Temple Crag facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temple Crag |
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Temple Crag from Second Lake
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 12,982 ft (3,957 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 246 ft (75 m) |
| Parent peak | Mount Gayley |
| Listing |
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| Geography | |
 Temple Crag
Location in California
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| Location | Inyo County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Split Mountain |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Exposed scramble, class 3 |
Temple Crag is a tall and exciting mountain peak located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, U.S.. It's especially famous among people who love rock climbing because of its steep and challenging rock faces. This impressive peak sits right between two parts of Big Pine Creek, which are called the North and South Forks.
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Discovering Temple Crag
Temple Crag is a well-known spot in the Palisades area, which is a very rugged and high part of the Sierra Nevada. It stands at an elevation of 12,982 feet (about 3,957 meters) above sea level. Imagine climbing almost 4,000 meters high! This makes it one of the many amazing peaks in this mountain range.
Where is Temple Crag Located?
Temple Crag is found in Inyo County, in the eastern part of California. It's part of the larger Sierra Nevada mountain range, which stretches for about 400 miles (640 kilometers) through California and Nevada. The mountain is also within the John Muir Wilderness, a protected area known for its stunning natural beauty and wild landscapes.
Why Do People Climb Temple Crag?
Temple Crag is a very popular place for rock climbers. It has many different climbing routes, from easier ones to very difficult challenges. Climbers enjoy the adventure of scaling its granite walls and reaching the top for incredible views. The easiest way to get to the top involves some scrambling, which is like a mix of hiking and easy climbing where you use your hands.
Exploring the Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada is a major mountain range in the western United States. It's home to many famous places like Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park. The range is known for its tall peaks, deep valleys, and ancient sequoia trees.
What is the John Muir Wilderness?
The John Muir Wilderness is a large area of protected land in the Sierra Nevada. It's named after John Muir, a famous naturalist and advocate for wilderness preservation. In a wilderness area, human activities are limited to protect the natural environment. This means no roads, vehicles, or permanent structures are allowed, making it a great place for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature.
How are Mountains Measured?
Mountains like Temple Crag are measured in a few ways:
- Elevation: This is how high the peak is above sea level. Temple Crag's elevation is 12,982 feet.
- Prominence: This measures how much a peak stands out from the land around it. It's the vertical distance from the summit to the lowest point on the ridge connecting it to a higher peak. Temple Crag has a prominence of 246 feet, meaning it rises quite a bit from its surroundings.
Fun Facts About Temple Crag
- Temple Crag is part of the Sierra Peaks Section list, which is a list of important peaks in the Sierra Nevada that climbers aim to summit.
- It's also a "Western States Climbers Emblem peak," which means it's recognized as a significant climbing challenge in the western U.S.
- The mountain is located near Big Pine, a small town that serves as a base for many adventurers exploring the eastern Sierra.
