Ritter Range facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ritter Range |
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Mount Davis and the Ritter Range
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mount Ritter |
| Elevation | 13,143 ft (4,006 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 15 mi (24 km) NS |
| Width | 9 mi (14 km) EW |
| Geography | |
 Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Ansel Adams Wilderness |
| District | Madera County |
| Range coordinates | 37°41′38″N 119°11′53″W / 37.6938223°N 119.1979189°W |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Cretaceous |
The Ritter Range is a beautiful mountain area in California, United States. It is part of the larger Sierra Nevada mountain chain. Most of this range is found within the Ansel Adams Wilderness, a special protected area.
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Exploring the Ritter Range
The Ritter Range is a great place for outdoor adventures. Many trails wind through its stunning landscapes. The famous John Muir Trail passes by several clear lakes here.
Tallest Peaks to See
The Ritter Range has some very tall and impressive mountains. These are often called "prominent peaks" because they stand out.
- Mount Ritter is the highest point, reaching 13,143 feet (4,006 meters) high.
- Banner Peak is another tall one, at 12,936 feet (3,943 meters).
- Rodgers Peak is also a notable summit.
- The Minarets are a group of sharp, pointy peaks. They are located south of Mount Ritter.
Beautiful Lakes to Visit
Many sparkling lakes are nestled within the Ritter Range. They are popular spots for hikers and campers.
- Thousand Island Lake
- Ediza Lake
- Garnet Lake
- Lake Catherine
- Minaret Lake
- Cecile Lake
- Shadow Lake
All these lakes can be reached by following hiking trails.
How the Range Got Its Name
The Ritter Range was named after a person called Carl Ritter. He was a geography teacher from Berlin, Germany. In the 1840s, a student named Josiah Whitney studied with him. Josiah Whitney later became a famous geologist in California. He helped explore and map many parts of the Sierra Nevada.
A Note on History
In 2007, a small plane crashed in the Ritter Range. This area is close to the Minarets and Minaret Lake. The pilot of the plane was a well-known adventurer named Steve Fossett.
