Location and surroundings
Timber Mountain is located in Kane County, Utah, in the United States. Its regional placement is part of a broad structural hierarchy spanning the North American Cordillera, Intermountain West, Colorado Plateau, Grand Canyon Plateaus, and specifically the Kanab Plateau. Within the Kanab Plateau, it ranks as the highest of 28 named peaks. The surrounding landscape features the characteristic arid topography, high plateaus, and characteristic geological formations of the American Southwest.
Neighbouring peaks
Several peaks and passes surround Timber Mountain at varying distances:
- Jodys Knoll (peak), 2,087 m, 3.5 km NW
- Little No Mans Mesa (peak), 2,178 m, 3.6 km N
- Timber Mountain (peak), 2,121 m, 4.5 km SW
- Carly Knoll (peak), 2,069 m, 11.0 km NW
- Table Mountain (peak), 2,142 m, 11.6 km NW
- White Rocks (peak), 1,701 m, 12.3 km SE
- No Mans Mesa (peak), 2,151 m, 14.1 km NE
- Mollies Nipple (peak), 2,214 m, 16.0 km E
Among these, the nearest higher peak is Mollies Nipple at 2,214 m, located 16.0 km to the east.
The view from the summit
From the heights of Timber Mountain, visibility extends across the regional terrain. The highest peaks within a 25 km radius include Black Knoll at 2,447 m, situated 17.8 km to the northwest, and Twin Hills at 2,394 m, located 24.3 km to the north. Other nearby elevations visible within this range are Bald Knoll (2,132 m, 18.5 km NW), Calf Pasture Point (2,099 m, 14.2 km NE), Cutler Point (2,053 m, 20.8 km W), and Second Point (1,993 m, 11.9 km W).
The range
The mountain range system housing Timber Mountain follows a specific geographic nesting order: North American Cordillera down through the Intermountain West, the Colorado Plateau, and the Grand Canyon Plateaus, terminating at the Kanab Plateau. Within this specific range, Timber Mountain stands as the high point and the highest of 28 named peaks. The wider range high point is the plateau itself, with Timber Mountain acting as its crowning elevation.
Climate and weather
Climate data for Timber Mountain is estimated from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. The warmest month at the summit is July, with a mean temperature of about 22 °C, while the coldest month is December, with a mean of about -2 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 300 mm a year, with August being the wettest month at about 40 mm and June the driest at about 5 mm. Typical regional weather hazards include sudden convective storms in late summer and high temperature variations.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Combined with lower precipitation months like June, the late spring and early autumn periods offer the most temperate conditions for visitation. Summer months provide warmer days, though visitors must account for seasonal weather patterns, such as the wetter conditions typical of August.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Timber Mountain features the arid to semi-arid flora and fauna typical of the Colorado Plateau and Kanab Plateau. Vegetation primarily consists of hardy shrubs, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and drought-resistant grasses suited to plateaus receiving about 300 mm of annual precipitation. Wildlife in the region generally includes reptiles, small mammals, raptors, and occasional larger mammals adapted to high-plateau habitats.
Guides and organised ascents
For climbing and mountaineering activities within the United States, visitors often look to established national organisations. The national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies operating within the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. Permit rules in the country vary, with some peaks requiring climbing registration or permits from the land agency, such as Denali or Mount Rainier.
Safety and preparation
Ascending terrain at the elevation of Timber Mountain requires adequate preparation, including sufficient hydration gear, sun protection, and sturdy footwear suitable for rocky plateau surfaces. Emergency mountain rescue can be reached by dialling 911, the general emergency number in the United States, which dispatches local search and rescue teams typically managed by the county sheriff or national park service. Travellers should always carry reliable navigation tools and check local weather forecasts before departure.
Interesting facts
Timber Mountain achieves the distinction of being the highest of 28 named peaks within the Kanab Plateau. It stands in close geographic proximity to other notable elevations such as Jodys Knoll and Little No Mans Mesa, while being overshadowed by Mollies Nipple located 16.0 km to the east. The peak operates as a defining topographical marker within Kane County, Utah.
FAQ
How high is Timber Mountain? Timber Mountain reaches an elevation of 2,196 metres.
Where is Timber Mountain located? It is located in Kane County, Utah, in the United States, within the Kanab Plateau.
What range does Timber Mountain belong to? It belongs to the Kanab Plateau, part of the Grand Canyon Plateaus, Colorado Plateau, Intermountain West, and North American Cordillera.
What are the nearest peaks to Timber Mountain? The nearest peaks include Jodys Knoll, Little No Mans Mesa, and another peak named Timber Mountain.
Is there water on the way to Timber Mountain? Natural surface water sources are scarce on the dry ridges of the Kanab Plateau; visitors should carry adequate water, typically 1.5 to 3 litres for a day hike depending on temperatures.
What is the mobile phone coverage on Timber Mountain? Coverage in these remote hills is generally patchy and depends on the operator, but 112 or 911 reaches emergency services over any available network.