Sierra Azul facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra Azul |
|
|---|---|
Mt Umunhum is the highest point of the Sierra Azul
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 883 m (2,897 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Location in California
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Santa Clara County |
| Range coordinates | 37°10′6.804″N 121°54′41.841″W / 37.16855667°N 121.91162250°W |
| Parent range | Santa Cruz Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Los Gatos |
The Sierra Azul is a mountain range located in Santa Clara County, California. It is the southern part of the larger Santa Cruz Mountains range. The name "Sierra Azul" means "Blue Mountains" in Spanish. This mountain range is a popular spot for outdoor activities and offers amazing views of the surrounding area.
Contents
What is the Sierra Azul?
The Sierra Azul is one of two main parts of the Santa Cruz Mountains. These two parts are separated by California Highway 17. The northern part was called the Sierra Morena by the Spanish, meaning "Brown Mountains." The southern part is the Sierra Azul, or "Blue Mountains."
A large part of this range is protected within the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. This preserve helps keep the natural environment safe for plants, animals, and people to enjoy.
Mount Umunhum: The Highest Peak
The tallest point in the Sierra Azul range is Mount Umunhum. This mountain stands at 883 meters (2,897 feet) high. It's a very important spot because of its history and current use.
For many years, Mount Umunhum was home to the Almaden Air Force Station. This was a radar site used by the military. Today, it still has a radar, but it's a NEXRAD weather radar. This radar helps the National Weather Service track weather patterns for the San Francisco Bay Area and the Monterey Bay Area. It helps forecasters predict storms and other weather events.
Exploring the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
The Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve covers a large area of the mountain range. It offers many trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can explore different types of forests and enjoy the quiet beauty of nature. It's a great place to see local wildlife and enjoy outdoor adventures.
See also
In Spanish: Sierra Azul para niños
