Montañon, Santa Cruz Island

Montañon, Santa Cruz Island, formed the approximate property ownership boundary between the eastern end of the island and the western 9/10th of the island in the 1925 partition lawsuit between the Caires and Gherinis. The Montagñon was described by Clifford McElrath as:

“a high volcanic ridge that cuts across the main east and west axis of the island like the arms of a cross. Getting over the Montañon is a rough slippery climb over volcanic rock ”

[McElrath 1967: 68]. It must be crossed either on foot or horseback to reach the out ranches at Scorpion Harbor or Smugglers’ Cove.