Gemini | |
---|---|
![]() North aspect | |
Highest point | |
Elevation | 12,880 ft (3,926 m) [1] |
Prominence | 800 ft (244 m) [1] |
Parent peak | Seven Gables (13,080 ft) [2] |
Isolation | 1.30 mi (2.09 km) [2] |
Listing | Sierra Peaks Section |
Coordinates | 37°17′48″N118°49′01″W / 37.2965523°N 118.8169867°W [3] |
Naming | |
Etymology | Gemini twins |
Geography | |
Country | United States |
State | California |
County | Fresno |
Protected area | John Muir Wilderness |
Parent range | Sierra Nevada [1] |
Topo map | USGS Mount Hilgard |
Geology | |
Rock age | Cretaceous |
Mountain type | Fault block |
Rock type | granite |
Climbing | |
First ascent | 1953 |
Easiest route | class 2 [2] |
Gemini is a 12,880-foot-elevation (3,926-meter) twin-peaked mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Fresno County of northern California, United States. [3] It is situated in the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Sierra National Forest. It is set 3.0 miles (4.8 km) west-southwest of Merriam Peak, 2.6 miles (4.2 km) northeast of Mount Senger, and 1.2 miles (1.9 km) southeast of Seven Gables, the nearest higher neighbor. [1] Topographic relief is significant as it rises over 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) above Piute Canyon in approximately three miles. Gemini ranks as the 176th-highest summit in California. [2]
The first ascent of the summit was made July 30, 1953, by Jim Koontz and Rosemarie Lenel. [4] The mountain's name was suggested by Chester Versteeg, a prominent Sierra Club mountaineer from Los Angeles. [5] The peak's name was officially adopted in 1954 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and promulgated in 1957. [3] Today this peak draws climbing interest because it is included on the Sierra Peaks Section's peak bagging list.
According to the Köppen climate classification system, Gemini is located in an alpine climate zone. [6] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Sierra Nevada mountains. As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the range (orographic lift). Precipitation runoff from this mountain drains into tributaries of the South Fork San Joaquin River.
Royce Peak, also known as Mount Royce, is a 13,280-foot-elevation mountain summit located west of the Royce Lakes in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northern California, United States. It is situated in Fresno County, in the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Sierra National Forest. It is set 0.66 miles (1.06 km) southeast of Feather Peak, 0.71 miles (1.14 km) north-northwest of Merriam Peak, and the nearest higher neighbor is Bear Creek Spire, 3.44 miles (5.54 km) to the north. Royce Peak is the 89th-highest summit in California. This mountain was named in 1929 by the California State Geographic Board, and later officially adopted by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to honor Dr. Josiah Royce (1855–1916), philosopher, instructor, and author. The first ascent of the summit was made June 23, 1931, by Nathan Clark and Roy Crites.
Black Giant is a 13,330-foot-elevation (4,060-meter) mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Fresno County of central California, United States. Black Giant ranks as the 86th highest summit in California. It is the northernmost and highest summit on its namesake ridge, the Black Divide in northern Kings Canyon National Park. The peak is situated 3.9 miles (6.3 km) east of Mount Goddard, and 2.6 miles (4.2 km) south-southeast of Mount Fiske, which is the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as it rises 4,000 feet above Le Conte Canyon in approximately two miles. Muir Pass is 1.4 miles (2.3 km) to the northwest, and the approach to this remote peak is made via the John Muir Trail.
Cloudripper is a 13,525-foot-elevation mountain summit located two miles east of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Inyo County of northern California, United States. It is situated in the Palisades area of the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Inyo National Forest. It is approximately 14 miles (23 km) west of the community of Big Pine, 1.1 miles (1.8 km) north-northeast of Picture Puzzle, and 2.1 miles (3.4 km) south of parent Mount Agassiz. Cloudripper ranks as the 58th highest summit in California, and the highest point of the Inconsolable Range.
Columbine Peak is a 12,662-foot-elevation mountain summit located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is situated between Palisade Basin and Dusy Basin in the Palisades area of northern Kings Canyon National Park. It is 1.54 miles (2.48 km) west of North Palisade, 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Bishop Pass, and immediately north of Knapsack Pass. This mountain's name has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names. The first ascent of the summit was made prior to 1925 by persons unknown.
