Ruby Peak (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruby Peak |
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Ruby Wall is in the center with Mount Mills on the left and Mono Pass on the right
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,194 ft (4,022 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 588 ft (179 m) |
| Parent peak | Mount Mills |
| Geography | |
 Ruby Peak
Location in California
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| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Abbot |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1946 by Fritz Gerstaker and Virginia Whitacre |
| Easiest route | Scramble, class 3 |
Ruby Peak is a tall mountain in California. It is known as a "thirteener" because it stands over 13,000 feet high. To be exact, it reaches 13,194 feet (about 4,021 meters) into the sky!
This impressive peak is part of the Sierra Crest. The Sierra Crest is the highest ridge line of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Ruby Peak is located just north of another mountain called Mount Mills.
Ruby Peak is found within the John Muir Wilderness. This is a special protected area where nature is kept wild. It also sits on the border between two national forests: the Sierra National Forest and the Inyo National Forest. These forests are managed for public enjoyment and conservation. The mountain is also close to Mono Pass.
Water flows from Ruby Peak in different directions. On its eastern side, water drains into Rock Creek. This creek eventually flows into the Owens River. On the western side, water flows into Mono Creek. This creek then feeds into the South Fork of the San Joaquin River.
Climbing Ruby Peak
People have been climbing Ruby Peak for many years. The first known climb to the very top happened before 1934. A climber named Norman Clyde reached the summit using a path along the East Ridge. This route is considered a class 3 climb, which means it involves some scrambling but usually doesn't need ropes.
First Ascents and Routes
On July 24, 1946, two more climbers, Fritz Gerstaker and Virginia Whitacre, made another important climb. They were the first to reach the top using the West Couloir route. A couloir is a steep, narrow gully on a mountainside. This route was also a class 3 climb.
Ruby Peak also has a very challenging climbing route on its steep rock face called Ruby Wall. This route is known as "Technical Knockout." It was first climbed in July 1989 by Richard Leversee, Kim Miller, and Roanne Miller. This route is much harder and requires special climbing gear and skills.
