Prospect Peak (Park County, Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prospect Peak |
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 Prospect Peak
Location in Wyoming
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 9,527 ft (2,904 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Yellowstone National Park, Park County, Wyoming, US |
| Parent range | Washburn Range |
| Topo map | Blacktail Deer Creek |
Prospect Peak is a mountain peak located in Yellowstone National Park. It stands tall at about 9,527 feet (2,904 meters) above sea level. This peak is part of the Washburn Range, a group of mountains within the park.
About Prospect Peak
Prospect Peak is found in the northwestern part of Wyoming, within Park County, Wyoming. It's about 6 miles (10 kilometers) west-southwest of a place called Tower Junction inside Yellowstone National Park. The peak offers great views of the surrounding wilderness.
How Prospect Peak Got Its Name
The name of Prospect Peak has changed a few times over the years. This is common for many natural landmarks as explorers and officials map out new areas.
Early Names
In 1880, Philetus Norris was the superintendent of Yellowstone National Park. A superintendent is like a manager in charge of the park. Norris decided to name the peak Mount Stephans. He named it after one of his helpers, C. N. Stephans.
A few years later, between 1883 and 1885, a group of scientists from the Arnold Hague Geological Surveys explored the area. They gave the peak a new name: Surprise Peak. We don't know why they chose this name today.
The Current Name
In 1885, Arnold Hague, who led the geological surveys, changed the name again. He decided to call it Prospect Peak. The reason for this name change is also not known today. However, the name has stuck ever since. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has also recorded the name Mount Stephens and listed Surprise Peak as another name for this mountain.