Recess Peak is a 12,813-foot-elevation mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is situated on Mono Divide in the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Sierra National Forest, and approximately six miles east of Lake Thomas A Edison. The nearest higher neighbor is Mount Hilgard, 2.2 miles (3.5 km) to the southeast. The John Muir Trail follows Bear Creek below the western slope of this remote peak. The summit is surrounded by arêtes and cirques, which were formed by glaciers in the past, most recently ending 13,000 years ago in the late Pleistocene.
Black Mountain is a 13,291-foot-elevation (4,051-meter) mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northern California. It is situated on the common border of Fresno County with Inyo County, as well as the shared boundary of John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park. It is 10.5 miles (16.9 km) west of the community of Independence, and 4.3 miles (6.9 km) north-northwest of parent University Peak. Black Mountain ranks as the 91st highest summit in California. Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises 2,750 feet above Rae Lakes in approximately one mile. The John Muir Trail traverses below the west aspect of this peak, providing an approach to the mountain. The first ascent of the summit was made in 1905 by George R. Davis, a USGS topographer. This mountain is habitat for the endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, which restricts climbing from July through December, so most ascents are made in the spring.
Crater Mountain is a 12,874-foot-elevation (3,924-meter) mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is situated in eastern Kings Canyon National Park, 15.5 miles (24.9 km) northwest of the community of Independence, one mile immediately southwest of Pinchot Pass, and 1.3 miles (2.1 km) southeast of Mount Ickes, which is the nearest higher neighbor. Other nearby peaks include Mount Wynne, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the northeast, and Mount Cedric Wright, 2.2 miles (3.5 km) to the southeast. Crater Mountain ranks as the 186th highest summit in California. Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises 2,000 feet in less than one mile. The approach to this remote peak is made via the John Muir Trail which passes below the east aspect of the mountain. The first ascent of the summit was made July 19, 1922, by W. H. Ink, Meyers Butte, Frank Baxter, and Captain Wallace. This mountain has no crater as the name implies.
Mount Hilgard is a 13,361-foot-elevation (4,072 meter) mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is situated in the John Muir Wilderness on land managed by Sierra National Forest, approximately eight miles east-southeast of Lake Thomas A Edison, and immediately above the west end of Lake Italy. The nearest higher neighbor is Mount Gabb, 1.75 miles (2.82 km) to the northeast, and Recess Peak is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) to the northwest. The John Muir Trail follows Bear Creek to the west of this remote peak, providing an approach. Mt. Hilgard ranks as the 82nd highest summit in California.
Emerald Peak is a 12,546-foot-elevation (3,824-meter) mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Fresno County of central California, United States. It is situated in northern Kings Canyon National Park, southwest of Evolution Valley, and 2.3 miles (3.7 km) northwest of Mount McGee, the nearest higher neighbor. Other nearby peaks include The Hermit, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) to the east, and Peter Peak, 1.6 miles (2.6 km) to the southeast. Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises over 3,500 feet above Goddard Canyon in 1.5 mile. The John Muir Trail passes to the northeast, providing an approach.
Gray Peak is an 11,573-foot-elevation mountain summit located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Madera County of northern California, United States. It is situated in Yosemite National Park, approximately 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Yosemite Valley, 1.3 mile (2.1 km) north of Red Peak, and 1.5 mile (2.4 km) south-southeast of Mount Clark. Gray Peak is the fourth-highest peak in the Clark Range, which is a subset of the Sierra Nevada.
Red Peak is an 11,699-foot-elevation (3,566 meter) mountain summit located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Madera County of northern California, United States. It is situated in Yosemite National Park, approximately 10.5 miles (16.9 km) southeast of Yosemite Valley, 1.5 mile (2.4 km) south-southeast of Gray Peak, and 1.5 mile (2.4 km) northwest of Merced Peak, the nearest higher neighbor. Red Peak is the second-highest peak in the Clark Range, which is a subset of the Sierra Nevada. This geographical feature's brilliant color is caused by iron-bearing minerals weathered to an iron rust which colors the granite.
Seven Gables is a 13,080-foot-elevation (3,990-meter) mountain summit located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is situated between the east and south forks of Bear Creek in the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Sierra National Forest. It is set 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Lake Thomas A Edison, 1.2 miles (1.9 km) northwest of Gemini, and 3.2 miles (5.1 km) west-southwest of Feather Peak, the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as it rises nearly 3,500 feet above Upper Bear Creek Meadows in approximately two miles. Seven Gables ranks as the 133rd highest summit in California.
