2015 Map of Holland Canyon

About this map

The San Andreas Fault cuts a definitive line across this segment of the Temblor Range, marking a geological boundary that shapes the entire landscape of the Kern Co and San Luis Obispo County border. This rugged interior region is defined by a series of north-south canyons and isolated water sources, such as Hughes Spring and Black Spring, which were vital for cattle ranching in these arid hills. The topographic relief is highlighted by the sharp descent from Palo Prieto Pass into the Bitterwater Valley, where Bitterwater Rd follows the natural contours of the fault zone. Along the western edge, the drainage of San Juan Creek carves through Holland Canyon, creating a complex network of seasonal washes and steep ridges that characterize this part of the California Coast Ranges.