Mount Versteeg

Last updated
Mount Versteeg
Mount Versteeg.jpg
Northeast aspect, from Mt. Williamson
Highest point
Elevation 13,471 ft (4,106 m) [1]
Prominence 282 ft (86 m) [1]
Parent peak Trojan Peak (13,947 ft) [1]
Isolation 0.67 mi (1.08 km) [2]
Coordinates 36°38′52″N118°19′32″W / 36.6477151°N 118.3256176°W / 36.6477151; -118.3256176 [3]
Naming
Etymology Chester Versteeg
Geography
Relief map of California.png
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Mount Versteeg
Location in California
Usa edcp relief location map.png
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Mount Versteeg
Mount Versteeg (the United States)
Location Sequoia National Park
Tulare County / Inyo County
California, U.S.
Parent range Sierra Nevada
Topo map USGS Mount Williamson
Geology
Age of rock Cretaceous
Mountain type Fault block
Type of rock granitic
Climbing
Easiest route class 3 [2]

Mount Versteeg is a 13,471-foot-elevation (4,106-meter) mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. [3] It is situated on the common border of Tulare County with Inyo County, as well as the shared boundary of Sequoia National Park and John Muir Wilderness. It is 15 miles (24 km) west-northwest of the community of Lone Pine, one mile (1.6 km) southeast of Mount Tyndall, one mile (1.6 km) southwest of Mount Williamson, and 0.68 mile northwest of Trojan Peak, the nearest higher neighbor. Mt. Versteeg ranks as the 66th highest peak in California. [2] Topographic relief is significant as it rises approximately 950 feet (290 meters) above Lake Helen of Troy in approximately 0.2 mile.

Contents

Etymology

The peak's name was officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names in 1964 in memory of Chester Versteeg (1887–1963), lawyer, author, and prominent Sierra Club member who devoted much of his life to furthering interest in the Sierra Nevada. [3] He is credited with 40 first ascents in the Sierra Nevada, such as Mount Tinemaha, Mount Goode, and Colosseum Mountain. As the first chairman the Sierra Club's Committee on Geographic Names, he was responsible for the naming of 250 geographical features in the Sierra Nevada, including Trojan Peak and Lake Helen of Troy, which he named for his alma mater, University of Southern California. [4] The club's Angeles Chapter annually presents a Chester Versteeg Outings Award which is "for long-term and outstanding leadership in furthering the enjoyment and safety of the outings program."

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Mount Versteeg has an alpine climate. [5] 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 west to the Kern River, and east to Owens Valley.

See also

Related Research Articles

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

Mount Goode is a 13,085-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 approximately one mile west-northwest of Bishop Pass, one mile east-southeast of Mount Johnson, 1.23 miles (1.98 km) south of Hurd Peak, and 16 miles (26 km) west of the community of Big Pine.

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

Mount Fiske is a 13,503-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, 23 miles (37 km) west of the community of Big Pine, 0.83 miles (1.34 km) east of Mount Huxley, and two miles south of Mount Darwin, which is the nearest higher neighbor. Mount Fiske ranks as the 60th highest summit in California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Warlow</span>

Mount Warlow is a 13,206-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 on the Goddard Divide in northern Kings Canyon National Park, 1.2 miles (1.9 km) north of Muir Pass, 0.69 miles (1.11 km) southeast of Mount Huxley, and 0.68 miles (1.09 km) southwest of Mount Fiske, which is the nearest higher neighbor. Mount Warlow ranks as the 108th highest summit in California. The approach to this remote peak is made via the John Muir Trail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colosseum Mountain</span> Double summit mountain in the state of California

Colosseum Mountain is a 12,473-foot-elevation double summit mountain 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 12 miles (19 km) northwest of the community of Independence, 1.2 miles (1.9 km) east of Mount Cedric Wright, 2.6 miles (4.2 km) west of Sawmill Point, and 1.6 miles (2.6 km) south-southeast of Mount Perkins, the nearest higher neighbor. The lower east summit is 12,451-feet in elevation and marked as Colosseum Mountain on maps, but the 12,473-foot west summit is higher. Approximately 1,000 feet distance separate the two summits. The John Muir Trail passes to the west of this peak, providing an approach to the mountain. The first ascent of the summit was made August 5, 1922, by Chester Versteeg, a prominent Sierra Club member, via the southwest face.

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

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.

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

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

Mount McGee is a 12,944-foot-elevation (3,945-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, 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 above Goddard Canyon in two miles. This geographical feature was named for William John McGee (1853–1912), well-known American geologist and anthropologist. 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.

