Mount Powell (Utah) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Powell |
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 Mount Powell
Location in Utah
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,165 ft (4,013 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 799 ft (244 m) |
| Parent peak | Kings Peak |
| Geography | |
| Location | Summit County, Utah, U.S. |
| Parent range | Uinta Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Powell |
Mount Powell is a tall and impressive mountain located in the Uinta Mountains of northeastern Utah. It's one of the highest peaks in the entire state, standing at 13,165 feet (about 4,013 meters) above sea level! This mountain is named after a famous explorer and scientist, John Wesley Powell, who explored many parts of the American West.
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About Mount Powell
Mount Powell is a really important part of the Uinta Mountains. It's the thirteenth highest mountain in Utah, which means it's super tall! The mountain's summit is found within the High Uintas Wilderness area. It is also part of the Ashley National Forest, which is a large protected area.
Where is Mount Powell?
Mount Powell is located in Summit County, Utah. This county is in the northeastern part of Utah, close to the border with Wyoming. The Uinta Mountains are a special mountain range because they run east to west, which is unusual for mountains in North America. Most mountain ranges here run north to south.
How Tall is Mount Powell?
Mount Powell reaches an elevation of 13,165 feet (or 4,013 meters). To give you an idea, that's taller than 20 Eiffel Towers stacked on top of each other! Its high elevation means it often has snow on its peaks, even in summer. The mountain is part of a larger group of high peaks in the Uintas.
Who Was John Wesley Powell?
Mount Powell is named after John Wesley Powell. He was a brave American soldier, geologist, and explorer. In the late 1800s, he led many important expeditions. He was the first person to travel through the entire Grand Canyon by boat! Powell also became the director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS is a government agency that studies the Earth, its natural resources, and natural hazards. Naming the mountain after him honors his important work in exploring and mapping the American West.
Exploring the Uinta Mountains
The Uinta Mountains are a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. They are known for their rugged beauty, clear lakes, and dense forests. Many people visit the Uintas for hiking, camping, and fishing.
What is a Wilderness Area?
Mount Powell is located in the High Uintas Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place where the land is kept as natural as possible. This means there are no roads, buildings, or permanent structures. People can only explore these areas on foot or horseback. The goal is to protect the natural environment and allow wildlife to thrive without human interference. It's a great place for people to experience nature in its purest form.
The Ashley National Forest
The Ashley National Forest surrounds Mount Powell. National Forests are managed by the U.S. government. They are used for many things, like recreation, timber harvesting, and protecting wildlife. The Ashley National Forest offers many outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing in its many lakes and streams. It's a vital habitat for animals like moose, elk, and various bird species.
