Mount Dana is a mountain in Yosemite National Park in California that stands at an elevation of 13,057 feet. It’s a popular hiking destination that offers scenic views and a challenge for experienced hikers. Let’s explore this iconic peak through some fun riddles!
Riddles about the location and geography of Mount Dana
Riddle 1
I’m a tall mountain found inside a famous park, My rocky cliffs are steep and stark. I tower high above a valley green, Part of Sierra Nevada’s scenic scene. What am I?
Answer: Mount Dana
Riddle 2
I’m a granite peak within the state of California, Not the highest but still I’m monumental ya. I rise up within a National Park by fame, Next to Half Dome and Clouds Rest is my name. What am I?
Answer: Mount Dana
Riddle 3
In the eastern part of Yosemite I stand tall, My summit provides views for one and all. I’m found along the Sierra Crest’s line, And share my name with a famous man of mine. Who am I?
Answer: Mount Dana
Riddle 4
I’m a mountain found within Tioga Pass’ reach, A prominent peak that all climbers seek. Found along Yosemite’s eastern side, My rocky slopes will test your stride. What peak am I?
Answer: Mount Dana
Riddles about climbing and hiking Mount Dana
Riddle 5
The quickest way up is right from the start, Just follow trails near Tuolumne’s heart. Pass by tarns and slabs along the way, Till my summit comes into view that day. What’s the route?
Answer: The Mount Dana Trail from Tioga Pass
Riddle 6
If you seek a longer, more scenic trail, Consider the approach that will not fail. Start at the May Lake junction without delay, And up my western flank make your way. What trail is this?
Answer: The trail from May Lake up Mount Dana’s western flank
Riddle 7
For experienced climbers seeking a challenge immense, Try climbing my face with technical competence. Use ropes and gear to ascend my steep walls, Rewarding views await if one does not fall. What route?
Answer: The East Face rock climbing route
Riddle 8
In winter I’m coated in ice and snow, For skilled mountaineers I put on a show. They strap on their crampons and ice axes in hand, Up my icy face and slopes they ascend. What route now?
Answer: The winter snow and ice climbing route
Riddles about Mount Dana’s features and landscape
Riddle 9
My summit is barren and rocky indeed, But still offers a marvelous vista to heed. Look east o’er Mono Lake that shines below, And westward, Yosemite Valley I show. What’s the view?
Answer: The panoramic view from the summit
Riddle 10
Lakes of sapphire blue sit at my base, Pristine waters that my granite walls encase. Trout swim about in their waters so pure, A sight that will forevermore endure. What are they?
Answer: Dana Lake and Moraine Lake
Riddle 11
Upon my western flank a lake resides, Formed long ago when a glacier subsided. Its deep blue waters brim with trout aplenty, A scenic gem so shiny and dainty. What’s its name?
Answer: Dana Lake
Riddle 12
Below my eastern walls this lake is found, A milky turquoise hue its waters abound. Formed by glaciers long, long ago, Stunning its scenery with a magical glow. What is it called?
Answer: Moraine Lake
Riddle 13
Lofty alpine meadows sprawl at my feet, Blanketed in wildflowers, a sight bittersweet. Paintbrush, lupine, and potentilla bloom, Filling the meadows with vibrant plume. What are they?
Answer: Dana Meadows
Riddle 14
Craggy spires line my steep eastern face, Formations weathered for centuries in place. Technical climbs and scrambles they allow, For courageous souls with skill and know-how. What are they called?
Answer: The granite spires and cliffs on the east face
Riddles about Mount Dana’s name and history
Riddle 15
I’m the namesake of a man with education in mind, A mineralogist of the scholarly kind. He surveyed my landscape in the 1840s realm, Identifying new minerals overwhelmed. Who was he?
Answer: James Dwight Dana, the mineralogist Mount Dana is named after
Riddle 16
This Native American tribe once called me “day-no-ha”, Their home was in Yosemite before newcomers saw. They gathered acorns, pine nuts and fished for trout, Living lightly upon the land without doubt. Who were they?
Answer: The Ahwahneechee tribe
Riddle 17
In 1849 a blind man gave me my name, He was part of the Mariposa Battalion without fame. Though sightless, his vision helped pioneer the region, Exploring places few had dreamed or envisioned. Who was he?
Answer: Galen Clark, the blind man credited with naming Mount Dana
Riddle 18
My first recorded summit was made way back when, An adventurous lady climbed up now and then. Carrie Davis was her gutsy name, First to the top in 1873 she staked her claim. Who was she?
Answer: Carrie Davis, the first woman recorded to summit Mount Dana
Riddles about Mount Dana’s geology
Riddle 19
I’m made of igneous rock formed deep down below, Intrusive granite hardened long ago. Glaciers carved my craggy cliffs and steeps, Exposing the granite my summit keeps. What rock type am I?
