Gaylor Peak

Last updated

Gaylor Peak
Gaylor Peak watching over Upper Gaylor Lake.jpg
North aspect, from Upper Gaylor Lake
Highest point
Elevation 11,004 ft (3,354 m) [1]
Prominence 484 ft (148 m) [2]
Parent peak False White Mountain (12,002 ft) [3]
Isolation 1.95 mi (3.14 km) [3]
Listing Vagmarken Club Sierra Crest List [4]
Coordinates 37°55′09″N119°15′56″W / 37.9190971°N 119.2655456°W / 37.9190971; -119.2655456 [5]
Naming
Etymology Andrew Jack Gaylor
Geography
Relief map of California.png
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Gaylor Peak
Location in California
Usa edcp relief location map.png
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Gaylor Peak
Gaylor Peak (the United States)
Location Yosemite National Park
Tuolumne / Mono counties
California, United States
Parent range Sierra Nevada
Topo map USGS Tioga Pass
Geology
Mountain type Fault block
Rock type Metamorphic rock [6]
Climbing
Easiest route class 2 [3]

Gaylor Peak is an 11,004-foot (3,354-meter) mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northern California, United States. [5] The peak is positioned on the boundary between Yosemite National Park and the Inyo National Forest, and it also lies on the border between Mono County and Tuolumne County. The peak rises prominently above Tioga Pass and Tioga Lake, with a notable topographic relief, as the summit stands approximately 1,400 feet (430 meters) above the lake within a distance of one-half mile (0.80 km).

Contents

Gaylor Peak is a popular hiking destination, particularly during the summer months, due to its accessibility. Hikers can reach the summit via the Gaylor Lakes Trail, a two-mile route that begins at State Route 120, which runs along the eastern base of the peak. [7] The peak's geological composition consists of metamorphic rock, and it is classified as a fault block mountain. [7]

The peak is named after Andrew Jack Gaylor, though detailed historical information about the naming is limited. The mountain is listed on the Vagmarken Club's Sierra Crest List, recognizing notable summits in the region. [4]

The easiest route to the summit is a Class 2 hike on the Yosemite Decimal System scale, which indicates that the climb involves simple scrambling without the need for specialized climbing equipment. [3]

History

Jack Gaylor Andrew Jack Gaylor.jpg
Jack Gaylor

The toponym of this mountain was officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names to honor Andrew Jack Gaylor, one of the first rangers in Yosemite National Park. [5] Gaylor died from a heart attack on April 19, 1921, while on patrol in the park, after serving 14 years with the National Park Service. [8]

Prior to the official naming, early prospectors referred to the peak as "Tioga Hill." [9] The Great Sierra Mine Historic Site is located approximately one-half mile north of Gaylor Peak.

Climate

Gaylor Peak is located in an alpine climate zone. [10] Most weather fronts originate over the Pacific Ocean and move eastward toward the Sierra Nevada mountains. As these fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks through a process known as orographic lift, which causes the moisture to condense and fall as precipitation, either as rain or snow, depending on the season.

Precipitation runoff from Gaylor Peak flows westward into Gaylor Lakes and then into the Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River. To the east, runoff drains into Tioga Lake, eventually feeding into Lee Vining Creek and ultimately reaching Mono Lake.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tuolumne Meadows</span> Meadow in Yosemite National Park, US

Tuolumne Meadows is a gentle, dome-studded, sub-alpine meadow area along the Tuolumne River in the eastern section of Yosemite National Park in the United States. Its approximate location is 37°52.5′N119°21′W. Its approximate elevation is 8,619 feet (2,627 m). The term Tuolumne Meadows is also often used to describe a large portion of the Yosemite high country around the meadows, especially in context of rock climbing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Dana</span> Mountain in California, United States

Mount Dana is a mountain in the U.S. state of California. Its summit marks the eastern boundary of Yosemite National Park and the western boundary of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. At an elevation of 13,061 feet (3,981 m), it is the second highest mountain in Yosemite, and the northernmost summit in the Sierra Nevada which is over 13,000 feet (3,962.4 m) in elevation. Mount Dana is the highest peak in Yosemite that accessible to summit. The mountain is named in honor of James Dwight Dana, who was a professor of natural history and geology at Yale.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cathedral Peak (California)</span> Mountain in Yosemite National Park, California

