Geological Notes
The Vasquez Rocks are formations sculpted by 8 to 15 million years of earthquake activity along the Elkhorn fault, an offshoot of the San Andreas Fault. Compressed, folded and tilted as much as 50 degrees, and up to nearly 150 feet high, erosion gradually stripped away soil from around the rocks leaving these ancient and spectacular creations. Course-grained yellowish-gray sandstone beds several feet thick make up these strange jutting and sweeping formations. Shale, basalt, and reddish-brown conglomerate can be found layered between the sandstone slabs.
| GLOSSARY | > basalt, erosion, |
About Vasquez Rocks
Geological Notes
Historical Notes
Origin of the Name
Vegetation and Wildlife
Photo Tour
360 photo of Vasquez Rocks
