The rock formation visible near the entrance of the Cahuilla Casino is massive and convoluted. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
Centuries of wind and water erosion and earth movement have created some beautiful and fascinating stone landmarks in Anza and Aguanga.The geology of the Anza Valley is ancient, having gained many of its features during the Mesozoic era, an interval of geologic time from about 252 to 66 million years ago. This period was a time of significant tectonic activity. Scientists theorize that during this era the gradual shifting of the supercontinent Pangaea into separate land masses occurred. Volcanic activity and earthquakes helped form the Anza landscape.One of the most obvious geological aspects of the valley are the granite boulders and rocks. Granite is an igneous stone that is formed over time by volcanic activity. Magma flows from volcanic hot spots and slowly cools over millions
