Carson Peak

Carson Peak is a 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 southwest of the community of June Lake, south of Silver Lake, and northwest of San Joaquin Mountain, the nearest higher neighbor. The mountain is visible from various locations along the California [State Route 158|June Lake Loop], and from the nearby June Mountain ski area. The summit offers impressive views of Mount Ritter and Banner Peak. Topographic relief is significant as it rises above the valley in 1.2 mile. The mountain consists of granite of Lee Vining Canyon. Carson Peak is considered an eastern Sierra classic by backcountry skiers drawn to routes called the "Devils Slide" and "Petes Dream".

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Carson Peak has an alpine climate. 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. Precipitation runoff from this mountain drains into tributaries of Rush Creek.

History

The peak was named after Roy Carson, who died in 1949. While Roy was employed by the Rush Creek Hydroelectric Project in the area, he established the area's first resort in 1916, known as Carson's Camp, at Silver Lake. The fishing resort featured tents until 1920 when the first cabin was completed. This geographical feature's name has been officially adopted by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.