West Blue Mountain (New Mexico) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Blue Mountain |
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 West Blue Mountain
Location in New Mexico
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 10,340 ft (3,150 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 3,136 ft (956 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Socorro County, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Parent range | San Mateo Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Blue Mountain |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Difficult trail hike |
West Blue Mountain is a very tall mountain located in the southwestern part of New Mexico, United States. It is the highest point in the San Mateo Mountains. This mountain is quite remote, meaning it's far from any paved roads. Because of this, not many people visit the trails around it.
The top of West Blue Mountain is also the highest spot within a special protected area called the Apache Kid Wilderness. This wilderness area is part of the larger Cibola National Forest.
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Discover West Blue Mountain
West Blue Mountain stands at an impressive 10,340 feet (about 3,152 meters) above sea level. This makes it a significant landmark in the region. Mountains like this are often formed over millions of years by powerful forces deep within the Earth.
Where is West Blue Mountain?
This mountain is found in Socorro County, New Mexico. New Mexico is a state in the southwestern United States known for its deserts, mountains, and unique culture. West Blue Mountain is located in the southern part of the San Mateo Mountains range.
Exploring the San Mateo Mountains
The San Mateo Mountains are a mountain range in New Mexico. They are part of a larger system of mountains in the western United States. These mountains are home to different types of plants and animals. They offer beautiful views and natural landscapes.
The Apache Kid Wilderness
The summit of West Blue Mountain is inside the Apache Kid Wilderness. A wilderness area is a place that is kept wild and undeveloped. It is protected by the government so that nature can thrive without much human interference. This helps protect animals and plants that live there. The Apache Kid Wilderness is named after a famous Apache warrior.
This wilderness area is part of the Cibola National Forest. National Forests are large areas of land managed by the U.S. Forest Service. They are used for many things, including recreation, wildlife protection, and timber production.
Reaching the Summit
Because West Blue Mountain is far from paved roads, getting to its summit can be challenging. The trails leading up the mountain are not heavily used. This means hikers might experience a very quiet and natural journey. The easiest way to reach the top is usually by a difficult trail hike. This type of hike requires good planning and preparation.
