2015 Map of Monarch Peak

About this map

The San Andreas Fault cuts a visible path through this portion of the Diablo Range, defining the tectonic character of the landscape where Monterey and San Benito counties meet. High points such as Monarch Peak and Mustang Ridge dominate the northern terrain, while the low-lying Peachtree Valley provides a corridor for travel and settlement in the southeast. This region is marked by a complex system of drainage, with the San Lorenzo Cr and its tributaries, including Cow Cr and Lewis Cr, carving deep paths through the hills. Transportation is concentrated along Peach Tree Rd, which follows the natural contours of the valleys. Numerous named features like Banchero Rock, Cleveland Rock, and Negro Hill offer specific landmarks for those studying the geology or local history of this sparsely populated section of the California Coast Ranges.