Palisade Crest facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Palisade Crest
Highest point
Elevation	13,559 ft (4,133 m) NAVD 88
Prominence	561 ft (171 m)
Parent peak	North Palisade
Listing	Sierra Peaks Section
Geography
Palisade Crest Location in California
Location	Fresno–Inyo county border, California, U.S.
Parent range	Sierra Nevada
Topo map	USGS Split Mountain
Climbing
First ascent	1969 by Don Jensen, Joan Jensen and Rex Post
Easiest route	Northwest ridge (rock climb, class 4)

Palisade Crest is a cool, jagged mountain ridge found in the amazing Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It's part of a famous area called The Palisades. This ridge sits between Mount Sill and Middle Palisade.

What makes Palisade Crest extra special are its twelve pointy peaks, called pinnacles. Hikers and climbers have unofficially named these peaks after characters from The Lord of the Rings books by J. R. R. Tolkien! The very highest point, standing tall at 13,559 feet (about 4,133 meters), is known as Gandalf Peak.

What is Palisade Crest?

Palisade Crest is a long, narrow line of mountains. It's like a giant, rocky wall with many sharp points. These points are what we call pinnacles. The ridge is a natural border. It separates Kings Canyon National Park from the John Muir Wilderness. Both are beautiful wild areas in California.

Its Unique Peaks

The twelve pinnacles of Palisade Crest are a fun feature. Imagine climbing up and seeing peaks named after your favorite Lord of the Rings characters! This unofficial naming adds a bit of magic to the already stunning landscape. Gandalf Peak is the tallest, but each pinnacle has its own unique shape.

Where is it Located?

Palisade Crest is right on the border of two California counties: Fresno County and Inyo County. It's a key part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This area is known for its tall peaks, deep valleys, and beautiful wilderness. Being part of both a national park and a wilderness area means it's protected. This helps keep its natural beauty safe for everyone to enjoy.

Climbing to the Top

People have been exploring Palisade Crest for many years. The first time someone officially climbed to the top was in 1969. A team of three climbers, Don Jensen, Joan Jensen, and Rex Post, made this exciting first ascent.

If you wanted to climb Palisade Crest, the easiest way is usually up the Northwest ridge. This route involves rock climbing and is rated as a Class 4 climb. This means it's a challenging climb that often requires ropes and special gear. It's definitely an adventure for experienced climbers!

Images for kids

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  Southwest view of Palisade Crest, taken by Ansel Adams around 1936. You can see Mount Sill on the upper left and Middle Palisade on the upper right.

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  Palisade Crest on the left, Mount Jepson in the middle, and Mount Sill on the right.