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Map Satellite Big Rock Creek is one of the main drainages of the San Gabriel Mountains into the Mojave Desert; it disappears into the desert alluvium a few kilometers to the north of this area. The canyon supports a well-developed riparian woodland, primarily sycamore, Platanus racemosa, and white alder, Alnus rhombifolia. Among the more noteworthy plants found in the canyon are Allium fimbriatum, Allium monticola, Anemopsis californica, Astragalus coccineus, Calochortus kennedyi, Cleome serrulata, Delphinium cardinale, Delphinium parishii, Dudleya abramsii, Grindelia camporum, Gutierrezia microcephala, Nama californicum, Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus and Lupinus microcarpus var. horizontalis. There are several springs in the canyon and, as water is present, animal life is abundant and varied. Most of the canyon is cut through Paleocene marine sedimentary rocks, but there are some Miocene non-marine sandstones and a Mesozoic granitic outcrop. Integrity: There are several campgrounds, some with permanent buildings, along Big Rock Creek Road and some dirt roads. Much of the area is relatively undisturbed. Use: Educational, research, observational. April 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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