Whale Mountain (San Diego County, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whale Mountain |
|
|---|---|
 Location in California
Location in the United States
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,043 ft (928 m) NGVD 29 |
| Geography | |
| Location | San Diego County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cuyamaca Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Ramona |
Whale Mountain is a cool mountain peak in San Diego County, California. It stands about 3,043 feet tall. This mountain is part of the Cuyamaca Mountains in the northwestern part of the county.
You can find Whale Mountain between the towns of Ramona and Santa Ysabel. It's also close to a place called Ballena Valley.
About Whale Mountain
What's in a Name?
Whale Mountain has an interesting name story! The nearby Ballena Valley gets its name from the mountain. Ballena is a Spanish word that means "whale."
But wait, there's more! The native Ipai people, who lived in this area long ago, also had a name for the mountain. Their word was ipank, which also means "whale." So, both the Spanish and the Ipai people saw something in this mountain that reminded them of a whale!
Plants and Animals
Whale Mountain, sometimes called Whale Peak, feels a lot like a desert. This means it's home to many plants and animals that love dry, warm weather.
You might see different kinds of cacti growing there. These plants are experts at storing water. You could also spot iguanas, which are lizards that enjoy the sunny, rocky areas. The mountain's unique environment makes it a special place for these desert creatures.
