Tuolumne Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tuolumne Peak |
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Mount Hoffman (L) and Tuolumne Peak (R)
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 10,845 ft (3,306 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 685 ft (209 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Yosemite National Park, California, U.S. |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Cretaceous |
| Mountain type | Granite |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Richard M. Leonard and Sierra Club party on July 9, 1932 |
Tuolumne Peak is a tall mountain located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is found near the beautiful area of Tuolumne Meadows. This mountain is special because it has two tops, making it a "twin-summited" peak. It is also very close to the geographic center of the park.
Tuolumne Peak is made of a type of rock called granite, which often breaks into pieces. It stands about 2.5 miles (4 km) northeast of Mount Hoffmann. A rocky ridge connects the two peaks. People climb Tuolumne Peak less often than Mount Hoffmann because it is harder to reach.
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About Tuolumne Peak
Tuolumne Peak reaches an elevation of 10,845 feet (3,306 meters) above sea level. It is a prominent feature in the landscape of Yosemite National Park. The mountain is part of Mariposa County, California.
How Tuolumne Peak Formed
Tuolumne Peak is made of granite rock. This rock formed deep underground a very long time ago, during the Cretaceous period. This was when hot, melted rock (magma) cooled and hardened. Over millions of years, the land lifted, and the softer rock above wore away. This process exposed the hard granite we see today.
The Ice Age and Glaciers
Long ago, during the Wisconsin Glacial Stage, huge sheets of ice called glaciers covered much of the land. These glaciers were like giant ice rivers. They moved slowly, carving out valleys and shaping the mountains. Near Tuolumne Peak, the ice was so thick that it flowed over the ridge connecting Tuolumne Peak to Mount Hoffmann. This made both peaks stand out as separate islands of rock above the ice. The glaciers helped give Tuolumne Peak its unique shape.
Climbing Tuolumne Peak
Tuolumne Peak offers opportunities for rock climbing. The first recorded climb to the top was on July 9, 1932. Richard M. Leonard and a group from the Sierra Club were the first to reach the summit. While it's a challenging climb, adventurers enjoy the views from its twin tops.
