Behold the Superslabs

Exploring Mormon Rocks in Cajon Pass

Bored with the scenery between LA and Vegas along I-15? You must have missed Mormon Rocks. Wedged smack on the San Andreas Fault in Cajon Pass, these massive, tilted slabs of sandstone are a stunner. Even if you’re not en route to Sin City, it’s worth driving out to explore. The best place to start is Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail, a one-mile loop climbing from a fire station to overlooks of the formations. A wildfire tore through the area in 2016, leaving the hills rather drab, but the landscape is regenerating and the rocks are amazing.

At the trailhead, grab a pamphlet that interprets numbered wooden posts along the trail. You’ll learn about the colorful history of Cajon Pass, including the Serrano Indians who lived here and the Mormons who sought shelter amid the rocks while crossing in 1851 on their way to San Bernardino. The trail switchbacks up a slope of scorched earth to a ridge with views of the imposing sandstone wall to the north, uplifted ages ago by the San Andreas Fault.

Head south. The path curves left, tracing low ridges above the fire station and passing a striking diagonal thrust of sandstone (easily climbed) before returning to the parking area. A few spur trails along the way offer forays into the San Bernardino National Forest backcountry. One descends into a quiet sandy arroyo to the west. It’s also worth wandering Cajon Wash—north of CA-138—to draw near the most impressive rocks, many rising scores of feet above the wash and pocked with caves and smaller cavities resembling portholes on a ship.

Don’t expect quiet canyon solitude at Mormon Rocks. For centuries, Cajon Pass has facilitated the passage of goods and people between the Mojave Desert and San Bernardino Valley—no more so than today. Cars roar by on I-15 and trains roll through regularly. But that’s part of the pass’s legacy—a fascinating blend of astounding geology and continual movement.

From Los Angeles, take I-15 north toward Barstow. In Cajon Pass, exit onto CA-138 and head west for a mile to reach the parking lot at Mormon Rocks Fire Station. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View