The
Santa Cruz Mountains are a mountain range in central
California forming a ridge along the peninsula south of
San Francisco that separates the
Pacific Ocean from
San Francisco Bay and the
Santa Clara Valley[?]. The tallest peak in the range is Loma Prieta (
1160 m; 3806'), near which is the epicenter of the 1989
Loma Prieta Earthquake[?]. Other major peaks include Mt. Umunhum (1063 m; 3486'), Mt. Bielawski (
985 m; 3231'), El Sombroso (914 m; 2999'), Eagle Rock (758 m; 2488') and Morena Sierra (737 m; 2417'). The
San Andreas Fault runs along or near the ridge line throughout the range.
The area welcomes a tremendous number of species of birds. (see: bird list)
The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to the southernmost coast redwoods.