| Western Transverse Ranges | |
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
The sunlit spur extending into the river valley shows the warm reddish colors that are common in continental sedimentary rocks. Iron oxide minerals are responsible. It also shows how important the orientation of slopes is for the trees in this dry climate. The south-facing slopes are bare while the north-facing slopes retain enough moisture to support a low forest. The valley floor supports ranches, farms and orchards; in the ranges farther west have appeared new vineyards.
The mountains in the back are part of the Sierra Madre, one of many smaller ranges that make up the Transverse Ranges. The road skirts its eastern end, where it meets long, rugged Pine Mountain and the Topatopa Mountains extending farther east.
All photos (c) 2003 Andrew Alden, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Sierra Madre range across the Cuyama River. View west.