Answer: Granite
Riddle 20
Beneath the granite lies metamorphic creation, The tremendous pressure caused its formation. This foliated rock aligned and pressed, Steadily changed far under earth’s crest. What is it called?
Answer: Gneiss
Riddle 21
Dana Glacier carved and scoured my face, Flowing downwards at its former pace. Though now melted, its erosive might, Carved basins that still gleam bright. What landscape was formed?
Answer: The glacial cirques, basins, and lakes
Riddle 22
My summit holds an ancient weathered tree, Resilient through the centuries it be. Its twisted trunk and branches display, The hardship endured day after day. What tree is it?
Answer: The ancient juniper tree
Riddles about Mount Dana’s plants and animals
Riddle 23
Marmots and pikas call my slopes their home, Scurrying quickly over rock and loam. Yellow-bellied marmots loudly whistle, While pikas gather grasses to nestle. What are they?
Answer: Marmots and pikas
Riddle 24
I’m the king of the sky over Mount Dana, My wingspan is large, my flight fast as banana. With talons sharp and vision so keen, Rodents and snakes make up my cuisine. What bird am I?
Answer: Golden eagle
Riddle 25
I soar on thermals high over the peak, My keen eyes surveying all I seek. Mice and voles I spy down below, Circling round them my fast wings flow. What raptor am I?
Answer: Red-tailed hawk
Riddle 26
In the evergreen forests I make my abode, Snacking on seeds from trees I corrode. With bushy tail and scolding chatter, Up trunks and branches I clamber and scatter. Who am I?
Answer: Douglas squirrel
Riddle 27
A sight rare and unique you might behold, If lucky enough when the days turn cold. I blanket the slopes in winter white, My tracks crisscrossing overnight. What animal?
Answer: The Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare
Riddle 28
In early summer I bear pretty blooms, Colors bright that will fade too soon. Purple, pink and white I display, Alpine meadows my home holds sway. What flower am I?
Answer: Sierra Primrose
Riddle 29
My woody branches hold needles sharp, An adaption evolved to help me thrive. Twigs that smell lemony when crushed, In harsh conditions I’ve withstood the worst. What pine am I?
Answer: Foxtail pine
Riddles about climbing gear needed for Mount Dana
Riddle 30
Sturdy and reliable I’ll support your tread, O’er rock, scree and slopes at the trail head. Adjust me right to fit your stride, Up Mount Dana I’ll be your guide. What am I?
Answer: Trekking poles
Riddle 31
Made of fabrics like nylon and fleece, I’ll keep you warm by retaining body heat. Wind and rain can’t permeate me, Hydration and layers work collectively. What am I?
Answer: An insulating jacket or shell
Riddle 32
Whether trail runners or burly mountaineering boots, I protect your feet from scree’s sharp shoots. Support and grip do I provide, Mile after mile where’er we abide. What am I?
Answer: Hiking boots or shoes
Riddle 33
On the steep and rugged slopes I’ll grip and cling, Metal spikes to sturdy shoes I’ll bring. Front-points for ascending frozen walls, Flat front crampons for waterfalls. What am I?
Answer: Crampons
Riddles about the Ten Essentials for Mount Dana
Riddle 34
When thunder roars and dark clouds fill the skies, Seek shelter beneath where I reside. Rainproof and durable is my construction, Protection from lightning is my function. What am I?
Answer: A mountaineering tent
Riddle 35
Don’t get too famished or dehydrated out there, My calories and electrolytes I gladly share. Fuel for muscles and carbs for energy, Hydration and filling is what you’ll get from me. What am I?
Answer: High energy snacks, food and plenty of water
Riddle 36
When darkness falls I will light the way, Illuminating the landscape day or night any day. A headlamp packed and extra batteries too, Seeing every step ahead is what I’ll do. What am I?
Answer: A flashlight or headlamp
Riddle 37
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst, For emergencies I’m handy as pursed. Bandages, medicine, tools to repair, First aid ready if needs appear. What am I?
Answer: A first aid kit
Riddle 38
GPS navigation I provide for your tour, Marking waypoints to keep you on course. Topographic maps as backup too, Guide your heading and know what to do. What am I?
Answer: A GPS device and/or topographic map
Conclusion
Mount Dana truly is a scenic wonder and marvel of nature within Yosemite National Park. Conquering its summit is an exceptional experience for avid hikers and climbers. I hope these riddles about Mount Dana have enlightened you about this iconic peak and all it has to offer. The magnificence of its granite walls, the pure azure waters of its cirque lakes, and the resilience of ancient trees at its heights – Mount Dana showcases the majesty of the Sierra Nevada. Prepare with the right gear, follow the proper routes, respect this spectacular environment, and the rewards of climbing Mount Dana will stay with you forever.
