Waterman Mountain

Waterman Mountain
Waterman Mountain

Location in California

Elevation 8,041 ft (2,451 m) NAVD 88[1]
Listing Hundred Peaks Section[2]
Location
Location Los Angeles County, California, U.S.
Range San Gabriel Mountains
Coordinates 34°20′10″N 117°56′11″W / 34.3361112°N 117.9364538°WCoordinates: 34°20′10″N 117°56′11″W / 34.3361112°N 117.9364538°W[3]
Topo map USGS Waterman Mountain
Climbing
Easiest route Waterman Loop, Trail hike class 1

Waterman Mountain, at 8,041 feet (2,451 m), is a prominent peak in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County, California in the Angeles National Forest. The summit of Waterman Mountain marks the northern boundary of the San Gabriel Wilderness and it is the highest point in the wilderness.[1][4] Several small ski areas are located on its north side: Mount Waterman, Kratka Ridge, and Buckhorn Ski Club. The Buckhorn and Cooper campgrounds are below the Angeles Crest Highway. During winter and early spring this mountain is packed with snow. Snow may even be found in September lying on Waterman mountain. Spring brings a lot of rain and makes Waterman covered in wildflowers. Summers are hot and dry. The climate here is Highlands/Mediterranean. Partly due to this climate, mixed conifer forests are found on Waterman Mountain, Fauna is greatly influenced because of this climate.

The area was severely impacted by the Station fire in 2009.[5]

History

Robert B. Waterman was a pioneer mountain man and a ranger in the San Gabriel Forest Reserve. He, with his wife Liz and their friend Perry Switzer, completed a three week journey from La Cañada to the Antelope Valley and back in May 1889. With this accomplishment, Liz became the first non-indigenous woman known to have crossed the San Gabriel Mountains. It is said that she placed a cairn on this summit and it was christened Lady Waterman's Peak. However, with prevailing attitudes toward the "weaker sex" the name was not accepted and it became known as simply Waterman Mountain.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Waterman Mountain, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2009-03-06.
  2. ↑ "Waterman Mountain". Hundred Peaks Section, Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club. Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  3. ↑ "Waterman Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2009-03-06.
  4. ↑ "San Gabriel Wilderness". Angeles National Forest, U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  5. ↑ "After the Station Fire: Three Points - Mt. Waterman Loop". Photography on the Run. Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  6. ↑ "Summit Signature: 14A Waterman Mountain". Hundred Peaks Section, Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club. Retrieved 2014-03-08.