The Santa Monica Mountains are the range which extend from
Oxnard to above
Malibu and end around
Griffith Park and
Hollywood Hills. The 405 freeway and
Sepulveda Bvd pass through this range at
Sepulveda Pass These mountains are relatively low-altitude compared to the mountain ranges nearby, but they are extremely steep. Due to all the
earthquakes and other geology in the area, these mountains are extremely steep and prone to
mudslides. The steep topography also tends to encourage
flash floods. The hills are coated in dry
chaparral which leaves it rather prone to
fires as well. All of these disasters have done damage to
malibu in the last few years, when you hear about all the disasters in Los Angeles, many of them happen here. Believe it or not, the area has even had a weak
tornado once when a
waterspout moved onshore. Luckily, the region is not
volcanic and
hurricanes are almost unkwown in the Los Angeles area.
despite the apparent danger of the area, the Santa Monica Mountains are actually a good place to spend time hiking, mountain biking, or driving around. For a good drive, try the famous roads in the area like Mulholland Highway or Highway 1. Good places to hike, bike, or wander around include Malibu Canyon State Park, Topanga State Park, and point mugu. famous surfing spots like Zuma Beach are found where the mountains meet the ocean. This is one of the only mountain ranges that bisects a major city in the US.. it's in close driving range of much of LA so if you dont mind company, check it out.