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Doyle Peak: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 35°19′48″N 111°38′47″W / 35.3300087°N 111.6462717°W / 35.3300087; -111.6462717
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{{Short description|Mountain in Coconino County, Arizona}}
{{Multiple issues|{{More citations needed|date=August 2016}}
{{Original research|date=August 2016}}}}
{{Infobox mountain
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Doyle Peak
| name = Doyle Peak
Line 5: Line 8:
| photo_alt = A photo from a trail on Agassiz Peak looking towards Doyle and Fremont peaks in summer
| photo_alt = A photo from a trail on Agassiz Peak looking towards Doyle and Fremont peaks in summer
| elevation_ft = 11,464
| elevation_ft = 11,464
| elevation_ref = {{NAVD88}}<ref name="pb">{{cite peakbagger |pid=3939 |name=oyle Peak, Arizona |accessdate=2009-01-06}}</ref>
| elevation_ref = {{NAVD88}}<ref name="pb">{{cite peakbagger |pid=3939 |name=Doyle Peak, Arizona |access-date=2009-01-06}}</ref>
| prominence = {{convert|660|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| prominence_ft = 660
| prominence_ref = <ref name="pb"/>
| prominence_ref = <ref name="pb"/>
| map = Arizona
| map = USA Arizona
| map_caption =
| map_caption = none
| map_alt = A map of Arizona showing the location of Doyle Peak
| map_alt = A map of Arizona showing the location of Doyle Peak
| map_size = 180
| map_size = 180
| label_position = right
| label_position = right
| location = [[Coconino County, Arizona|Coconino County]], [[Arizona]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| location = [[Coconino County, Arizona|Coconino County]], [[Arizona|Arizona, U.S.]]
| range = [[San Francisco Peaks]]
| range = [[San Francisco Peaks]]
| parent_peak = [[Fremont Peak (Arizona)|Fremont Peak]]
| lat_d = 35.3300087
| coordinates = {{coord|35.3300087|N|111.6462717|W|type:mountain_region:US-AZ_scale:100000|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| long_d = -111.6462717
| range_coordinates =
| region = US-AZ
| coordinates_ref = <ref name="gnis">{{cite gnis |id=28586 |name=Doyle Peak |accessdate=2009-01-06}}</ref>
| coordinates_ref = <ref name="gnis">{{cite gnis |id=28586 |name=Doyle Peak |access-date=2009-01-06}}</ref>
| topo = [[United States Geological Survey|USGS]] Humphreys Peak
| topo = [[United States Geological Survey|USGS]] Humphreys Peak
| type =
| type =
| age =
| age =
| first_ascent =
| first_ascent =
| easiest_route = [[Hiking|Hike]]
| easiest_route = Off trail [[Hiking|hike]]
}}
}}


[[Image:Doylecabin2007.jpg|thumb|right|The cabin near the summit of Doyle Peak. Reconstructed around 2016, it has since burned in 2022, leaving only the metal roof and rock walls.]]
'''Doyle Peak''' is in the [[San Francisco Peaks]] of northern [[Arizona]] and is the fourth highest peak, but the sixth highest named
point in the state of Arizona with an elevation of {{convert|11464|ft|m}}. Both Aubineau Peak and Rees Peak are higher, but they do not have enough [[prominence]] to be considered independent peaks. (The foregoing statement has errors which I will address after further research - FR) In spite of the name "Doyle" on modern maps this elevation was known as "Schultz" Peak at least through the 1930s. "Doyle Peak" was traditionally the name of the western extreme of the ridge west of Fremont Peak. The elevation called "Schultz" on modern maps traditionally had no name. This information came from Dr. Henry Giclas, native and long time resident of Flagstaff, astronomer and Director Emeritus at Lowell Observatory, and son of the man responsible for developing the water well fields in the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks. Dr. Giclas was unaware of the change and very puzzled by it when asked about the names c. 1990 <Personal Communication>. The names of the saddles between the Peaks are consistent with the names of the Peaks related by Dr. Giclas, but they make no sense with the names on current maps. Furthermore a body of published scientific research was based on observations conducted at Lowell Observatory's Schultz Peak Station, which still sits atop the subject Peak. There is a movement to officially reverse the apparently accidental changes on the USGS Humphreys Quadrangle Map. Rectification of the changes can come none too soon; others have noticed that the Peaks and saddles do not match and have made changes to the names of the saddles both in Google Earth and Google Maps in an effort to fix the errors. Unfortunately the errors are not in the saddles but in the names of the Peaks, themselves, so those changes have only multiplied the errors. The subject elevation will be referred to as "Schultz Peak" from here on in this Wikipedia entry.


