Corona Del Mar Bluffs

Map Satellite

Along the coast south of Corona del Mar for approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) are bluffs ranging in height from 12 meters (40 feet) to 30 meters (100 feet). In several places the bluffs are cut by stream canyons.

Spectacular exposures of the mid-Miocene Monterey formation occur here. Faults, folds and sedimentary deformation features, including slumping and sliding during deposition, are well displayed. Atop the bluff is a marine terrace with San Pedro sands rich in Pleistocene marine invertebrate fossils.

Offshore is an abrasion platform, a marine terrace in the making.

Vegetation is coastal bluff and is rather sparse. The rare Chorizantne staticoides ssp. chrysacantha is found here.

Integrity: The bluffs are largely undisturbed, though there are some trails down them and some plantings in the inhabited portions.

Use: Private. The bluffs may be observed from the beach.

March 1977