Cathedral Peak is part of the Cathedral Range, a mountain range in the south-central portion of Yosemite National Park in eastern Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties. The range is an offshoot of the Sierra Nevada. The peak which lends its name to the range derives its name from its cathedral-shaped peak, which was formed by glacial activity: the peak remained uneroded above the glaciers in the Pleistocene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tioga Pass</span> Mountain pass in the American state of California

Tioga Pass is a mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. State Route 120 runs through it, and serves as the eastern entry point for Yosemite National Park, at the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. It is the highest elevation highway pass in California and in the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 9,945 ft (3,031 m). Mount Dana is to the east of the pass, and Gaylor Peak to the west.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Hoffmann</span> Mountain in California, United States

Mount Hoffmann is a prominent peak in northeastern Mariposa County in the center of Yosemite National Park, California, United States. It rises above May Lake and is a day hike of 6.2 miles (10.0 km) (one-way) from Tioga Pass Road. The mountain is named for the cartographer Charles F. Hoffmann, who was part of the California Geological Survey of the Sierra Nevada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leavitt Peak</span> Mountain in California, United States

Leavitt Peak is located in the Emigrant Wilderness near Sonora Pass in the eastern Sierra Nevada range of California. Leavitt Peak is located on the Tuolumne County - Mono County line. The Pacific Crest Trail runs close to the east of Leavitt Peak, at an elevation of about 10,800 feet (3,290 m) elevation. The peak offers views south to Yosemite National Park and north towards South Lake Tahoe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">High Sierra Camps</span>

The High Sierra Camps are nine rustic lodging facilities located in two national parks and a national monument in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. Open most years from June or July to September, they are staffed camps with tent cabins and food service facilities. The backcountry camps receive their supplies by pack mules.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kuna Crest Granodiorite</span> Kuna Crest Granodiorite, Granodiorite of Glen Aulin is a granodiorite found Yosemite National Park

Kuna Crest Granodiorite, is found, in Yosemite National Park, United States. The granodiorite forms part of the Tuolumne Intrusive Suite, one of the four major intrusive suites within the Sierra Nevada. Of the Tuolumne Intrusive Suite, it is the oldest and darkest rock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hiking, rock climbing, and mountain climbing around Tuolumne Meadows</span>

Hiking, rock climbing, and mountain climbing around Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park has many options.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammoth Peak</span> Mountain in Yosemite National Park

Mammoth Peak is a mountain in the area of Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, California. The summit is a class 1-2 cross-country hike that features river crossings and boulder scrambling. The peak lies at the northern end of the Kuna Crest and is close to California State Route 120. From the road, its summit appears rounded and quite rocky. Though Mammoth Peak is not as popular as other nearby peaks, its relatively easily accessed summit affords tremendous views of Mount Gibbs, Mount Dana, and Mount Lewis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tioga Peak</span> Tioga Peak is a mountain peak, outside Yosemite National Park

Tioga Peak is located in Mono County, California, approximately two miles outside of Yosemite National Park. It is situated in the Hoover Wilderness on land managed by Inyo National Forest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">False White Mountain</span> Mountain peak in northern Yosemite National Park, United States

False White Mountain is a mountain, in the northern part of Yosemite National Park. It is the 24th highest mountain, in Yosemite National Park. False White Mountain can be climbed, as a day hike, from Tioga Pass.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crown Point (Sierra Nevada)</span> Mountain in the American state of California

Crown Point is a mountain with a summit elevation of 11,346 feet (3,458 m) located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Mono County of northern California, United States. The summit is set in the Hoover Wilderness on land managed by Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, whereas the lower southwest slope is set within Yosemite National Park and Tuolumne County. The peak is situated approximately five miles southwest of Twin Lakes, one mile southeast of Peeler Lake, three miles southeast of Kettle Peak, and 4.3 miles (6.9 km) west-northwest of Matterhorn Peak. Topographic relief is significant as the northeast aspect rises over 2,100 feet above the Robinson Lakes in one mile. The first ascent of the summit was made in 1905 by George R. Davis, Albert Hale Sylvester, and Pearson Chapman, all with the United States Geological Survey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kettle Peak</span> Mountain in the American state of California