'''Doyle Peak''' is a peak in the [[Coconino National Forest]], and the fourth-highest peak in the [[San Francisco Peaks]] of northern [[Arizona]]. It is the sixth-highest named point in the state of Arizona, with an elevation of {{convert|11464|ft|m}}.
Hiking Schultz Peak can be somewhat challenging depending on the route used, but it is not difficult to ascend. Care must be taken to
avoid the [[scree]] slopes which can be seen from the south in [[Flagstaff, Arizona|Flagstaff]]. These slopes are quite steep and
slide easily. The peak is most easily scaled by hiking the Weatherford Trail to Schultz Saddle, then following the old and now
indistinct mule trail to the summit, or by following the ridgeline from Lockett Meadow. Schultz Peak is not the gently rounded
mountain it appears to be from Flagstaff but a ridge oriented southwest to northeast. The area of the summit is rather flat and wide
in several spots.


== History of the Doyle Peak and adjacent Schultz Peak ==
A small structure on the south side of the summit of Schultz Peak and referred to by some as a shepherd's cabin was actually built by Lowell Observatory in 1927 to house a telescope. The site was selected by Dr. V. M. Slipher, Director of Lowell Observatory, for a pair of Bristlecone Pine trees oriented in a north-south line so that they could be cut and pressed into service as supports for the Polar Axle of the telescope. The Polar Axle and telescopes were constructed by the Stanley Sykes, probably with the assistance of his brother, Godfrey. The cabin housing the telescope was constructed by Ramon Vilma (spelling?), a local stone mason. Originally the structure had a corrugated metal roof that could be rolled off to the north to expose the telescope for observations. The Polar Axle was taken by truck on the then-new Weatherford Road to Schultz Saddle, then by mule to the Schultz Peak summit, and the two telescopes used there were hauled up in the same way. The telescopes were a {{convert|12|in|cm|adj=on}} reflector and a {{convert|15|in|cm|adj=on}} reflector. The observing site also had a small dormitory partially cut into the hillside SE of the telescope, but only an indistinct depression remains. From 1927 until 1932 this was the highest astronomical observing site on Planet Earth. (In 1932 the Swiss commissioned a slightly higher site on the Jungfrau.) The original purpose of the site was to make spectroscopic observations of planets, stars, and nebulae to exploit the increased atmospheric transmission - especially in ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths - at high altitude. A similar telescope and roll-off structure was constructed at the Mars Hill campus of Lowell Observatory so that spectroscopic observations made at the two sites could be compared. The telescope at Mars Hill is still in service and now mounts a {{convert|21|in|cm|adj=on}} reflector. Today it is used by Dr. G. W. Lockwood to collect long-term data on variability of Solar Radiation and it has a fascinating history in its own right. The telescopes and Polar Axle from the Schultz Peak site still exist, and one of the bearing assemblies from the original roll-off roof has been retrieved from Schultz Peak as a possible future museum exhibit.
{{Missing information|section|Doyle Peak|date=August 2022}}{{unreferenced section|date=October 2022}}
A small structure was built to house a telescope on nearby Schultz Peak by [[Lowell Observatory]] in 1927. It was referred to by some as a shepherd's cabin. The site was selected by [[V. M. Slipher]], Director of [[Lowell Observatory]], for a pair of bristlecone pine trees oriented in a north-south line. These were cut as supports for the polar axle of the telescope. The telescopes, a {{convert|12|in|cm|adj=on}} reflector and a {{convert|15|in|cm|adj=on}} reflector, were constructed by Stanley Sykes of Lowell Observatory. The cabin housing the telescope was constructed by a local stonemason. The structure had a corrugated metal roof that could be rolled off to expose the telescope for observations. The observing site also had a small dormitory partially cut into the hillside east of the telescope, but only an indistinct depression remains. From 1927 until 1932, this was the highest astronomical observing site on Earth. This distinction passed to the Swiss in 1932, when they commissioned a slightly higher observing site on the [[Jungfrau]].


