These steep and scruffy mountains form the northern border of Los Angeles, but are too rugged to be developed. So instead, President Obama named them a National Monument in October, 2014.

The San Gabriels are a harsh, high desert range of sheer hillsides and landslides, wildfires, drought and flash floods.  Only an hour’s drive from 20 million people, the area is so remote that mountain lions roam. Hopefully, this new designation will keep it that way.

39 Color photos