North Peak (California) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids North Peak
North Peak from the East
Highest point
Elevation	12,248 ft (3,733 m) NAVD 88
Prominence	682 ft (208 m)
Listing	Sierra Peaks Section
Geography
North Peak Location in California
Location	Tuolumne County, California, U.S.
Parent range	Sierra Nevada
Topo map	USGS Tioga Pass
Climbing
Easiest route	Scramble, class 2

North Peak is a tall mountain peak located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It stands just north of another peak called Mount Conness. This mountain is known for its beautiful alpine views, which means it's high up where trees don't grow, and you can see lots of rocks and sometimes snow.

About North Peak

North Peak reaches an impressive height of 12,248 feet (about 3,733 meters) above sea level. It's considered an "alpine peak" because of its high elevation and the type of landscape found there. The mountain is part of the Sierra Peaks Section, which is a list of important peaks in the Sierra Nevada mountains that many hikers and climbers like to visit.

Where is North Peak?

North Peak is located in Tuolumne County, in the eastern part of California, in the southwestern United States. It sits right on the border between two important natural areas: the Inyo National Forest and Yosemite National Park. This means that one side of the mountain is in the national forest, and the other side is in the famous national park. The summit, or top of the mountain, is just west of a special place called the Hall Natural Area.

Climbing North Peak

For those who like adventure, the easiest way to reach the top of North Peak is by a method called "scrambling." Scrambling is like a mix of hiking and easy rock climbing. You often use your hands to help you balance and move over rocky terrain, but it's not as difficult as full-on rock climbing. The difficulty rating for this route is class 2, which means it's a relatively easy scramble that doesn't usually require special climbing gear.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains

North Peak is part of the amazing Sierra Nevada mountain range. This range stretches for about 400 miles (640 kilometers) through California and Nevada. It's home to many famous natural landmarks, including Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park. The Sierra Nevada is known for its tall granite peaks, deep canyons, and ancient giant trees. It's a very important area for wildlife and a popular spot for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and climbing.

Nearby Parks and Forests

Being on the boundary of Inyo National Forest and Yosemite National Park means North Peak is surrounded by incredible nature.

• Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world. It's known for its stunning waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome.
• Inyo National Forest covers a large area of mountains and valleys. It offers many opportunities for recreation, including hiking, fishing, and camping. It's also home to some of the oldest living trees on Earth, the bristlecone pines.

These protected areas help keep the natural beauty and wildlife of the region safe for everyone to enjoy.

Images for kids

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  Northeast aspect

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  East aspect

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  Before dawn

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  East aspect