The original purpose of the site was to make [[Spectroscopy|spectroscopic]] observations of planets, stars, and nebulae. The high altitude was necessary to exploit increased atmospheric transmission, especially in [[ultraviolet]] and [[infrared]] wavelengths. A similar telescope and roll-off structure were constructed at the Mars Hill campus of Lowell Observatory so that spectroscopic observations made at the two sites could be compared. The telescope at Mars Hill is still in service, and now mounts a {{convert|21|in|cm|adj=on}} reflector. The telescopes and polar axle from the Schultz Peak site still exist, and one of the bearing assemblies from the original roll-off roof has been retrieved from Schultz Peak as a possible future museum exhibit.
In 1931 the Harvard-Cornell Meteor Expedition under the direction of Cornell's Dr. Samuel L. Boothroyd used Lowell's Schultz Peak
Station as one of its observing sites. They used the vibrating mirror technique to measure the velicity of meteors, and they
recorded meteor tracks from multiple locations to compute the altitude of meteors by their parallax. In 1933 Dr. Boothroyd returned
to test the new vacuum deposition technique of mirror coating that had recently been developed at Cornell University. Thus the telescope at the Schultz Peak Station was for a brief interval the world's largest telescope coated by the new, superior aluminization technique. Several of the astronomers who used the Schultz Peak Station went on to make important contributions to Astronomy, and four scientific papers were published using data obtained at the Schultz Peak Station. This is another strong argument for correcting the naming error and returning the "Schultz" and "Doyle" names to their proper elevations.


Between 1931 and 1933, the [[Harvard-Cornell Meteor Expedition]] under the direction of [[Ernst Öpik]], [[Harlow Shapley]] of Harvard, and [[Samuel L. Boothroyd]] of Cornell used Lowell's Schultz Peak Station as one of its meteor observing sites. They used the vibrating mirror technique developed by Öpik and Boothroyd to measure the velocity of meteors, and they recorded meteor tracks from two locations to compute the altitude of meteors by their parallax. The second observing site for a parallax measurement was originally near [[Bellmont, Arizona]], but was later moved to [[Padre Canyon, Arizona]]. In 1933, Boothroyd returned to test the new vacuum deposition technique of mirror coating that had recently been developed at Cornell University. This briefly made the telescope at the Schultz Peak Station the world's largest telescope coated by the new aluminization technique, which remains the preferred method of coating telescope mirrors. Several of the astronomers who used the Schultz Peak Station made important contributions to astronomy, and several scientific papers were published using data obtained at the Schultz Peak Station.
The telescope and Polar Axle were removed in 1937 by Dr. V. M. Slipher and some of the junior staff of the Lowell Observatory. The

Schultz Peak facility fell into disuse and by the 1970s the roof had collapsed from years of neglect and winter snow, which can
The telescope and polar axle were removed from the Schultz Peak Station in 1937 by V. M. Slipher and some of the junior staff of the Lowell Observatory. The facility was abandoned, and by the 1970s, the roof had collapsed from years of neglect and winter snow.
completely bury it. It was reconstructed about then by hikers as a cabin, though maintaining it is an ongoing process. Many hikers

and campers leave supplies and provisions in the cabin or use them when needed. If you visit look for a waterproof container with a
As of August 2016, the cabin on Doyle has been rebuilt to a functional state. All material was repurposed from what was on the mountain, other than nails and plumbers tape. The ridge beam and rafters were cut in place using dead trees from the top of the mountain. Unfortunately, Doyle Peak and Cabin were heavily affected by the Pipeline Fire in June 2022, and the Cabin has since been burned.
log and other information. Also while you are there, note the two Bristlecone stumps that defined the location. They are near the
centers of the north and south walls of the cabin, the northern one being considerably taller. Please enjoy and help to preserve this
little-known Flagstaff treasure.


==See also==
==See also==
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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Mountains of Arizona}}
[[Image:Doylecabin2007.jpg|thumb|none|The cabin near the summit of Doyle Peak]]


[[Category:Mountains of Arizona]]
[[Category:Mountains of Arizona]]
[[Category:Landforms of Coconino County, Arizona]]
[[Category:Landforms of Coconino County, Arizona]]
[[Category:Stratovolcanoes]]
[[Category:Stratovolcanoes of the United States]]
[[Category:Extinct volcanoes]]
[[Category:Extinct volcanoes of the United States]]
[[Category:Mountains of Coconino County, Arizona]]


