Los Trancos Open Space Preserve is an ideal spot to learn about earthquake geology because the San Andreas Fault runs through the middle of the preserve. It is one of the world’s longest and most active faults. There are 9 stations along the trail that contain information about the fault’s land features. The valleys, peaks, and water bodies (lakes, streams, reservoirs) that you see along this trail were made by the San Andreas Fault!
At Station 1, look out to the mountains in the western distance. Now look at the large rocks that are around Station 1. Those rocks came from the Loma Prieta Mountain, which is 23 miles away! Let's imagine how the rocks got so far away from the mountain! Or how the mountain got so far away from the rocks! What are your ideas and guesses?
Here is a link to a self-guided earthquake tour.
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