Devils Peak (Santa Barbara County, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Devils Peak |
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Devils Peak and its communications facilities. The peak hosts several radio systems including repeaters for amateur radio and public safety.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,429 ft (740 m) NAVD 88 |
| Geography | |
 Devils Peak
Location in California
Devils Peak
Location in the United States
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| Parent range | Channel Islands |
| Topo map | Santa Cruz Island B |
Devils Peak, also known as Mount Diablo, stands tall at 2,429 feet (about 740 meters). It is the highest point on the Channel Islands off the coast of California. This special mountain is located on Santa Cruz Island, which is part of the beautiful Channel Islands National Park.
The land around Devils Peak is owned by The Nature Conservancy, a group dedicated to protecting nature. Because of this, you need a special permit to visit the area. Devils Peak is also unique because it's the highest mountain on an ocean island in the lower 48 states of the United States. It's even a bit taller than Mount Constitution in Washington state!
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Discovering Devils Peak
Devils Peak is a significant landmark on Santa Cruz Island. It's not just a tall mountain; it's also home to important communication equipment. This equipment helps with things like amateur radio and public safety, making it a busy spot for signals.
Where is Devils Peak Located?
Devils Peak is found in Santa Barbara County, California. It's part of the Channel Islands, a group of eight islands off the southern California coast. These islands are sometimes called "North America's Galapagos" because they have unique plants and animals.
Santa Cruz Island's Role
Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the Channel Islands. It's a rugged and wild place, with steep cliffs, deep canyons, and beautiful beaches. A big part of the island, including Devils Peak, is protected within the Channel Islands National Park. This park helps keep the island's natural beauty and wildlife safe for future generations.
Why is Devils Peak Special?
Devils Peak holds the record as the tallest peak on any of the Channel Islands. Its elevation of 2,429 feet makes it a prominent feature of Santa Cruz Island's landscape.
A Record-Breaking Peak
Beyond being the highest on the Channel Islands, Devils Peak has another impressive title. It is the highest mountain found on an ocean island within the contiguous 48 states of the U.S. This means it's taller than any other peak on an island that isn't connected to the mainland by land.
Visiting Devils Peak
Because Devils Peak is on land owned by The Nature Conservancy and within a national park, visiting rules are in place. These rules help protect the delicate environment and wildlife that live there.
Getting a Permit
If you wish to explore the area around Devils Peak, you'll need to get a permit. This process ensures that visitors understand how to respect the natural habitat and helps manage the number of people on the island. It's all part of keeping this special place wild and healthy.
