McLendon Peak

Location and surroundings

Geographically, McLendon Peak belongs to the North American Cordillera, narrowing down through the Intermountain West, the Southwest Basins and Ranges, and the Northwest Arizona Ranges into the Prescott Area. It is positioned in the United States, specifically within the state of Arizona and the administrative district of Yavapai County. Among the 133 named peaks in the Prescott Area, it ranks as the 106th highest. The surrounding terrain reflects the characteristic geography of the region, featuring neighboring elevations and mesas.

Neighbouring peaks

McLendon Peak is surrounded by several nearby summits and features:

• Violas Peak, a peak at 1,141 m, located 3.0 km NW.
• Ives Peak, a peak at 1,231 m, located 3.6 km NW.
• Shiprock, a peak at 667 m, located 3.8 km N.
• Tres Alamos, a peak at 1,264 m, located 6.9 km S.
• Malpais Mesa, a peak at 911 m, located 8.3 km E.
• Negro Ben Peak, a peak at 971 m, located 8.9 km NW.
• Thorn Peak, a peak at 1,161 m, located 14.2 km N.
• Black Mountain, a peak at 1,076 m, located 15.2 km SE.

Among these, the nearest higher peak is Tres Alamos, which reaches 1,264 metres and lies 6.9 kilometres to the south.

The view from the summit

From the heights of McLendon Peak, several prominent summits within a 25-kilometre radius shape the surrounding horizon. The highest peaks within this range include the McCloud Mountains at 1,503 m, located 24.5 km NE; Arrastra Mountain at 1,468 m, located 21.9 km NW; Grayback Mountain at 1,400 m, located 19.9 km NE; Miller Mountain at 1,321 m, located 24.5 km N; Crosby Mountain at 1,320 m, located 20.6 km N; and Round Mountain at 1,159 m, located 23.0 km N.

The range

The range hierarchy for McLendon Peak extends from the North American Cordillera to the Intermountain West, the Southwest Basins and Ranges, the Northwest Arizona Ranges, and finally the Prescott Area. The highest peak of the Prescott Area is Mount Union, which reaches 2,427 metres and is located 73 kilometres east of McLendon Peak. There are 133 named peaks in the Prescott Area, where McLendon Peak ranks as the 106th highest.

Climate and weather

The climate figures are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering the period from 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit of McLendon Peak, the warmest month is July with a mean temperature of about 29 °C, while January is the coldest month with a mean of about 7 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing throughout all months of the year, including January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 250 mm annually, with July being the wettest month at about 40 mm and May the driest at about 5 mm.

Best time to visit

Given that mean temperatures at the summit remain above freezing in every month of the year, visits are technically possible throughout all seasons. The drier period occurs around May, which sees only about 5 mm of precipitation, whereas July experiences the highest rainfall at about 40 mm. Visitors should plan according to these monthly temperature and precipitation estimates when preparing for a trip.

Nature and wildlife

The landscape around McLendon Peak features typical regional terrain, supporting vegetation and animal life adapted to the arid and semi-arid conditions of the Southwest Basins and Ranges. The regional climate, characterized by about 250 mm of annual precipitation and mild to warm temperatures, supports hardy desert and scrubland flora along with native fauna suited to elevations around 1,247 metres.

Guides and organised ascents

For visitors seeking organized assistance or professional instruction in the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club or mountaineering federation is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies operating in the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. Regarding permit rules in the United States, some peaks require climbing registration or permits from the land agency, such as Denali, which requires registration at least 60 days ahead, and Mount Rainier, which requires permits on glaciers or above the high camps.

Safety and preparation

Climbing and hiking at this elevation demand proper preparation, including adequate water, navigation tools, and awareness of weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, the general emergency number in the United States is 911. Dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, which is usually run by the county sheriff or the national park.

Interesting facts

McLendon Peak stands at an elevation of 1,247 metres in Yavapai County, Arizona. It holds the 106th position among the 133 named peaks of the Prescott Area. Its nearest higher neighbor is Tres Alamos, which reaches 1,264 metres and is located 6.9 kilometres to the south. The highest point of its local mountain group, Mount Union, is situated 73 kilometres to the east.

FAQ

Where is McLendon Peak located? It is located in the United States, in the state of Arizona, within Yavapai County.

Which mountain range does McLendon Peak belong to? It belongs to the North American Cordillera, the Intermountain West, the Southwest Basins and Ranges, the Northwest Arizona Ranges, and the Prescott Area.

What are the nearest peaks to McLendon Peak? The nearest peaks include Violas Peak (1,141 m, 3.0 km NW), Ives Peak (1,231 m, 3.6 km NW), Shiprock (667 m, 3.8 km N), and Tres Alamos (1,264 m, 6.9 km S).

Is there water on the way to McLendon Peak? 5 to 3 litres for a day trip—depending on the heat and length of the excursion.

What is the mobile phone coverage like on McLendon Peak? Mobile phone coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. It is recommended to download maps before setting out, and remember that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network in the United States alongside 911.