2018 Map of Hepsedam Peak

About this map

The San Andreas Fault cuts a definitive line through this high-altitude landscape where the Diablo Range meets the boundary of San Benito and Monterey Counties. This section of the range is characterized by complex hydrology and isolated peaks, centered on Hepsedam Peak and the high elevations of Mustang Ridge. To the north, the San Benito River feeds into the Hernandez Reservoir, a primary water feature in the Hernandez Valley. The terrain is marked by numerous named canyons and gulches, such as Horsethief Canyon and Rattlesnake Gulch, reflecting a history of rugged transit and remote livestock grazing. Numerous springs, including Cottonwood Springs, Susie Spring, and Bootleg Spring, indicate the critical importance of water sources in this arid environment. The presence of Spanish Flats and the San Andreas Fault suggests a landscape defined both by its seismic activity and its early ranching heritage.