San Felipe Hills (San Diego County) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Felipe Hills |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 1,392 m (4,567 ft) |
Geography | |
Country | United States |
State | California |
District | San Diego County |
Range coordinates | 33°11′0.146″N 116°33′13.064″W / 33.18337389°N 116.55362889°W |
Topo map | USGS Ranchita |
The San Felipe Hills are a group of low mountains in the eastern part of San Diego County, in southern California. These hills are not very tall, but they are an important part of the local landscape. They offer a home to many different plants and animals.
Contents
Exploring the San Felipe Hills' Location
The San Felipe Hills are like a natural wall on the eastern side of the San Felipe Valley. On the western side of this valley, you'll find the Volcan Mountains. Imagine the valley as a long, flat area with hills on both sides.
Where are the San Felipe Hills?
These hills are located southwest of a small community called Ranchita. They are also northeast of the historic town of Julian. Julian is famous for its apple pies! The hills are also near the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel Reservation, which is land belonging to a Native American tribe.
Nature and Wildlife in the San Felipe Hills
The San Felipe Hills are a special place for nature. Different parts of the hills have different types of environments. This means you can find a variety of plants and animals living there.
Southern Hills: Desert Life
The southern part of the San Felipe Hills is inside Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This park is California's largest state park. Here, the environment is like the Colorado Desert. You can find plants and animals that are good at living in hot, dry conditions. Think of cacti and desert-adapted creatures!
Northern Hills: Chaparral Habitats
The northern part of the hills has a different kind of environment called chaparral. Chaparral is a type of shrubland. It has tough, woody shrubs and small trees. These plants are well-suited to the dry summers and mild, wet winters of California. Many animals, like deer and various birds, make their homes in these chaparral areas.