Mount Whitney, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, is the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Its towering height has fascinated climbers, hikers, and geographers alike. Its elevation, which is a measure of its vertical distance above sea level, plays a crucial role in determining its climatic conditions and ecological systems. Understanding Mount Whitney’s height provides insights into the geological forces that shaped the region and the diverse environments it supports.
How Tall is Mount Whitney?
Mount Whitney, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. Its elevation has been measured several times over the years, with the most recent measurement in 2015 determining its height to be 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) above sea level.
Elevation Measurements
- 1864: 14,898 feet (4,541 meters)
- 1873: 14,887 feet (4,539 meters)
- 1928: 14,496 feet (4,419 meters)
- 1954: 14,505 feet (4,421 meters)
Comparison to Other Mountains
To put Mount Whitney’s height into perspective, here are its elevations compared to some other notable peaks:
- Higher than Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska by 3,829 feet (1,168 meters)
- Higher than Mount Elbert in Colorado by 3,098 feet (945 meters)
- Lower than Mount Everest in Nepal by 18,761 feet (5,718 meters)
Notable Features
Aside from its impressive height, Mount Whitney is also known for its rugged and dramatic terrain. The mountain’s summit is home to the Whitney Portal Ranger Station, where hikers can obtain permits and information before embarking on their ascent. Other notable features of Mount Whitney include:
- The Whitney Glacier, the largest glacier in the contiguous United States
- The John Muir Trail, a popular hiking trail that traverses the Sierra Nevada mountains
- The Great Western Divide, a geological boundary that runs along the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range
Challenges and Records
Climbing Mount Whitney is a challenging but rewarding experience. The mountain’s high elevation and steep slopes can make it difficult for even experienced hikers, and it is essential to be well-prepared and aware of the potential hazards. Despite the challenges, Mount Whitney attracts thousands of hikers each year, many of whom are intent on setting records. Some notable records for climbing Mount Whitney include:
- Fastest summit time (unsupported): 2 hours, 37 minutes (Tim Olson, 2012)
- Most ascents in a single season: 80 (Haskell “Speed” Richards, 1905)
- Most ascents in a lifetime: 461 (James “Pee Wee” Covington, 1994-2011)
Question 1:
How tall is Mount Whitney?
Answer:
Subject: Mount Whitney
Predicate: is 14,505 feet tall
Object: 14,505 feet
Entity: Mount Whitney
Attributes: height
Value: 14,505 feet
Question 2:
What is the elevation of Mount Whitney?
Answer:
Subject: Mount Whitney
Predicate: has an elevation of 14,505 feet
Object: 14,505 feet
Entity: Mount Whitney
Attributes: elevation
Value: 14,505 feet
Question 3:
Is Mount Whitney the tallest mountain in the continental United States?
Answer:
Subject: Mount Whitney
Predicate: is the tallest mountain in the continental United States
Object: the tallest mountain in the continental United States
Entity: Mount Whitney
Attributes: status as tallest mountain in the continental US
Value: tallest mountain in the continental US
Well, there you have it folks! Mount Whitney stands tall at an impressive 14,505 feet, making it the highest peak in the contiguous United States. I hope you enjoyed this little journey into the towering grandeur of the Sierra Nevada. If you’ve got any more burning questions about Mount Whitney or other natural wonders, be sure to swing by again. I’ll be here, ready to dish out the knowledge and inspire your next adventure. Thanks for stopping by, and see you around!