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Mormon Rocks
Mormon Rocks
Located on Hwy 138 just off the 15 Freeway, these distinctive rock features are part of the Cajon Valley Formation. While they are now commonly known as the Mormon Rocks, in the late 1800s they were called the Rock Candy Mountains and the Swiss Cheese Rocks.
Located on Hwy 138 just off the 15 Freeway, these distinctive rock features are part of the Cajon Valley Formation. While they are now commonly known as the Mormon Rocks, in the late 1800s they were called the Rock Candy Mountains and the Swiss Cheese Rocks.
Today we call this formation Mormon Rocks because they are associated with Mormon migration from Utah to Southern California in 1851. Over 500 Mormons with 150 wagons and livestock made the trek through the Cajon Pass, just past these rocks, to establish the colony of San Bernardino.
Today we call this formation Mormon Rocks because they are associated with Mormon migration from Utah to Southern California in 1851. Over 500 Mormons with 150 wagons and livestock made the trek through the Cajon Pass, just past these rocks, to establish the colony of San Bernardino.
Mormon Rocks owe their existence to the San Andreas Fault. They consist primarily of sandstone and conglomerate from sediments created through the erosion of nearby mountains. Tectonic activity resulted in the uplift that produced these formations which have since been weathered by wind, giving them their interesting surface texture including indents and cavities.
Mormon Rocks owe their existence to the San Andreas Fault. They consist primarily of sandstone and conglomerate from sediments created through the erosion of nearby mountains. Tectonic activity resulted in the uplift that produced these formations which have since been weathered by wind, giving them their interesting surface texture including indents and cavities.
If you would like to get an up-close look at these interesting formations, you have a few different options. There is a large parking lot on the north side of the 138 from which you can walk right up to the rocks. While there is not a distinct trail, you can climb up in several locations for a better view. Stay safe!
If you would like to get an up-close look at these interesting formations, you have a few different options. There is a large parking lot on the north side of the 138 from which you can walk right up to the rocks. While there is not a distinct trail, you can climb up in several locations for a better view. Stay safe!
For a 1 mile hike, park across the street on the south side of the 138 at the Mormon Rocks Fire Station between 9 am and 6 pm. There is free public parking on the left when you enter. From here, you can walk straight towards the rock formation to access the Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail which was built by fireman in 1975. The Forest Service has also made available a free printable guide. Just be sure to flip on short edge when you print and note that it's meant to be folded into a booklet!
For a 1 mile hike, park across the street on the south side of the 138 at the Mormon Rocks Fire Station between 9 am and 6 pm. There is free public parking on the left when you enter. From here, you can walk straight towards the rock formation to access the Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail which was built by fireman in 1975. The Forest Service has also made available a free printable guide. Just be sure to flip on short edge when you print and note that it's meant to be folded into a booklet!
Note that the Interpretive does not go on the rocks themselves, but provides a fantastic view of the rocks and easy access for taking a closer look.
Note that the Interpretive does not go on the rocks themselves, but provides a fantastic view of the rocks and easy access for taking a closer look.
Many often wonder if the Mormon Rocks are part of the same rock formation as found at Devil's Punchbowl due to their similar appearance and proximity. However, geologic studies have shown that these are two separate formations created during different tectonic events.
Many often wonder if the Mormon Rocks are part of the same rock formation as found at Devil's Punchbowl due to their similar appearance and proximity. However, geologic studies have shown that these are two separate formations created during different tectonic events.
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