Kettle Peak is a mountain with a summit elevation of 11,010 feet (3,356 m) located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Mono County of northern California, United States. The summit is set in the Hoover Wilderness on land managed by Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, and is less than one-half mile outside the boundary of Yosemite National Park. The peak is situated approximately three miles southwest of Twin Lakes, three miles south of Victoria Peak, 2.9 miles northeast of Crown Point, and 3.1 miles northwest of Matterhorn Peak. Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises over 2,600 feet above Robinson Creek in one mile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camiaca Peak</span> Mountain in California, United States

Camiaca Peak is an 11,739-foot-elevation (3,578 meter) mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northern California, United States. The peak is situated on the common boundary shared by Yosemite National Park with Hoover Wilderness, as well as the border shared by Mono County with Tuolumne County. It is approximately two miles east of Virginia Peak, three miles west of Dunderberg Peak, and Summit Lake lies at the base of the southeast slope. Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises nearly 2,000 feet above Return Creek in three-quarters mile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eocene Peak</span> Mountain in the state of California

Eocene Peak is a granitic summit with an elevation of 11,569 feet (3,526 m) located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in northern California, United States. The summit is situated on the common boundary shared by Yosemite National Park with Hoover Wilderness, as well as the common border of Mono County and Tuolumne County. The peak is set approximately three miles southwest of Twin Lakes, 1.3 mile southeast of Kettle Peak, and one mile south of The Incredible Hulk. The nearest town is Bridgeport, 15 miles to the northeast. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises nearly 2,000 feet above Piute Creek in one mile. The first ascent of the summit was made July 16, 1932, by Richard M. Leonard and Herbert B. Blanks. This landform's name has not been officially adopted by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, so the feature is not labeled on USGS maps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Lewis (California)</span> Mountain in the state of California

Mount Lewis is a 12,350-foot-elevation mountain summit located along the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Mono County of northern California, United States. It is situated in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, on land managed by Inyo National Forest. The summit lies less than one mile outside of Yosemite National Park's eastern boundary, and some of the lower western slope lies within the park. The mountain rises 1.8 miles (2.9 km) southeast of Mono Pass, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northeast of Parker Pass, and two miles north of Parker Peak, which is the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as it rises over 5,200 feet above Grant Lake in four miles which makes the mountain visible from Highway 395.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rafferty Peak</span> Mountain in Yosemite National Park

Rafferty Peak is an 11,110-foot-elevation mountain summit located in Yosemite National Park, in California, United States. It is situated on the common border shared by Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties. It is set south of Tuolumne Meadows in the Cathedral Range which is a sub-range of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The mountain rises one mile (1.6 km) northwest of Tuolumne Pass, 1.4 mile south of Johnson Peak, and 2.5 miles east of Matthes Crest. Tuolumne Pass is the low point of the saddle between Rafferty Peak and Fletcher Peak. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 1,500 feet above Nelson Lake in one mile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hawksbeak Peak</span> Mountain in the state of California

Hawksbeak Peak is a mountain summit with an elevation of 11,134 feet (3,394 m) located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in northern California, United States. The granitic summit is situated on the common boundary shared by Yosemite National Park with Hoover Wilderness, as well as the common border of Mono County and Tuolumne County. This remote peak is set at the head of Thompson Canyon, approximately eight miles west of Twin Lakes and 17 miles southwest of Bridgeport, the nearest town. Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises over 1,300 feet in less than one-quarter mile. The class 5.10- West Face was first climbed in September 1989 by Alan Swanson and John Nye. This landform's toponym has been officially adopted by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

References

  1. R. J. Secor, The High Sierra Peaks, Passes, Trails, 2009, Third Edition, Mountaineers Books, ISBN   9781594857386.
  2. "Gaylor Peak, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Gaylor Peak - 11,004' CA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  4. 1 2 "Vagmarken Sierra Crest List". Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club . Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 "Gaylor Peak". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior . Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  6. Marc J. Soares (2003), 100 Hikes in Yosemite National Park, Mountaineers Books, ISBN   9780898868678, p.170
  7. 1 2 Marc J. Soares (2003), 100 Hikes in Yosemite National Park, Mountaineers Books, ISBN   9780898868678, p. 170
  8. Park Ranger Andrew Jack Gaylor, odmp.org
  9. Matt Johanson, Sierra Summits: A Guide to Fifty Peak Experiences in California's Range of Light, 2019, Falcon Guides, ISBN   9781493036455, page 106.
  10. "Climate of the Sierra Nevada". Encyclopædia Britannica .