Grizzly Mountain Research Natural Area Establishment Record

The majority of the Grizzly Mountain Research Natural Area (GMRNA) is underlain by mesozoic granitic rock of the Sierra Nevada Batholith, with some metamorphics and gneissic intergrades between the metamorphic and granitic rock. The GMRNA lies entirely on the northern slopes of Big and Little Grizzly Mountains. These two mountains are separated by a small canyon (Paps Gulch) with a small stream that is permanent near its confluence with Bull Creek. All slopes within the area are part of the Bull Creek drainage. Prior to the 1987 fire, a nearly continuous stand of relatively young black oak stretched across the north-facing slopes of these mountains.