Cirque Peak is a 12,900-foot-elevation (3,900-meter) mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. It is situated on the common border of Tulare County with Inyo County, as well as the shared boundary of Golden Trout Wilderness and John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Inyo National Forest. It is 14 miles (23 km) southwest of the community of Lone Pine, 7.7 miles (12.4 km) south-southeast of Mount Whitney, and 3.2 miles (5.1 km) south of Mount Langley, the nearest higher neighbor. Cirque Peak is the highest point of the Golden Trout Wilderness, and ranks as the 175th highest peak in California. Topographic relief is significant as it rises 1,800 feet above Cirque Lake in approximately one mile. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses the southwest slope of this mountain, providing an approach option. The mountain was apparently named in 1890 by Joseph Nisbet LeConte and companions who noted the remarkable cirque on the north aspect.
Trojan Peak is a 13,947-foot-elevation (4,251-meter) mountain summit located along the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Inyo County, California. It is situated in the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Inyo National Forest. It is 15 miles (24 km) west-northwest of the community of Lone Pine, 0.7 miles (1.1 km) southeast of Mount Versteeg, and one mile (1.6 km) south-southwest of Mount Williamson, the nearest higher neighbor. Trojan Peak is ranked as the 16th highest peak in California. Topographic relief is significant as it rises 1,427 feet above Lake Helen of Troy in approximately one-half mile.
State Peak is a remote 12,620-foot-elevation (3,850-meter) mountain summit located in Kings Canyon National Park, in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is situated on Cirque Crest which is west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, 3.03 miles (4.88 km) west of Arrow Peak, and 2.13 miles (3.43 km) southwest of Marion Peak, the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises 2,100 feet above State Lakes in 1.5 mile, and the southeast aspect rises 4,000 feet above South Fork Kings River in 1.5 mile.
Four Gables, elevation 12,776 feet (3,894 m), is a mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northern California, United States. It is situated in the John Muir Wilderness on the common boundary shared by Sierra National Forest with Inyo National Forest, and along the common border of Fresno County with Inyo County. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 2,800 feet above Horton Lake in approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Neighbors include Basin Mountain, two miles to the east-southeast, Mount Tom, three miles to the northeast, and Merriam Peak, four miles to the west. The nearest community is Bishop, California, 17 miles to the east.
Mount Senger is a 12,286-foot-elevation (3,745 meter) mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is set within the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Sierra National Forest. It is situated 2.2 miles (3.5 km) southeast of Mount Hooper, 2.6 miles (4.2 km) southwest of Gemini, and 2.7 miles (4.3 km) south-southwest of Seven Gables. Senger ranks as the 348th-highest summit in California. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises over 4,600 feet above the South Fork San Joaquin River in approximately three miles. The John Muir Trail traverses the south and west slopes of the mountain, providing an approach option.
Mount Hooper is a 12,349-foot (3,764 meter) high mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is set within the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Sierra National Forest. It is situated 4.26 miles (6.86 km) west of Gemini, 3.6 miles (5.8 km) southwest of Seven Gables, and 2.25 miles (3.62 km) west-northwest of Mount Senger. Hooper ranks as the 326th-highest summit in California, and topographic relief is significant as the summit rises over 5,000 feet above Florence Lake in approximately four miles. The John Muir Trail traverses the east slope of the mountain, providing an approach option.
Mount Julius Caesar is a 13,213-foot-elevation mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northern California, United States. It is situated in the John Muir Wilderness on the boundary that Sierra National Forest shares with Inyo National Forest, and along the common border shared by Fresno County with Inyo County. It is one mile southwest of line parent Bear Creek Spire, and 22 miles (35 km) west of the community of Bishop. Italy Pass is one-half mile immediately south of the summit, and Granite Park lies to the southeast. Mount Julius Caesar ranks as the 106th-highest summit in California. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 2,000 feet above Lake Italy in 0.7 miles (1.1 km).
Sawmill Point is a 9,429-foot-elevation (2,874 meter) mountain summit located in Inyo County, California. It is situated 2.6 miles east of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Inyo National Forest. It is also 10.5 miles (16.9 km) northwest of the community of Independence, and 2.6 miles (4.2 km) east of proximate parent Colosseum Mountain. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 4,770 feet above Owens Valley in two miles. The Sawmill Pass Trail traverses the east and south slopes of the peak, providing an approach option, and access to the John Muir Trail.