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

Kearsarge Peak is a 12,620-foot (3,847 m) mountain located less than two miles east of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Inyo County in northern California. It is situated immediately northwest of Onion Valley in the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Inyo National Forest. It is also 8.5 miles (13.7 km) west of the community of Independence, and 2.1 miles (3.4 km) north-northwest of Independence Peak. Topographic relief is significant as the east aspect rises 5,250 feet above Onion Valley in two miles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Peak (Madera County, California)</span>

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.

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

Parker Peak is a 12,861-foot-elevation (3,920-meter) mountain summit located in 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. It is approximately 7.0 miles (11.3 km) northwest of the community of June Lake, 1.2 miles (1.9 km) east of Yosemite National Park's eastern boundary, and 1.0 mile (1.6 km) east of Koip Peak, the nearest higher neighbor. The mountain is visible from the June Lake Loop, and from the nearby June Mountain ski area. Topographic relief is significant as it rises over 5,700 feet above Grant Lake in four miles. The peak's name is derived from Parker Creek, which in turn was named after an early settler of Mono County. This geographical feature's name has been officially adopted by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. The first ascent of the summit was made in 1914 by Norman Clyde.

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

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. 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. Topographic relief is significant as it rises over 3,500 feet above Piute Canyon in approximately three miles. Gemini ranks as the 176th-highest summit in California.

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

Mount Tinemaha is a 12,520-foot-elevation (3,820-meter) mountain summit located east of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Inyo County of northern California. It is situated on the eastern boundary of the John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Inyo National Forest. It is 1.3 mile southeast of Tinemaha Lake, and 1.8 mile northeast of parent Split Mountain. Topographic relief is significant as the east aspect rises 5,900 feet above Owens Valley in two miles.

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

Mount Young is a 13,176-foot-elevation (4,016-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) west of Mount Whitney, one mile northwest of Guitar Lake, and one mile southwest of Mount Hale, the nearest higher neighbor. The John Muir Trail traverses below the south and west aspects of the mountain, providing access. Topographic relief is significant as the southwest aspect rises 2,300 feet above Whitney Creek in approximately one mile. Mt. Young ranks as the 117th highest summit in California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cirque Peak (California)</span> Mountain 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Carillon</span> Mountain summit on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California

Mount Carillon is a 13,559-foot-elevation (4,133-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 Sequoia National Park and John Muir Wilderness. It is set above the south shore of Tulainyo Lake, 12.5 miles (20.1 km) west of the community of Lone Pine, 1.25 miles (2.01 km) northeast of Mount Whitney, and 0.7 miles (1.1 km) east-northeast of Mount Russell, the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as it rises approximately 5,180 feet above Whitney Portal in approximately two miles. Carillon has subpeaks, unofficially called "The Cleaver" (13,383 ft, 0.4 mile to the northeast, and "Impala", on the southeast ridge.

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

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 rankeds 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.

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

Mount Genevra is a remote 13,054-foot-elevation (3,979-meter) mountain summit located on the Kings–Kern Divide of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Tulare County of northern California. It is situated on the shared boundary of Kings Canyon National Park with Sequoia National Park, 3.5 miles (5.6 km) southeast of Mount Brewer, and 0.86 miles (1.38 km) east of Mount Jordan, which is the nearest higher neighbor. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 3,025 feet above Lake Reflection in 1.5 mile. Mount Genevra ranks as the 138th highest summit in California, and the eighth highest peak on the Kings–Kern Divide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Izaak Walton</span> Mountain in the state of California

Mount Izaak Walton is a 12,077-foot-elevation (3,681 meter) mountain summit located in 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. Mount Izaak Walton ranks as the 404th-highest summit in California. Topographic relief is significant as the northwest aspect rises 1,800 feet above Izaak Walton Lake in approximately one mile. It is six miles northeast of Lake Thomas A Edison, and approximately 14 miles (23 km) south-southeast of the community of Mammoth Lakes. The peak is set on Silver Divide, so precipitation runoff from the north side of this mountain drains into Fish Creek which is a tributary of the San Joaquin River, and from the south slope to Mono Creek, also a tributary of the San Joaquin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Julius Caesar</span> Mountain in the American state of California

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).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Bolton Brown</span> Mountain in the state of California

Mount Bolton Brown is a 13,491-foot-elevation (4,112 meter) mountain summit located on the shared border of Fresno County and Inyo County in California, United States.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Mount Versteeg, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2021-05-20.
  2. 1 2 3 "Versteeg, Mount - 13,470' CA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2021-05-20.
  3. 1 2 3 "Mount Versteeg". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior . Retrieved 2021-05-20.
  4. John W. Robinson, History 101: The Life and Adventures of Chester Versteeg, The Sierra Echo, April-June 2015, pages 14-17.
  5. 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.