Location and surroundings
Mount Vernon is located in the United States, specifically within the state of California and the administrative area of Kern County. The landscape surrounding the peak features a collection of nearby hills and elevations characteristic of this part of North America.
Neighbouring peaks
The vicinity of Mount Vernon includes several nearby peaks and passes:
- Wagon Wheel Mountain (peak), 199 m, 2.4 km NW
- Emigrant Hill (peak), 227 m, 4.9 km N
- Cerro del Sur (peak), 146 m, 10.2 km NE
- Cascajo Hill (peak), 178 m, 10.5 km NE
- El Vejón (peak), 166 m, 11.5 km NE
- Indian Rocks (peak), 347 m, 12.8 km NW
- Oyster Hill (peak), 147 m, 14.1 km N
- Badger Hill (peak), 140 m, 14.9 km N
The view from the summit
From the top of Mount Vernon, observers can look out toward several major elevations in the wider area. The highest peaks within 25 km include Orchard Peak at 953 m situated 15.8 km W, Yeguas Mountain at 848 m located 23.1 km S, and Three Peaks reaching 784 m at 21.7 km NW. Additionally, Blue Point stands at 601 m 24.1 km W, La Morra reaches 285 m 24.7 km N, and Parejo Hill is found at 161 m 22.8 km N.
The range
The nearest higher peak to Mount Vernon is Emigrant Hill, rising to 227 m at a distance of 4.9 km N. Within a 25 km radius, the terrain features significantly taller summits, notably Orchard Peak at 953 m, which is positioned 15.8 km W.
Climate and weather
Climate conditions at Mount Vernon are estimated from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 through 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit reaches its warmest in July at about 28 °C and its coldest in January at about 10 °C. The mean temperature remains above freezing during all months of the year, spanning January through December. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 300 mm annually, with January being the wettest month at about 55 mm and June the driest at about 0 mm.
Best time to visit
Based on temperature data showing mean monthly temperatures above freezing throughout the entire year at the summit, and varying precipitation patterns with dry conditions in summer months like June and wetter periods in January, visits can be planned according to personal preference for weather conditions. The summer months bring warmer temperatures around 28 °C in July, while winter months see cooler averages down to about 10 °C in January.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Mount Vernon experiences a semi-arid to arid climate regime typical of parts of California, featuring about 300 mm of annual precipitation. Vegetation and wildlife in this region are adapted to warm summers with minimal rainfall and cooler winters with modest precipitation.
Practical tips
A walk out to Mount Vernon requires preparation suited for an outing in Kern County, California. Walkers should carry appropriate footwear, a layer against the wind, and be mindful of ticks in the warm months where they occur. In the event of an emergency, the contact number for mountain rescue in the United States is 911, which connects to dispatchers who alert the local search and rescue team.
Interesting facts
Mount Vernon is also alternatively known by the name Wagon Wheel Mountain. It shares its exact 199 m elevation with its nearby counterpart, Wagon Wheel Mountain (peak), which lies 2.4 km NW. The nearest higher ground is Emigrant Hill, standing at 227 m just 4.9 km N.
FAQ
How high is Mount Vernon? Mount Vernon has an elevation of 199 m.
Where is Mount Vernon located? It is located in the United States, within the state of California and Kern County.
What are the alternative names for Mount Vernon? It is also known as Wagon Wheel Mountain.
What is the nearest higher peak to Mount Vernon? The nearest higher peak is Emigrant Hill, which reaches 227 m at a distance of 4.9 km N.
What is the climate like at the summit? Estimates from NASA POWER climate data show mean temperatures ranging from about 10 °C in January to about 28 °C in July, with temperatures staying above freezing all year.
What is the emergency number for mountain rescue? The emergency number is 911, which reaches general emergency services and alerts the local search and rescue team.
What is the mobile phone coverage like in the area? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; 112 reaches emergency services over any available network and maps should be downloaded before setting out.