Merriam Peak (California)

Last updated
Merriam Peak
Mt Merriam.jpg
North aspect
Highest point
Elevation 13,103 ft (3,994 m) [1]
Prominence 863 ft (263 m) [1]
Parent peak Royce Peak (13,300 ft) [2]
Isolation 0.69 mi (1.11 km) [2]
Listing Sierra Peaks Section
Coordinates 37°18′33″N118°45′55″W / 37.3091265°N 118.7652123°W / 37.3091265; -118.7652123 Coordinates: 37°18′33″N118°45′55″W / 37.3091265°N 118.7652123°W / 37.3091265; -118.7652123 [3]
Naming
Etymology Clinton Hart Merriam
Geography
Relief map of California.png
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Merriam Peak
Location in California
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Merriam Peak
Merriam Peak (the United States)
Location Fresno County
California, U.S.
Parent range Sierra Nevada [1]
Topo map USGS Mount Hilgard
Geology
Type of rock granitic
Climbing
First ascent July 14, 1933
Easiest route class 2+ [2] Royce-Merriam saddle

Merriam Peak is a 13,103-foot-elevation (3,994 meter) mountain summit located in Fresno County in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northern California, United States. [3] It is situated south of the Royce Lakes and north of French Canyon, in the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Sierra National Forest. It is set 0.7 miles (1.1 km) south-southeast of Royce Peak, the nearest higher neighbor. [1] Merriam Peak is the 129th highest summit in California. [2] Topographic relief is significant as it rises approximately 3,000 feet (914 meters) above French Canyon in one mile. This mountain was named in 1929 by the California State Geographic Board, and officially adopted in 1930 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to honor Dr. Clinton Hart Merriam (1855–1942), an American zoologist and naturalist, who served on the U.S. Board on Geographic Names from 1914 through 1925. [3]

Contents

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Merriam Peak is located in an alpine climate zone. [4] 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 south into tributaries of the South Fork San Joaquin River.

Climbing

The first ascent of the summit was made July 14, 1933, by Sierra Club members Lewis Clark, Julie Mortimer, and Ted Waller. [5] They called it "Bastille Peak" in honor of the July 14th French holiday, Bastille Day, unaware that it had previously been named. [6] Class 3 scrambles can be made via the east, south, and southwest aspects. [7] The North Buttress is considered one of the classic climbing routes in the Sierra Nevada. [8]

Established rock climbing routes: [9]

See also

Related Research Articles

Mount Goode (California)

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Royce Peak

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.

Feather Peak Mountain in California, United States

Feather Peak is a 13,240-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 3.2 miles east-northeast of Seven Gables, and 0.66 miles (1.06 km) northwest of Royce Peak, which is the nearest higher neighbor. Feather Peak is the 99th highest summit in California. The first ascent of the summit was made in July 1933 by David Brower, who also named this peak.

Black Giant

Black Giant is a 13,330-foot-elevation mountain summit located near the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Fresno County of northern California, United States. Black Giant ranks as the 86th highest summit in California. It is situated in northern Kings Canyon National Park, 21 miles (34 km) west-southwest of the community of Big Pine, 3.6 miles (5.8 km) southwest of Mount Thompson, 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 (1,220 meters) above LeConte Canyon in approximately two miles. Muir Pass is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the northwest, and the approach to this remote peak is made via the John Muir Trail.

Langille Peak

Langille Peak is a 12,018-foot-elevation mountain summit located near the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is situated in northern Kings Canyon National Park, 19 miles (31 km) west-southwest of the community of Big Pine, 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Mount Thompson, 2.8 miles (4.5 km) southwest of Mount Goode, and 2.1 miles (3.4 km) east of Black Giant. Topographic relief is significant as the east aspect rises 3,100 feet (945 meters) above LeConte Canyon in less than one mile. The approach to this remote peak is made via the John Muir Trail.

The Citadel (Sierra Nevada)

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Mount Haeckel

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Picture Peak

Picture Peak is a 13,140-foot-elevation mountain summit located one mile east of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Inyo County of northern California, United States. It is situated in the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Inyo National Forest. It is approximately 21 miles (34 km) west of the community of Big Pine, and 0.65 miles (1.05 km) east of parent Mount Haeckel. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises over 2,000 feet (610 meters) above Hungry Packer Lake in approximately one-half mile. The first ascent of the summit was made July 1967, by Gary Colliver and Steve Thompson via the northeast face. This mountain's name has not been officially adopted by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

North Guard

North Guard is a remote 13,327-foot-elevation mountain summit located near the northern end of the Great Western Divide of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Tulare County of northern California. It is situated in Kings Canyon National Park, 0.9 miles (1.4 km) southeast of Mount Farquhar, and 0.6 miles (0.97 km) north-northwest of Mount Brewer, which is the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as the east aspect rises 3,858 feet (1,176 meters) above East Lake in three miles. North Guard ranks as the 87th highest summit in California, and the second highest point of the northern Great Western Divide. It's not as high as Mount Brewer, but offers better climbing and is considered one of the classic climbing routes in the Sierra Nevada.

Marion Peak

Marion Peak is a remote 12,719-foot-elevation 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, 2.13 miles (3.43 km) northeast of State Peak, and 2.6 miles (4.2 km) northwest of Arrow Peak, the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 2,400 feet (730 meters) above Marion Lake in one mile, and the southeast aspect rises 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) above South Fork Kings River in less than two miles.

Mount Ruskin

Mount Ruskin is a 12,920-foot-elevation mountain summit located in Kings Canyon National Park, in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is situated west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, immediately east of Cartridge Pass, and 1.4 miles (2.3 km) south of Vennacher Needle, the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as the south aspect rises over 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) above South Fork Kings River in 1.5 mile.

