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Red Kaweah
Light on the Kaweahs (8049712402).jpg
Red Kaweah is the central peak
Highest point
Elevation 13,726+ ft (4184+ m) NAVD 88
Prominence 722 ft (220 m)
Parent peak Mount Kaweah
Listing
  • Sierra Peaks Section
  • Western States Climbers Emblem peak
Geography
Location Tulare County, California, U.S.
Parent range Great Western Divide, Sierra Nevada
Topo map USGS Triple Divide Peak
Climbing
First ascent 1912 by Charles Michael
Easiest route Technical Climb, class 4

Red Kaweah is a striking mountain located in California's famous Sequoia National Park. It stands tall on the Kaweah Peaks Ridge, a rugged part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This peak is known for its reddish rock, which gives it its unique name.

Red Kaweah is positioned about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) north of Mount Kaweah, which is the highest peak in the Kaweah range. It is also 0.7 miles (1.1 km) south of Black Kaweah, another notable peak.

Where is Red Kaweah?

Red Kaweah is found within the beautiful Sequoia National Park in Tulare County, California. This park is famous for its giant sequoia trees, which are some of the largest trees on Earth. The mountain is part of the Great Western Divide, a major sub-range of the Sierra Nevada.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains

The Sierra Nevada is a large mountain range in California and Nevada. It is known for its stunning granite peaks, deep canyons, and clear lakes. Many national parks, like Sequoia, Yosemite, and Kings Canyon, are located here.

Kaweah Peaks Ridge

Red Kaweah is a key part of the Kaweah Peaks Ridge. This ridge is a high, rocky area that forms a natural boundary. It separates different parts of the park and offers amazing views. The peaks here are challenging to climb but offer incredible rewards for experienced mountaineers.

How Tall is Red Kaweah?

Red Kaweah reaches an elevation of over 13,726 feet (4,184 meters) above sea level. This makes it one of the higher peaks in the Kaweah range. Its height means it often has snow on its upper slopes, even into the summer months.

Climbing Red Kaweah

The first recorded climb of Red Kaweah happened in 1912. It was achieved by a climber named Charles Michael. The easiest way to climb Red Kaweah is considered a "technical climb." This means it requires special climbing gear and skills, not just hiking. The difficulty is rated as class 4 on the Yosemite Decimal System, which is a scale used to describe how hard a climb is. A YDS 4 climb involves difficult scrambling and often requires ropes for safety.

Why is it Called Red Kaweah?

The name "Red Kaweah" comes from the color of its rocks. The mountain is made up of metamorphic rocks that have a distinct reddish tint. This color stands out against the gray and black rocks of other nearby peaks, like Black Kaweah. This unique color makes Red Kaweah easy to spot in the landscape.

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