Mount Washburn Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Washburn

Highest point
Elevation	10,243 ft (3,122 m) NAVD 88
Prominence	2,323 ft (708 m)
Listing	Mountains of the United States
Geography
Mount Washburn Location in Wyoming
Parent range	Greater Yellowstone
Topo map	USGS Mount Washburn
Climbing
First ascent	August 29, 1870 (Washburn, others, first documented)
Easiest route	Hike

Mount Washburn is a famous mountain peak in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It stands tall at 10,243 feet (3,122 meters) high. The mountain is part of the Washburn Range, which is one of only two mountain ranges completely inside Yellowstone.

Mount Washburn got its name in 1870. It was named after Henry D. Washburn, who led an important trip called the Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition.

Exploring Mount Washburn's Past
- First Climbers and Amazing Views
- Early Tourists and Their Adventures
Hiking Mount Washburn Trails
- Popular Trails and What You'll See
- The Fire Lookout Tower
Images for kids
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Exploring Mount Washburn's Past

First Climbers and Amazing Views

On August 29, 1870, members of the Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition climbed Mount Washburn. They were the first people to officially record reaching the top. They named the mountain after their leader, Henry D. Washburn.

One of the expedition members, Lt. Gustavus Cheyney Doane, wrote about the incredible view from the top. He described seeing a huge, beautiful landscape with many trees and sparkling waters. He said the air was so clear that things 20 miles away looked very close!

Doane also wrote about the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. He said it was a huge, deep gorge right below them. He mentioned that the river at the bottom was so far down you couldn't even see it or hear any sounds from it. He felt it was almost impossible to understand how big it was.

Early Tourists and Their Adventures

Mount Washburn quickly became a very popular spot for tourists in Yellowstone. Many people wrote about their trips to the summit.

In 1879, a woman named Mrs. Elizabeth D. Wickes visited the park. She was part of a group of 13 people. She wrote about reaching the "line of perpetual snow" on Mount Washburn. Her group even had a snowball fight while picking flowers!

Mrs. Wickes also found a small tin box at the top. It held the names of about 50 people who had climbed the mountain since 1871. She was proud to add her name to the list.

In 1914, a famous writer named Elbert Hubbard visited Yellowstone. He wrote about his drive to Mount Washburn. He said the road was very well built. He felt that driving and walking up the mountain was an amazing experience. From the top, he said, "You can see the world in much of its glory." He felt inspired to do great things after seeing such a view.

Hiking Mount Washburn Trails

Popular Trails and What You'll See

The trails up Mount Washburn are some of the most popular in Yellowstone National Park. On clear days, you can see much of the northern part of the park. You might even see the distant Teton Range! Because these trails are so popular, they can get crowded in the summer.

One common trail starts from Dunraven Pass. This hike is about 3 miles (4.8 km) long. You'll climb about 1,393 feet (424 meters) in elevation. Another trail begins at the Chittenden parking area. This one is shorter, only 2.25 miles (3.6 km) long, but it's steeper. You'll climb 1,491 feet (454 meters) on this path.

The Fire Lookout Tower

At the very top of Mount Washburn, there's a fire lookout tower. This is one of three active fire lookout towers in Yellowstone. These towers help park rangers spot wildfires from high up.

The tower has a small visitor center and restrooms on the first floor. On the second floor, there's an observation deck where you can enjoy the amazing views. The very top floor is where a park ranger lives, but it's not open to the public.