{{Arizona-geo-stub}}

Latest revision as of 17:24, 15 April 2023

Doyle Peak
A photo from a trail on Agassiz Peak looking towards Doyle and Fremont peaks in summer
Doyle Peak (left, flat top) and Fremont Peak from the east side of Agassiz Peak.
Highest point
Elevation11,464 ft (3,494 m) NAVD 88[1]
Prominence660 ft (201 m)[1]
Parent peakFremont Peak
Coordinates35°19′48″N 111°38′47″W / 35.3300087°N 111.6462717°W / 35.3300087; -111.6462717[2]
Geography
A map of Arizona showing the location of Doyle Peak
A map of Arizona showing the location of Doyle Peak
Doyle Peak
LocationCoconino County, Arizona, U.S.
Parent rangeSan Francisco Peaks
Topo mapUSGS Humphreys Peak
Climbing
Easiest routeOff trail hike
The cabin near the summit of Doyle Peak. Reconstructed around 2016, it has since burned in 2022, leaving only the metal roof and rock walls.

Doyle Peak is a peak in the Coconino National Forest, and the fourth-highest peak in the San Francisco Peaks of northern Arizona. It is the sixth-highest named point in the state of Arizona, with an elevation of 11,464 feet (3,494 m).

History of the Doyle Peak and adjacent Schultz Peak

[edit]

A small structure was built to house a telescope on nearby Schultz Peak by Lowell Observatory in 1927. It was referred to by some as a shepherd's cabin. The site was selected by V. M. Slipher, Director of Lowell Observatory, for a pair of bristlecone pine trees oriented in a north-south line. These were cut as supports for the polar axle of the telescope. The telescopes, a 12-inch (30 cm) reflector and a 15-inch (38 cm) reflector, were constructed by Stanley Sykes of Lowell Observatory. The cabin housing the telescope was constructed by a local stonemason. The structure had a corrugated metal roof that could be rolled off to expose the telescope for observations. The observing site also had a small dormitory partially cut into the hillside east of the telescope, but only an indistinct depression remains. From 1927 until 1932, this was the highest astronomical observing site on Earth. This distinction passed to the Swiss in 1932, when they commissioned a slightly higher observing site on the Jungfrau.

The original purpose of the site was to make spectroscopic observations of planets, stars, and nebulae. The high altitude was necessary to exploit increased atmospheric transmission, especially in ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths. A similar telescope and roll-off structure were constructed at the Mars Hill campus of Lowell Observatory so that spectroscopic observations made at the two sites could be compared. The telescope at Mars Hill is still in service, and now mounts a 21-inch (53 cm) reflector. The telescopes and polar axle from the Schultz Peak site still exist, and one of the bearing assemblies from the original roll-off roof has been retrieved from Schultz Peak as a possible future museum exhibit.

Between 1931 and 1933, the Harvard-Cornell Meteor Expedition under the direction of Ernst Öpik, Harlow Shapley of Harvard, and Samuel L. Boothroyd of Cornell used Lowell's Schultz Peak Station as one of its meteor observing sites. They used the vibrating mirror technique developed by Öpik and Boothroyd to measure the velocity of meteors, and they recorded meteor tracks from two locations to compute the altitude of meteors by their parallax. The second observing site for a parallax measurement was originally near Bellmont, Arizona, but was later moved to Padre Canyon, Arizona. In 1933, Boothroyd returned to test the new vacuum deposition technique of mirror coating that had recently been developed at Cornell University. This briefly made the telescope at the Schultz Peak Station the world's largest telescope coated by the new aluminization technique, which remains the preferred method of coating telescope mirrors. Several of the astronomers who used the Schultz Peak Station made important contributions to astronomy, and several scientific papers were published using data obtained at the Schultz Peak Station.

The telescope and polar axle were removed from the Schultz Peak Station in 1937 by V. M. Slipher and some of the junior staff of the Lowell Observatory. The facility was abandoned, and by the 1970s, the roof had collapsed from years of neglect and winter snow.

As of August 2016, the cabin on Doyle has been rebuilt to a functional state. All material was repurposed from what was on the mountain, other than nails and plumbers tape. The ridge beam and rafters were cut in place using dead trees from the top of the mountain. Unfortunately, Doyle Peak and Cabin were heavily affected by the Pipeline Fire in June 2022, and the Cabin has since been burned.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Doyle Peak, Arizona". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2009-01-06.
  2. ^ "Doyle Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2009-01-06.