Norman Clyde
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
Norman Clyde (April 8,1885-December 23,1972) was a famous mountaineer and nature photographer. He was well-known for performing over 100 first ascents in California's Sierra Nevada. These first ascents included:
- Clyde Minaret (subsequently named after him)
- Triple Divide Peak
- Laurel Mountain (in the Sherwin Range)
- Thunderbolt Peak
- many of the Devil's Crags
He also set a speed climbing record up Mount Shasta.
He studied to be a teacher, graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 1911. He spent many summers traveling around the Sierra Nevada, bagging first ascents. He often went with the Sierra Club High Trips.
He became principal of the high school of Independence, California in 1924, but resigned under pressure in 1927 after using a pistol to defend the school against vandalism. He subsequently spent his winters as caretakers of the local lodges, including Glacier Lodge on Big Pine Creek.
Clyde was also known for discovering Pete Starr's body on the Minarets, in 1933, after all other searchers gave up. Clyde buried Starr in situ.
Norman Clyde still guided parties into the Sierra into the 1960s, when he was in his seventies.
Norman Clyde Peak (on the Palisade Crest) was named after him. His ashes may have been scattered on this peak.
