Thor Peak (Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thor Peak |
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Thor Peak at left and Mount Moran at right
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 12,033 ft (3,668 m) |
| Prominence | 348 ft (106 m) |
| Geography | |
 Thor Peak
Location in Wyoming
Thor Peak
Location in the United States
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| Location | Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, U.S. |
| Parent range | Teton Range |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Moran |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | August 1930, Paul Petzoldt and Bruton Strange |
Thor Peak is a tall and impressive mountain. It stands at 12,033 feet (3,668 m) high. This amazing peak is found in the northern part of the Teton Range. It is located inside Grand Teton National Park in the state of Wyoming, United States.
Thor Peak is very close to another famous mountain, Mount Moran. Mount Moran is only about 1 mile (1.6 km) to the east. Thor Peak is actually the eighth-highest peak in the entire Teton Range. It's a challenging mountain to reach, but its beauty makes it worth the effort for many adventurers.
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Discovering Thor Peak
Thor Peak is a significant part of the Teton Range. This mountain range is known for its dramatic, jagged peaks. They rise sharply from the flat valley floor below.
Where is Thor Peak?
Thor Peak is deep within Grand Teton National Park. This park is a protected area. It is famous for its stunning mountain scenery. The park is home to many wild animals and beautiful landscapes. It is a popular place for hiking, climbing, and enjoying nature.
How Tall is It?
Standing over 12,000 feet tall, Thor Peak is a giant. Its height makes it one of the tallest mountains in the Teton Range. Mountains this tall often have special features. These include snow and ice that stay year-round.
Nature Around Thor Peak
The area around Thor Peak is full of natural wonders. It has a unique environment. This environment supports many different kinds of plants and animals.
Amazing Animals
Grand Teton National Park is a wildlife paradise. Many animals live on or near Thor Peak.
- Moose: These large animals are often seen near water. They eat plants that grow in wet areas.
- Elk: Huge herds of elk live in the park. They move to lower elevations in winter.
- Bears: Both black bears and grizzly bears live here. They are important parts of the ecosystem.
- Bighorn Sheep: These sheep are excellent climbers. They can be seen on rocky slopes.
- Mule Deer: These deer have large ears. They are common throughout the park.
- Marmots: Small, furry animals that live in burrows. They are often seen sunbathing on rocks.
Unique Plants
The plants around Thor Peak change with elevation.
- Forests: At lower levels, you'll find forests of pine, spruce, and fir trees.
- Wildflowers: In summer, meadows burst with colorful wildflowers. These include lupine and Indian paintbrush.
- Alpine Tundra: Higher up, above the tree line, the plants are smaller. They are tough and grow close to the ground. This is called alpine tundra.
Snow and Ice Features
Thor Peak has several areas of snow and ice. These stay on the mountain for most of the year.
- Semi-permanent Snowfields: These are large patches of snow. They often last through the summer months.
- Triple Glaciers: This is a group of small glaciers. They are located on the east and northern sides of the mountain. Glaciers are like very slow-moving rivers of ice. They form when snow builds up over many years and turns into ice.
Exploring Thor Peak
Climbing Thor Peak is an adventure. It requires skill and preparation.
First Climbers
The first people to reach the top of Thor Peak were Paul Petzoldt and Bruton Strange. They made their successful climb in August 1930. This was a big achievement at the time. Climbing mountains like Thor Peak was much harder back then.
Climbing Challenges
Even the easiest way to climb Thor Peak is tough. It is rated as a "class 4" climb. This means it involves some difficult rock climbing. You need to use your hands and feet. It's not just a walk.
The biggest challenge is getting to the mountain itself. Thor Peak is very remote. This means it is far from roads and trails. Hikers and climbers must travel a long way to reach its base. This makes the journey to the summit even more challenging and rewarding.
Protecting Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park protects places like Thor Peak. National parks help keep nature wild. They make sure that animals and plants have safe homes. They also allow people to visit and enjoy these beautiful places. Protecting these areas helps us learn about nature. It also ensures that future generations can experience their beauty.
