Merced Peak, Mountain summit in Madera County, United States
Merced Peak is a mountain summit in the Clark Range of the Sierra Nevada, rising to 3,567 meters above sea level. The peak displays steep slopes and rocky ridges that characterize the high alpine landscape of the region.
John Muir discovered an active alpine glacier beneath Merced Peak in 1871, supporting his theories about Yosemite Valley formation. This discovery contributed to understanding how glaciers shaped the Sierra Nevada.
The peak holds the distinction of being the highest point in the Clark Range, surpassing neighboring summits like Red Peak and Mount Clark.
The summit is accessible from the Quartz Mountain Trailhead via Chiquito Pass or from trailheads along Glacier Point Road. The route requires alpine hiking experience and proper gear for high mountain conditions.
The peak sits at a junction of multiple hiking trails, connecting numerous summits across the region. This central location makes it an important waypoint for longer backpacking routes through the Clark Range.
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