Matthes Crest

Matthes Crest is an approximately mile-long fin of rock with two summits separated by a deep notch. It is a part of the Cathedral Range, which is a mountain range in the south-central portion of Yosemite National Park. The range is part of the Sierra Nevada.

Matthes Crest
Matthes crest from the west side.
Highest point
Elevation	10,923 ft (3,329 m) NAVD 88[1]
Prominence	278 ft (85 m)[1]
Parent peak	Echo Ridge
Coordinates	37°49′24″N 119°23′51″W[2]
Geography
Matthes Crest Location in California
Location	Yosemite National Park Mariposa County, California, U.S.
Parent range	Cathedral Range, Sierra Nevada
Topo map	USGS Tenaya Lake
Geology
Rock age	Cretaceous
Mountain type	Granite arête
Climbing
First ascent	1931 by Jules Eichorn, Glen Dawson and Walter Brem[3]
Easiest route	Rock climb class 5.7[4]

History and geology

Matthes Crest is named for François E. Matthes, a cartographer and author who described the geology in the region where Matthes Crest lies. It was originally named Echo Ridge due to its proximity to the Echo Peaks.^{[citation needed]} Matthes crest arose as a nunatak in the glacial field which covered Tuolumne during the last ice age.^[5]

Climbing

The first known ascent of Matthes Crest was by Jules Eichorn, Glen Dawson, and Walter Brem on June 16, 1931.^[3] Climbing Matthes Crest by traversing the ridge from south to north is a popular alpine climbing activity today.^[6]

From the northeast side

See also

• Budd Lake, a lake which is near Matthes Crest
• Cathedral Peak, a mountain fairly near Matthes Crest
• Cockscomb, another mountain fairly near Matthes Crest
• Elizabeth Lake, also fairly near