Ute Mountain (New Mexico) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ute Mountain |
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South aspect
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 10,093 ft (3,076 m) |
| Prominence | 2,483 ft (757 m) |
| Isolation | 10.75 mi (17.30 km) |
| Listing | Highest major summits of the US |
| Naming | |
| Etymology | Ute |
| Geography | |
 Ute Mountain
Location in New Mexico
Ute Mountain
Location in the United States
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| Location | Rio Grande del Norte National Monument |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Taos |
| Parent range | Sangre de Cristo Mountains Rocky Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Ute Mountain |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 3.9 Million years |
| Mountain type | volcanic cone |
| Type of rock | Dacite |
| Volcanic arc | Taos Plateau volcanic field |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | class 2 hiking |
Ute Mountain is a tall mountain in New Mexico, USA. It stands about 10,093 feet (3,076 meters) high. You can find it in Taos County.
Contents
What is Ute Mountain?
Ute Mountain is part of the Taos Mountains. These mountains are a smaller part of the larger Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Ute Mountain is a special landmark. It is the highest point in the Cerro del Yuta Wilderness. It is also the highest point in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The Bureau of Land Management takes care of this area.
This mountain is about 35 miles north of the town of Taos. It is also four miles south of the New Mexico–Colorado border. Ute Mountain is an old volcanic cone. This means it was once a volcano, but it is not active anymore. It is made of a type of rock called dacite. This volcano formed about 3.9 million years ago.
The base of Ute Mountain is about five miles wide. The mountain rises very high above the flat lands around it. It stands about 2,500 feet (762 meters) taller than the plains. These plains are covered in sagebrush and basalt rock.
What Grows on Ute Mountain?
The sides of the mountain are covered with different types of trees. You can find pinyon pine trees there. There are also ponderosa pine trees. Other trees include aspen and Douglas fir.
Rain and snow that fall on the mountain flow into the Rio Grande. This big river flows through a deep gorge. This gorge is located along the western side of the mountain.
Where Did the Name Ute Mountain Come From?
The mountain is also known by its Spanish name, "Cerro del Yuta." This means "Mountain of the Ute." The word Ute comes from the Ute people. They are a Native American group. Their own name for themselves is Núuchi-u, which means 'the people'.
The state of Utah is also named after the Ute people. The name of Ute Mountain has been officially used since at least 1875. The United States Board on Geographic Names approved this name.
Gallery
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Ute Mountain and Rio Grande
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Northeast aspect from Jaroso, Colorado
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East aspect from Costilla, New Mexico
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See also
- List of mountain peaks of New Mexico
- Rio Grande rift
