Los Angeles is one of the most populous and iconic cities in the United States. It is located on a coastal plain along the Pacific Ocean and lies within a region with high mountains to its north, east, and south. The city has many different topographic features that make it unique. Before traveling, be sure to look at the topographic map of Los Angeles. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), “The Los Angeles Basin is bounded on the north by the Santa Monica Mountains, on the east by the Puente Hills, and on the south by the Palos Verdes Peninsula” (USGS, 2021).
Los Angeles is situated at the southwestern corner of California in North America, with the Pacific Ocean to its west. It extends across an area that includes mountain ranges such as San Gabriel and Santa Monica to its north, east, and south, respectively. To its west are rolling hills that stretch for miles before reaching the coastline along Santa Monica Bay.
The relief of Los Angeles varies from sea level up to 5075 feet. The highest elevation point in the city proper is 5075 feet atop Mount Lukens in the San Gabriel Mountains. There are numerous hills scattered throughout Los Angeles that create a varied landscape including downtown which sits at an elevation of 300 feet above sea level.
Mount San Antonio, also known as Mount Baldy, stands tall at 10,064 feet, making it the highest peak in the Los Angeles County (SummitPost.org, 2021).
The highest points in Los Angeles can be found at various locations around the city such as Verdugo Hills (2126 feet), San Rafael Hill (1808 feet), South Monos Hills (1435 feet), and Elysian Park (742 feet). All these heights contribute to making Los Angeles a very hilly city compared to other parts of California which tend to have much flatter landscapes.
The lowest elevation point within the city limits lies near Echo Park Lake which has an altitude of just 45 feet above sea level – making it one of the few places on Earth where you can literally stand at sea level right in the middle of a major metropolitan area!
Want to learn more about Los Angeles’ geographical wonders? With our service you can view an interactive elevation map showing all these interesting topographic features from any angle imaginable! So check us out now for an amazing experience!See the detailed elevation map of Los Angeles.
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