Parsons Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parsons Peak |
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|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 12,153 ft (3,704 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 624 ft (190 m) |
| Listing | California county high points 8th |
| Geography | |
| Location | Madera and Tuolumne counties, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cathedral Range Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Vogelsang Peak |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Marion Randall Parsons, prior to 1931 |
| Easiest route | Easy scramble, class 2 |
Parsons Peak is a tall mountain located in Yosemite National Park in California. It's part of the beautiful Cathedral Range within the larger Sierra Nevada mountain range. This peak sits right on the border between Madera and Tuolumne counties.
The top of Parsons Peak reaches an elevation of about 12,153 feet (3,704 meters) above sea level. It's a very high point in the Sierra Nevada.
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Where is Parsons Peak?
Parsons Peak is found in the central part of California. It's a key feature of Yosemite National Park, a famous park known for its stunning natural beauty. The mountain is also part of the Cathedral Range, a sub-range within the much larger Sierra Nevada mountains.
County Borders and High Points
The main summit of Parsons Peak is located exactly on the border between Madera and Tuolumne counties. This means if you stood on the very top, you would be in both counties at once!
There's also a special spot on a ridge that extends northwest from the peak. This spot is called Parsons Peak-Northwest Ridge. It's about 8,848 feet (2,697 meters) high. At this specific point, the borders of three counties meet: Mariposa, Tuolumne, and Madera. This makes Parsons Peak-Northwest Ridge the highest point in Mariposa County. The actual summit of Parsons Peak is very close to Mariposa County, but just outside its border.
Weather on the Mountain
Because Parsons Peak is so high up, the weather there is often cold. Most of the rain that falls on the mountain actually comes down as snow. This is very common for tall mountains in the Sierra Nevada, especially during the colder months. The snow helps feed the rivers and lakes in the area when it melts in the spring.
Who Was Parsons Peak Named For?
Parsons Peak was named in honor of a person named Edward Taylor Parsons. He was an important figure who served as a director for the Sierra Club for many years. The Sierra Club is a well-known environmental organization in the United States. It works to protect wild places and the environment. Naming the peak after him was a way to recognize his dedication and contributions to nature conservation.
