Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I hiked this weekend in the hills above Gaviota (about 20 miles up the 101 from Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez mtns). Mostly just rolling grassland, then came to an area of chapparal and massive sandstone outcrops at around 1400 ft elevation, some of which were cracked and fractured all over the place and quite fragile. Each fracture had at least one lizard in it (I believe side-blotched).

What I noticed was that the sandstone fissures were quite a bit cooler than the surface, and the sandstone was not real hot to the touch even at 4pm in direct sun. A contrast to the granite in the San Bernardino mtns.

Beyond this area across a small ravine was a huge wall of sandstone outcroppings that was too daunting to try to get up into.

What zonata ssp (traditional ssp) would this area support? Does weathered sandstone like that support mtn kings?

In the sandy soil around these outcrops, I saw a huge feline pawprint, my guess was mountain lion. That was enough to send me packing back down the mountain. First time I've ever felt afraid like that.

Thanks for any info.
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Mark

You are in the realm of the Coast Mountain King(L.z. multifaciata). They are in all the canyons & local mountains in Santa Barbara County. I'm not the expert of that area, but one might lay some AC(artificial cover) down in some canyons and start checking them out next spring(hint hint) or you can go hike one up along some of the many trails that traverse those canyons and keep your eyes peeled for some red, black & white looking snakes off the sides of the trails. Happy hunting
Juarez Wonders

Good to know that the kings inhabit these areas, even if they are rarely found.

This property was owned by Texaco, and is now privately owned, but will in time likely become a state resource and a state-maintained hiking trail.

I agree, A/C would be the way to go to find one of these jewels. For one thing, some of the sandstone is delicate, and trying to climb around all over it could do some damage. Secondly, it is not easy terrain to hunt in by any means, and the walk to get to the outcrops was far (that will keep out the riff-raff for sure.) But oh the fissures and holes and cracks are just everywhere. It is easy to see how a king can thermoregulate without really exposing itself much at all.
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Mark