Taboose Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Taboose Pass |
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Glacial striations at Taboose Pass
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| Elevation | 11,417 ft (3,480 m) |
| Traversed by | Taboose Pass Trail |
| Location | Inyo and Fresno Counties, California |
| Range | Sierra Nevada |
| Coordinates | 36°59′05″N 118°24′50″W / 36.98472°N 118.41389°W |
Taboose Pass, also known as Wide Gap, is a high mountain pass located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains in California. It reaches an elevation of 11,417 ft (3,480 m). This pass is found on the border between the Inyo National Forest (which includes the John Muir Wilderness) to the east and Kings Canyon National Park to the west. It is a well-known route for hikers and connects the dry Owens Valley in the east to the famous Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail in the west.
What is Taboose Pass?
Taboose Pass is a natural opening or low point between two mountains or mountain ranges. It allows people to travel from one side of a mountain range to the other. This particular pass is a key connection point in the Sierra Nevada. It links the eastern desert-like areas with the high mountain wilderness on the western side.
Hiking to Taboose Pass
Reaching Taboose Pass from the east is known as a very tough hike. The trail starts in the Owens Valley, which is a desert floor at about 5,500 feet (1,676 meters) above sea level. From this low starting point, hikers must climb about 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) over a distance of 8 miles (13 kilometers) to reach the pass. This makes it one of the most challenging trails on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The trail is steep and demanding, but it offers amazing views as you climb higher.
Nearby Mountains
Many impressive mountains are located near Taboose Pass. These tall peaks add to the stunning scenery of the area. Some of the famous mountains close to the pass include:
- Cardinal Mountain
- Crater Mountain
- Goodale Mountain
- Mount Ickes
- Marion Peak
- Pinchot Peak
- Mount Ruskin
- Striped Mountain
- Striped South Mountain
- Vennacher Needle
- White Mountain (at 12,828 feet or 3,910 meters, not to be confused with another taller peak of the same name)
- Wynne Mountain
