Pico Piedras Blancas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pico Piedras Blancas |
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Pico Piedras Blancas (Right) and Pico Mucumamó (left) seen from Alto de Mifafí
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,737 m (15,541 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Mérida, Mérida, Venezuela |
| Parent range | Sierra de la Culata, Andes |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Unknown, however |
| Easiest route | Walk, easy climb PD |
The Pico Piedras Blancas (also known as Misamán) is a very tall mountain in Venezuela. It stands about 4,737 metres (15,541 ft) high. This makes it the highest mountain in the Sierra de la Culata mountain range. It is also the fifth-highest mountain in all of Venezuela!
Its name, "Piedras Blancas," means "White Stones." This name is a bit of a mystery because the mountain usually looks grey. Even though it doesn't have big, permanent glaciers, snow can fall and cover its sides for a short time. On a clear day, if you are at the top, you might even see Lake Maracaibo far away!
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Where is Pico Piedras Blancas Located?
Pico Piedras Blancas is found about 35 km (22 mi) northeast of Mérida. Mérida is the capital city of the state where the mountain is located.
This peak is very close to other tall mountains. These include Pico Mucumamó, Pico Los Nevados, and Pico El Buitre. All these mountains surround a high valley. This valley is deep in the heart of the Sierra de la Culata range. It is about 4,200 metres (13,800 ft) above sea level. On maps, this area is sometimes called Hoyo Negro, which means "Black Hole."
How Tall is Pico Piedras Blancas?
People have measured the height of Pico Piedras Blancas several times. In 1910, a measurement showed it was 4,762 meters tall.
However, in 1951, this measurement was corrected. The new, more accurate height was found to be 4,737 meters. This newer measurement was confirmed again in 2002. Scientists used GPS technology to check its height.
Climbing Pico Piedras Blancas
Even though Pico Piedras Blancas is the highest mountain in its range, it is not climbed as often as some other peaks. For example, Pico Pan de Azucar in the same range is more popular. The highest peaks in the Sierra Nevada de Mérida range are also climbed more frequently.
If you want to climb Pico Piedras Blancas, the best time is during the dry season. This season usually lasts from October to March.
There are two main ways to reach the base of the mountain. One way is through the Mifafí Condor Reserve. This reserve is near a place called Casa de Gobierno, on the Trasandina road. The reserve is also home to some amazing Andean condors.
Another way to get there is through the town of La Toma. This town is near Mucuchíes, also on the Trasandina road. The most common path to climb the mountain is from its eastern side.
See also
In Spanish: Pico Piedras Blancas para niños
