Mount Dana, Mountain summit in Yosemite National Park, United States
Mount Dana rises to 13,061 feet as the second highest peak in Yosemite National Park with steep rocky slopes. Its summit area connects to alpine meadows below, surrounded by metamorphic rock from the Mesozoic era.
The mountain was named in the nineteenth century after Professor James Dwight Dana, a prominent Yale geologist and naturalist. The naming honors his major contributions to earth science and his work studying America's wilderness.
The mountain draws climbers seeking a serious test of their abilities in the high country. Many use the ascent to acclimate before attempting other nearby alpine summits.
The hiking trail begins at Tioga Pass Road and demands proper altitude training and equipment for steep terrain. Start early to take advantage of stable weather and return before daylight fades.
The Dana Glacier on the northern face is one of the last remaining ice formations in the Yosemite area and shows how high-altitude landscapes shift over time. These glacier remnants are scarce in the park region and offer a glimpse into older climate patterns.
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