10 Iconic Mountain Ranges in California

This is California's most iconic mountain range, and for good reason.

The Sierra Nevada mountain range forms the eastern edge of the state, with peaks like Mount Whitney — the highest point in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet (4,421 meters). It also contains Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, and stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Expect granite cliffs, deep valleys like Yosemite Valley and ancient bristlecone pines thriving in its high elevations.

Tucked into Northern California, the Klamath Mountains are one of the oldest and most geologically complex ranges in the state. These rugged peaks, including Mount Eddy, support dense forests of Douglas firs and ponderosa pines. The terrain is perfect for hikers who like steep slopes and solitude.

A vital part of Southern California's Transverse Ranges, the San Gabriel Mountains rise abruptly from the Los Angeles Basin. They're home to Mount Baldy (also known as Mount San Antonio) and are a key barrier separating the coast from the Mojave Desert.

The San Andreas Fault runs nearby, reminding us that these peaks are products of tectonic activity.

Stretching from Los Angeles to Point Mugu, the Santa Monica Mountains are coastal ranges that define the northern edge of the LA metro area.

These mountains are lower in elevation but rich in biodiversity, with oak woodlands and chaparral. They also house portions of the Pacific Coast Highway and offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

Located near Palm Springs, the San Jacinto Mountains are known for their dramatic rise from the desert floor. San Jacinto Peak towers at 10,834 feet (3,302 meters) above sea level, and the nearby Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors from the desert to alpine forests in minutes.

This range experiences dry summers and moderately cold winters, supporting diverse flora from the lodgepole to the Jeffrey pine.

Bordering the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Santa Cruz Mountains separate Silicon Valley from the Pacific Ocean. They're a key feature of California's coastline, offering wilderness areas filled with redwoods and home to unique flora and fauna.

The range plays a significant role in local weather, funneling moisture from the ocean into the Bay Area and nearby coastal regions.

East of Los Angeles, the San Bernardino Mountains provide a cool alpine escape from Southern California's heat. They host popular recreational spots like Big Bear Lake and are part of the larger Transverse Ranges system.

With rugged terrain and high peaks, this area also supports classic conifer forests and heavy snowfall in winter.

Running east-west through Santa Barbara County, the Santa Ynez Mountains are part of the unique Transverse Ranges. Their steep slopes drop dramatically toward the Pacific Coast. They help shape the climate of nearby wine regions and serve as a visual backdrop for Santa Barbara.

Don’t let the name fool you: The White Mountains of eastern California are anything but bland.

White Mountain Peak, at 14,252 feet (4,344 meters), is the third-highest in California. These mountains lie across Owens Valley from the Sierra Nevada and are home to ancient bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth.

Along the Central Coast near Big Sur, the Santa Lucia Range dives into the Pacific, creating one of the most scenic coastlines in the world. The range includes steep cliffs and narrow canyons and is part of the coastal ranges that define Alta California's wild character.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.