Deadman Canyon

Deadman Canyon is a glacier-carved canyon in Kings Canyon National Park. Its namesake is an Iberian sheep-herder who died and is buried there.

Deadman Canyon
Backpacker in Ranger Meadow, Deadman Canyon
Floor elevation7,620 feet (2,320 m)
Length8 miles (13 km)
Geography
LocationKings Canyon National Park, Sierra Nevada, California, United States
Coordinates36°42′18″N 118°34′47″W [1]

Geography

Deadman Canyon is located almost directly north of Elizabeth Pass, between Ranger Meadow and Scaffold Meadows, in the south-central area of the park. The canyon is surrounded by steep granite walls, and is traversed by a stream.

Flora

Plant life in the canyon include aspens and pines, along with buckwheat, sagebrush, Indian paintbrush, mariposa lily, columbine, delphinium, daisy, Mexican hat, penstemon, pennyroyal, and shooting star.

The Grave

Near the trail that crosses the canyon is the grave for which the canyon is named. The rustic plot is surrounded with a timber fence, and features a marker that reads, “HERE REPOSES ALFRED MONIERE, SHEEPHERDER, MOUNTAIN MAN, 18—TO 1887.” Two common versions of this man's story exist. In one, he is murdered, and in the other, he became ill and died while his partner went to Fresno for help.

Despite the date on the marker, the February 14, 1894 issue of National Geographic states that Moniere died in 1875.

References
  1. "Deadman Canyon". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2009-05-04.
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