Sierra de la Giganta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra de la Giganta |
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Eastern face, seen from the Gulf of California
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Cerro de la Giganta |
| Elevation | 3,858 ft (1,176 m) |
| Geography | |
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| Country | Mexico |
The Sierra de la Giganta is a cool mountain range found in the eastern part of Baja California Sur state. This area is on the southern Baja California Peninsula in northwestern Mexico.
It's part of a much bigger group of mountains called the Peninsular Ranges System. This system stretches for about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) all the way from Southern California, through the Baja California Peninsula, and into Baja California and Baja California Sur states.
Exploring the Mountains
The Sierra de la Giganta runs along the southeastern Baja California Peninsula. It stays very close to the coast of the Gulf of California, which is also known as the Sea of Cortez.
The very highest point in this range is a peak called Cerro de la Giganta. It stands tall at 3,858 feet (1,176 meters) high. You can find it near the town of Loreto. The mountain range itself stretches from Loreto in Loreto Municipality southwards to La Paz Municipality, which is northwest of the city of La Paz.
Plants and Animals of the Sierra
Most of the Sierra de la Giganta is covered in what's called "dry shrubland." This means it's a type of desert with lots of tough bushes and plants that don't need much water.
The western side of the mountains, which faces the Pacific Ocean, is part of the Baja California Desert ecoregion. The eastern side, which faces the Gulf of California, is covered by the Gulf of California xeric scrub ecoregion.
Even though it's mostly dry, some stream valleys have water all year round. These spots are like little green islands called "palm oases." Here, you'll find groves of a native palm tree called Washingtonia robusta and other plants that love moisture.
See also
In Spanish: Sierra de la Giganta para niños
- Flora of Baja California Sur
- Peninsular Ranges topics
Images for kids
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Sierra de la Giganta seen west of the Loreto Airport.