The Hermit (California mountain)

The Hermit is a 12,328-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 in northern Kings Canyon National Park, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) east of Emerald Peak, and 2.5 miles (4.0 km) west of Mount Darwin. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 2,500 feet (762 meters) above Evolution Valley in less than one mile. The John Muir Trail passes to the east and north of this landmark, providing an approach. This geographical feature was named by Sierra Club explorer Theodore Solomons in 1895 as he wrote: "The traveler will be greatly attracted by a very sharp peak or butte that rises on the south wall. From its isolated position as viewed from the valley we called it the Hermit."

Mount McGee (California)

Mount McGee is a 12,944-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 in Kings Canyon National Park, 0.6 miles (0.97 km) southeast of Peter Peak, 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of The Hermit, and 2.6 miles (4.2 km) north-northwest of Mount Goddard, the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises 3,100 feet (884 meters) above Goddard Canyon in two miles. This geographical feature was named for William John McGee (1853–1912), well-known American geologist and anthroplogist. This mountain's name has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names. The first ascent of the summit was made in July 1923 by Roger N. Burnham, Robert E. Brownlee, Ralph H. Brandt, and Leonard Keeler.

Mount Henry (California)

Mount Henry is a 12,196-foot-elevation mountain summit located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is situated on the Le Conte Divide, along the shared boundary of John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park, and 3.7 miles (6.0 km) northwest of Emerald Peak, the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as the east aspect rises 3,800 feet (1,158 meters) above South Fork San Joaquin River in two miles. The John Muir Trail passes to the northeast, providing an approach option.

Seven Gables

Seven Gables is a 13,080-foot-elevation 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 (1,067 meters) above Upper Bear Creek Meadows in approximately two miles. Seven Gables ranks as the 133rd highest summit in California.

Gemini (California mountain)

Gemini is a 12,880-foot-elevation twin-peaked 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. It is set 3.0 miles (4.8 km) west-southwest of Merriam Peak, and 1.2 miles (1.9 km) southeast of Seven Gables, the nearest higher neighbor. 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.

Mount Hitchcock (California)

Mount Hitchcock is a 13,186-foot-elevation (4,019 meter) mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Tulare County, California. It is situated in Sequoia National Park, and is two miles (3.2 km) south-southwest of Mount Whitney, 1.3 mile (2.1 km) southwest of Mount Muir, and 1.1 mile (1.8 km) west of Trail Crest. Topographic relief is significant as it rises approximately 1,500 feet (457 meters) above Hitchcock Lakes in less than one-half mile. Mt. Hitchcock ranks as the 112th highest summit in California.

Mount Powell (California)

Mount Powell is a 13,364-foot-elevation mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, United States. It is situated on the shared boundary of Kings Canyon National Park with John Muir Wilderness, and along the common border of Fresno County with Inyo County. It is also 19 miles (31 km) west of the community of Big Pine, and 1.17 miles (1.88 km) west of Mount Thompson, which is the nearest higher neighbor. Mount Powell ranks as the 81st highest peak in California, and the 10th highest of the Evolution Region of the Sierra Nevada. The west summit is unofficially known as "Point John." Two other peaks on the mountain are informally called "Point Wesley" (13,356 ft) in the middle, and "Point Powell" (13,360+ ft) one-half mile to the east.

The Sphinx (Kings Canyon National Park)

The Sphinx is a 9,143-foot-elevation (2,787 meter) double summit pillar located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Kings Canyon National Park, in Fresno County of northern California. This landmark is situated at the northern end of the Great Western Divide, two miles southeast of Kanawyers, five miles northwest of North Guard, and immediately south of the confluence of Bubbs Creek and South Fork Kings River. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) above the canyon in one mile. This geographical feature was named in 1891 by John Muir. This feature's name has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names. The Sphinx is the further north and slightly lower of the two peaks, and was the first rock climb done in the Kings Canyon region. The first ascent of the summit was made July 26, 1940, by Art Argiewicz and Bob Jacobs. The North Buttress was first climbed October 18, 1970, by Fred Beckey, Greg Donaldson, and Walt Vennum.

Mount Johnson (California)

Mount Johnson is a 12,871-foot-elevation mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, United States. It is situated on the shared boundary of Kings Canyon National Park with John Muir Wilderness, and along the common border of Fresno County with Inyo County. It is also 18 miles (29 km) west of the community of Big Pine, 0.9 miles (1.4 km) southeast of Mount Gilbert, and one mile (1.6 km) west-northwest of Mount Goode. Mount Johnson ranks as the 187th-highest summit in California. Topographic relief is significant as the southwest aspect rises 3,670 feet above LeConte Canyon in 1.5 mile, and the north aspect rises 3,100 feet above South Lake in 2.5 miles.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Merriam Peak, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Merriam Peak - 13,103' CA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  3. 1 2 3 "Merriam Peak". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  4. Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L.; McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification". Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 11. ISSN   1027-5606.
  5. R. J. Secor, The High Sierra Peaks, Passes, Trails, 2009, Third Edition, Mountaineers Books, ISBN   9781594857386, page 330.
  6. Sierra Club Bulletin, 1935, page 93.
  7. Steve Roper, The Climber's Guide to the High Sierra, 1976, Sierra Club Books, ISBN   9780871561473, page 139.
  8. John Moynier, Claude Fiddler, 1993, Sierra Classics 100 Best Climbs in the High Sierra, Chockstone Press, ISBN   9780934641609, page 194.
  9. Merriam Peak Rock Climbing, Mountainproject.com
Merriam Peak (left) with Royce Peak (centered), and Feather Peak (right) Merriam, Royce, Feather peaks.jpg
Merriam Peak (left) with Royce Peak (centered), and Feather Peak (right)