is the highest peak in the continental United States. Mount Muir is about 14,018 feet (4,273 meters) high.
This mountain is named after John Muir. He was a famous Scottish-born geologist and conservationist. He also founded the Sierra Club, a group that works to protect nature. A famous hiking path, the John Muir Trail, goes along the west side of Mount Muir near its top. This trail eventually leads to the summit of Mount Whitney.
Climbing Mount Muir
Mount Muir is a popular spot for mountain climbers. There are different ways to reach its summit.
Western Approach
The easiest way to climb Mount Muir is from the west side. You can reach this side from the John Muir Trail. This trail is just north of where it meets the Mount Whitney Trail in Sequoia National Park.
The trail passes very close to the top of Mount Muir. The final part of the climb involves a short, tricky scramble. You have to climb over steep, rocky slopes to reach the very top. This part is rated as a Class 3 climb, meaning you might need to use your hands for balance.
To hike on the Mount Whitney Trail, you need a special permit. This helps to protect the natural environment.
Eastern Face Challenges
The east side of Mount Muir is very different. It is a nearly vertical cliff about 1,400 feet (427 meters) high. This side is part of the John Muir Wilderness.
Climbing the east face is much harder and requires ropes. The first time someone climbed the north side of the east buttress was on July 11, 1935. Nelson P. Nies and John D. Mendenhall made this climb. It is a Class 4 climb, which means it is more difficult and uses ropes.
The south side of the east buttress was first climbed on September 1, 1935. Arthur B. Johnson and William Rice completed this route. It is also a Class 4 climb.
