About the mountain range:
The Santa Monica Mountain Range extends approximately 40 miles {64 km} East-West from the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles to Pt. Mugu in Ventura County. The Western mountains, seperating the Conejo Valley and Malibu, suddenly end at Mugu Peak as the rugged, nearly impassible shoreline gives way to tidal lagoons and coastal sand dunes of the alluvial Oxnard Plain. The mountain range contributed to the isolation of this vast coastal plain before regular transportation routes reached the Western Ventura County line. Geoligists consider the northern Channel Islands to be a western extension of the Santa Monicas into the Pacific Ocean. The range was created by repeated episodes of uplifting and submergence by the Raymond Fault that created complex layers of sedimentary rock. Volcanic intrusions have been exposed creating such landmarks as Mitten Rock. Sandstone Peak which is the highest point in this range at 3,111 feet {948 m} is located to the West from here. The Santa Monica Mountain Range has many exposed sandstone rock formations that, by wind and rain, create dramatic rock sculptures.
About the rock:
Sandstone {sometimes called arenite} is a classic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains. Most sandstone is composed of quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust. Like sand, sandstone may be any color, but the most common colors for this area are brown, tan, pink, and white. Since sandstone beds often form highly visible cliffs and other topographic features, certain colors of sandstone have been strongly identified with certain regions. The formation of sanstone involves two principal stages. First, a layer or layers of sand accumulates as a result of sedimentation, either from water {in this case the Pacific Ocean}
or from air {as in a desert}. Typically, sedimentation occurs by the sand settling out from suspension; i.e., ceasing to be rolled or bounced along the bottom of a body of water or ground surface. Finally, once it has all accumulated, the sand becomes sandstone when it is compacted by pressure of overlying deposits and cemented by the precipitation of minerals within the pore spaces between the sand grains.
Uses:
Sandstone has been used for domestic construction and housewares since prehistoric times, and continues to be used. It is relatively soft, making it easy to carve. It has been widely used around the world in constructing temples, homes, and other buildings. It has even been used for artistic purposes to create statues and fountains. The Chumash Indians would make "bowls" to grind seeds and other grains for cooking. You may easily walk past one of these "kitchens" on the myriad of trails up here. Take a good look around you and notice all of the different areas that have exposed sandstone. Feel the texture and examine the beauty of the many layers of sand and minerals.
Getting Here:
Although the Santa Monica Range is huge and has many sandstone rock formations and features, Mitten Rock is a fine example of this occurance and is hard to beat. Take Kanan Road from either the valley or Malibu to Mulholland. Drive West for .3 of a mile until you see the Rocky Oaks Recreation parking area. From there you will see signs for the Rocky Oaks Loop Trail {2 miles} which will take you through a real gem of the Santa Monica Mountains. Mitten rock is NOW on private property so you can not actually get up close and personal with her. There are a few trails that will take you around this area and can get an idea of what it was like here many moons ago.
Logging requirements: Due to the private property situation, post a photo of Mitten Rock with its summit wherever you find a spot. .References:"Santa Monica Mountains" United States Geological Survey 2009-05-03"Chumash History" www.santaynezchumash.org"Volcanoes-Santa Monica Recreation Wilderness" www.nps.gov
Newton, Jim "The promise for a balanced future:The Santa Monica Mountains
