White Hills (Santa Barbara County)

The White Hills are a low-lying mountain range located in Santa Barbara County, California. They are situated in the southeastern portion of the county, bordering Ventura County. The hills are characterized by their light-colored, often whitish, sedimentary rock formations, which give them their name.

The topography of the White Hills is relatively gentle, with rounded peaks and wide valleys. Vegetation is sparse, consisting primarily of chaparral, grasslands, and oak woodlands in more sheltered areas. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

The White Hills are sparsely populated, with much of the land used for cattle grazing and agriculture. There are no major towns or cities located within the hills themselves. Recreation opportunities include hiking and horseback riding, though access may be limited due to private land ownership.

Geologically, the White Hills are composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone and shale, deposited during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs. These rocks have been uplifted and folded by tectonic activity, creating the present-day landscape. The area is known for its oil and gas deposits, and there has been some historical oil and gas exploration in the region.