San Benito Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Benito Mountain |
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View from San Benito Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,267 ft (1,605 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 3,481 ft (1,061 m) |
| Listing | California county high points 38th |
| Geography | |
 San Benito Mountain
Location in California
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| Location | San Benito County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Diablo Range |
| Topo map | USGS San Benito Mountain |
San Benito Mountain is the tallest mountain in the Diablo Range in California. Its highest point is about 5,267 feet (1,605 meters) above sea level. This makes it the highest spot in San Benito County.
The mountain's rocks are special. They are made of a type of rock called serpentine. This rock creates soil that is low in important plant nutrients. Because of this, not many plants can grow here. However, some unique plants, like the San Benito evening primrose, can only be found on these soils.
The area around the mountain is called the Clear Creek Management Area. It has a special forest with pine and incense cedar trees. The weather here is like a Mediterranean climate. This means it has cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
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What is San Benito Mountain Made Of?
The rocks of San Benito Mountain are mostly a type of serpentine called chrysotile. This rock is soft and has fibers. Because of how the rock breaks down, some areas have no plants at all.
However, these special serpentine soils are home to several rare plants. One example is the San Benito evening primrose. This plant is considered threatened, which means it is at risk of disappearing. At the highest parts of the mountain, there is a unique forest. It has pine and incense cedar trees.
Mining and Minerals at San Benito Mountain
San Benito Mountain is known for its interesting minerals. In the past, people mined for chrysotile asbestos here. There are two "Superfund" sites on the mountain. These are places where harmful substances from past mining need to be cleaned up.
Besides asbestos, other minerals were also mined. These include cinnabar, chromite, magnesite, and jadeite. The mountain is also the only place in the world where you can find a special gem called benitoite. This rare gem is California's state gem. Other rare minerals like neptunite and joaquinite have also been found here.
Visiting San Benito Mountain: Safety and Activities
The Clear Creek Management Area, which includes San Benito Mountain, is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This area was closed for a few years because of concerns about naturally occurring asbestos. Now, visitors need permits to enter certain parts of the area. This helps keep everyone safe.
Even with the special rules, there are many fun things to do here. You can go hunting, camping, or collect gems and minerals as a hobby. Mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and sightseeing are also popular.
The Clear Creek area is famous for its many minerals. Over 150 different semi-precious minerals and gemstones can be found. These include serpentine, jadeite, cinnabar, and the rare benitoite.
There are two campgrounds in the area: Oak Flat and Jade Mill. Both have picnic tables, shade, fire rings, and toilets.
Permits for Visiting San Benito Mountain
To visit certain parts of the Clear Creek Management Area, you might need a permit.
- Serpentine Area Permit: This free permit lets you enter the special Serpentine Area for one day. Everyone, no matter their age, needs their own permit. You can get up to five of these permits each year.
- Vehicle Permit: If you drive into the Clear Creek Management Area, your vehicle needs a permit. This permit costs $5 and is good for seven days. You must display it on your car's dashboard.
- Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Permit: If you want to ride an ATV or UTV on the trails at Condon Peak, you need this permit. It costs $10 and is good for seven days. Drivers must be 16 or older.
