Mount Russell (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Russell |
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Mount Russell, south slope.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 14,094 ft (4,296 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 1,096 ft (334 m) |
| Parent peak | Mount Whitney |
| Listing |
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| Geography | |
 Mount Russell
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 | June 24, 1926 by Norman Clyde |
| Easiest route | Exposed Scramble, class 3 |
Mount Russell is a tall mountain in the Sierra Nevada range in California, U.S. It stands about 1 kilometer (0.8 miles) north of Mount Whitney, which is another famous peak. Mount Russell reaches a height of 14,094 feet (4,296 meters). This makes it the seventh-highest mountain in California!
Where is Mount Russell Located?
Mount Russell is found on the Sierra Crest. This is a high ridge that separates different areas. It marks the border between Inyo County and Tulare County. The mountain is also on the edge of the John Muir Wilderness, the Inyo National Forest, and Sequoia National Park. Just southwest of the mountain is Tulainyo Lake. This is one of the highest and largest lakes in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains.
How Mount Russell Got Its Name
The mountain was named after Israel Cook Russell. He was an American geologist. Geologists study the Earth's rocks and land. Israel Russell was part of a group called the Wheeler Survey. He was well-known for exploring places like Alaska.
Climbing Mount Russell
The very first time someone climbed to the top of Mount Russell was on June 24, 1926. This climb was done by a famous mountain climber named Norman Clyde.
Mount Russell offers many different ways to climb it. There are at least twelve routes. Some are scrambling routes, which means you use your hands and feet to climb over rocks. These are rated as "class 3" on the Yosemite Decimal System. There are also much harder routes that need special climbing gear. Some of these are rated as "Grade IV, 5.10," which means they are very difficult.
Mount Russell is not as busy as its neighbor, Mount Whitney. Mount Whitney is much more famous. However, some parts of Mount Russell are in the Mount Whitney Zone. This area has strict rules about who can visit.
From May to October, only ten people can stay overnight in the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek each day. People who want to climb for just one day are counted with those using the main Mount Whitney trail. This means climbers wanting to go up Mount Russell might compete for spots with climbers going up Mount Whitney.
