Triple Divide Peak (Madera County, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Triple Divide Peak |
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Triple Divide Peak from the north
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 11,616 ft (3,541 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 651 ft (198 m) |
| Geography | |
 Triple Divide Peak
Location in California
Triple Divide Peak
Location in the United States
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| Location | Madera County, California U.S. |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Lyell |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1920 by Norman Clyde |
| Easiest route | Scramble, class 3 |
Triple Divide Peak is a special mountain found in Madera County, California. It stands tall on the border between two famous natural areas: Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This peak is known for its unique location, which helps explain its interesting name.
What Makes Triple Divide Peak Special?
Triple Divide Peak is about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) north of Walton Lake. It is also about 1.3 miles (2.1 km) southeast of Merced Peak. The mountain reaches a height of 11,616 feet (3,540 meters) above sea level. It is part of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The "Triple Divide" Explained
The name "Triple Divide Peak" comes from a cool fact about water. This mountain is a point where water flows in three different directions. Imagine rain or melting snow falling on the very top of the peak. That water could end up in three separate river systems!
These three river systems are:
- The Merced River
- The South Fork Merced River
- The San Joaquin River
This means the peak acts like a giant natural split. Water from one side goes to one river, water from another side goes to a second river, and water from the third side goes to a third river. This makes it a very important spot for the water cycle in California.
Exploring the Area
The area around Triple Divide Peak is popular for outdoor adventures. Since it's in Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness, it's a great place for hiking and enjoying nature. The first person known to climb this peak was Norman Clyde in 1920. Climbing it is considered a scramble, which means it involves some easy climbing without special ropes.
