Mount Sill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Sill |
|
|---|---|
Climbers on the snow field below Mount Sill, July 2006.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 14,159 ft (4,316 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 353 ft (108 m) |
| Parent peak | North Palisade |
| Listing |
|
| Geography | |
 Mount Sill
Location in California
|
|
| Location | Fresno and Inyo counties, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS North Palisade |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | July 24, 1903 by James S. Hutchinson, Joseph N. LeConte, James Moffitt, Robert Pike |
| Easiest route | Glacier climb & rock scramble |
Mount Sill is a very tall mountain in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. It's one of the "fourteeners," which means it's over 14,000 feet (about 4,267 meters) high! Mount Sill is part of a group of amazing rock peaks called the Palisades. These peaks have some small glaciers, which are like slow-moving rivers of ice.
Mount Sill is located about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) east of North Palisade. North Palisade is the highest point in this group of mountains. Mount Sill and North Palisade are connected by a high, rocky ridge. On the north side of this ridge, you can find the Palisade Glacier. Mount Sill sits on the main Sierra Crest, which is the highest line of peaks in the Sierra Nevada. Because of its location, Mount Sill offers incredible views from its top. On one side, you can see Kings Canyon National Park and Fresno County. On the other side, you'll see the John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, and Inyo County.
Contents
Climbing Mount Sill: Routes and Challenges
Mount Sill is a popular spot for climbers. There are many different ways to reach the top. These paths are found on all sides of the mountain. Some routes are easier and involve "scrambling," which is like climbing over rocks without ropes. Other routes are more difficult and require special rock climbing skills and equipment.
What is Scrambling?
Scrambling (rated class 2-3) means you might need to use your hands to balance or pull yourself up. It's more than just walking, but usually not as hard as technical rock climbing.
What is Technical Rock Climbing?
Technical rock climbing (rated class 5.7) means you use ropes, harnesses, and other gear. This helps climbers stay safe on very steep or difficult rock faces.
The Story Behind Mount Sill's Name
The local Paiute people have their own name for this mountain. They call it Nen-i-mish, which means "the Guardian of the Valley." This shows how important the mountain was to them.
The English name, Mount Sill, was given in 1904. It was named by Joseph Nisbet LeConte, who was a famous mountaineer. He chose the name to honor an American poet named Edward Rowland Sill.
