kids encyclopedia robot

Table Mountain (Tulare County, California) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Table Mountain
Table Mountain GWD.jpg
Table Mountain, aerial view
Highest point
Elevation 13,627 ft (4,154 m) NAVD 88
Prominence 509 ft (155 m)
Parent peak Midway Mountain
Listing SPS Mountaineers peak
Geography
Location Tulare County, California, U.S.
Parent range Sierra Nevada
Topo map USGS Mount Brewer
Climbing
First ascent August 25, 1908 by Gilbert Hassell, Fred Shoup & Paul Shoup
Easiest route Moderate scramble, class 3 by Southeast Side or West Ridge, South Side

Table Mountain is a cool mountain located in California. It's part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is a very long and tall mountain chain. Table Mountain is specifically found in a smaller part of the Sierra Nevada called the Great Western Divide.

The very top of Table Mountain sits right on the border between two famous national parks: Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. It's also quite close to other mountains. For example, it's about 0.6 miles south of Thunder Mountain and 1.3 miles northeast of Midway Mountain.

About Table Mountain

Table Mountain is known for its unique shape and its place in California's beautiful mountain landscape. It's a popular spot for people who love to explore and hike in the mountains.

How Table Mountain Got Its Name

The name "Table Mountain" has an interesting history. A long time ago, in 1873, a mapmaker named Charles F. Hoffmann put the name 'Table' on his map for this mountain. Before that, an explorer named Clarence King had noticed that part of the mountain range looked like a flat table.

Later, in 1881, people tried to change its name to Mount Hazen. This was to honor a general named Hazen from the U.S. Army. However, the original name, Table Mountain, was officially recognized again in 1905 by the United States Board on Geographic Names. This name then appeared on official maps.

A Tall Mountain

Even though there are many mountains named Table Mountain in California, this one is special. It is the tallest of all 21 peaks in California that share the name Table Mountain. This makes it a unique landmark in the Sierra Nevada.

kids search engine
Table Mountain (Tulare County, California) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.