Purple Mountain (Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Purple Mountain |
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Purple Mountain, October 2010
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,392 ft (2,558 m) |
| Geography | |
 Purple Mountain
Location in Montana
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| Parent range | Gallatin Range |
Purple Mountain is a cool mountain peak located in Yellowstone National Park. It stands tall at 8,392 feet (about 2,558 meters) above sea level. This makes it a noticeable part of the southern Gallatin Range, a group of mountains in the park.
Contents
Discovering Purple Mountain's Location
Purple Mountain is found in the famous Yellowstone National Park. This park stretches across parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The mountain itself is in Park County, Montana, which is in the northern part of the park.
What Makes Purple Mountain Special?
Even though it's not the tallest mountain, Purple Mountain offers amazing views. It's a great spot to see the vast wilderness of Yellowstone. The mountain is part of a larger mountain range. This range was formed millions of years ago by powerful forces deep within the Earth.
Exploring the Purple Mountain Trail
If you love hiking, there's a special path called the Purple Mountain Trail. This trail starts near a place called Madison Junction. Madison Junction is a popular spot in Yellowstone. It's where the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers meet to form the Madison River.
Hiking to the Summit
The Purple Mountain Trail goes all the way to the top of the mountain. It's a challenging but rewarding hike. As you climb, you can see different types of plants and trees. You might even spot some of Yellowstone's famous wildlife.
Nature and Wildlife Around Purple Mountain
The area around Purple Mountain is full of life. Yellowstone National Park is home to many animals. These include bison, elk, and even grizzly bears. It's important to always keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Plants and Trees
The slopes of Purple Mountain are covered with forests. You'll find different kinds of pine trees and fir trees. In the warmer months, wildflowers bloom. They add splashes of color to the landscape.
How Mountains Like Purple Mountain Form
Mountains like Purple Mountain are formed over a very long time. This happens because of the Earth's moving plates. These huge pieces of the Earth's crust slowly push against each other. When they collide, the land can fold and rise up. This creates mountains.
Erosion and Shaping
Once mountains are formed, they are constantly shaped by weather. Wind, water, and ice slowly wear away at the rock. This process is called erosion. Erosion helps create the unique shapes and valleys we see in mountain ranges today.
