Palisades (California Sierra) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Palisades |
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North Palisade from Windy Point (by Ansel Adams, 1936)
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | North Palisade |
| Elevation | 14,248 ft (4,343 m) NAVD 88 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 30 mi (48 km) North-South |
| Width | 21 mi (34 km) East-West |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Counties | Fresno and Inyo |
The Palisades are a group of tall, rugged mountains in the middle of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. They are located about 12 miles (19 km) southwest of a town called Big Pine, California. These mountains are known for being very steep and challenging. Many people say they offer some of the best alpine climbing in California.
The Palisades stretch for about 6 miles (10 km) along the Sierra Crest. This crest is a high ridge that separates the Central Valley from the Owens Valley.
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What Makes the Palisades Special?
The Palisades are famous for their unique look. An early explorer named Josiah Whitney described them as "very grand and fantastic in shape." He thought they might be volcanic because of their unusual outlines and dark color.
However, scientists later found that the Palisades are actually made of a dark, strong rock called granite. They are not volcanoes at all!
Glaciers of the Palisades
On the northeast side of the Palisades, you'll find the Palisade Glacier and the Middle Palisade Glacier. These are the largest glaciers in the entire Sierra Nevada mountain range. Glaciers are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. As they melt, they feed into Big Pine Creek, which is an important water source.
Amazing Peaks to Explore
The Palisades are home to many impressive mountains. Several of them are known as "fourteeners," which means they are over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) tall!
Here are some of the most notable peaks in the group:
- North Palisade: This is the tallest peak in the group, standing at 14,248 feet (4,343 m).
- Mount Sill: Another "fourteener" at 14,159 feet (4,316 m).
- Split Mountain: Reaching 14,064 feet (4,287 m) high.
- Middle Palisade: This peak is 14,018 feet (4,273 m) tall.
Other important mountains in the Palisades include:
- Mount Agassiz: At 13,899 feet (4,236 m), it's the most northwestern peak in the group.
- Birch Mountain: This mountain, at 13,608 feet (4,148 m), sticks out further towards the Owens Valley.
- Norman Clyde Peak: Standing at 13,861 feet (4,225 m).
- Palisade Crest: A peak reaching 13,559 feet (4,133 m).
- Temple Crag: At 12,982 feet (3,957 m), this mountain is famous for having many different rock climbing routes.
- Mount Winchell: Another tall peak at 13,781 feet (4,200 m).
North Palisade even has some smaller peaks that are also over 14,000 feet! You can find more details about them in the main North Palisade article.
Images for kids
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The Palisades' north faces, from Cloudripper, July 2007
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North Palisade and Thunderbolt Peak, from the Palisade Glacier
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