Cajon Canyon facts for kids

Cajon Canyon is a long valley located in the northeastern part of the San Gabriel Mountains in San Bernardino County, California. Its original Spanish name was El Cajon De San Gabriel De Amuscopiabit. The name El Cajon means "the box" in English. This is because the canyon ends in a special type of canyon called a "box canyon." A box canyon has steep walls on three sides, making it look like a large box.

Geography of Cajon Canyon

The name Cajon comes from the canyon's shape. The upper part of the canyon has very steep slopes. These slopes make it hard to get in or out, just like a box. This is why it earned the name "the box."

Where Cajon Canyon Starts and Ends

The entrance, or "mouth," of Cajon Canyon is located in Cajon Pass. This spot is near Cajon Junction. The elevation here is about 1,991 feet (607 m) above sea level.

The far end, or "head," of the canyon is to the west. It sits at an elevation of about 4,910 feet (1,500 m). This point is less than half a mile south of Mountain Top Junction. At Mountain Top Junction, the Angeles Crest Highway meets California State Highway 138.

Roads Through the Canyon

California State Route 138 travels through the entire length of Cajon Canyon. This road connects Interstate 15 with the Angeles Crest Highway.