| Western Transverse Ranges | |
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The steep front range of the Santa Ynez Mountains stands between this view point and the city of Santa Barbara. The valley running off to the right, in front of the high range, coincides with the great Santa Ynez fault. The motion along this fault is left-lateral today, but doubtless included other motions during the past. This entire region has been turned, like a floating stick bumping off a stone, more than 90 degrees clockwise in the last 12 million years.
The stream in the foreground meets another fork, and the two join to form the Ventura River, which goes through the mountains toward the left. The river was here before the range, and as the mountains rose the river cut into them a dramatic winding canyon. Route 33 takes three bridges and two tunnels to pass this memorable obstacle. Beyond it goes through bucolic Ojai then dashes to the coastal city of Ventura, four lanes wide.
A much more thorough geologic treatment of this road trip exists at the California State Field Sites collection from Cal State Long Beach.
All photos (c) 2003 Andrew Alden, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Route 33 threads down the valley of the North Fork Matilija Creek toward the high Santa Ynez Mountains. View southwest.
