A side-by-side look at crushed rock, river rock, decomposed granite, lava rock, cobble, rip rap and boulders, with the colors local yards in Southern California and the High Desert actually list.
Get a Free Rockscape EstimateThe main types of landscape rock are crushed rock (angular gravel, usually 3/8 inch to 1.5 inch), river rock and pebbles (rounded and tumbled), decomposed granite (fines 1/4 inch and smaller), lava rock, cobble, rip rap and boulders. Crushed rock covers most beds and side yards, river rock suits dry creek beds, DG makes paths, and boulders give the yard structure. Color is a separate choice set by the quarry.
Color names below come from what local yards actually sell: the decorative rock list at Angel Rock & Sand in Victorville and Majestic Rock & Material, our partner supplier in Norco. Trade names vary by yard, so ask for a sample.
It is part of our landscape rock and decomposed granite guide. Most rock weighs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard (Earth Stone), and Majestic says one cubic yard covers about 160 sq ft at 2 inches, 110 at 3 and 80 at 4. For your exact yard, use the landscape rock calculator.
The heat column is relative, not measured, since we found no strong published source for rock surface temperatures. K-State does say rock mulch adds heat and raises soil temperature (K-State).
| Type | Common sizes | Look | Best use | Sun and heat | Walking on it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed rock | 3/8, 3/4, 1 and 1.5 inch | Angular, many colors | Beds, side yards | Darker runs hotter | Locks together, fairly firm |
| Pea gravel | About 3/8 inch, rounded | Small, smooth, mixed tones | Dog runs, casual paths | Follows the color | Comfortable but rolls underfoot |
| River rock and pebbles | 1 to 3 inch tumbled | Rounded, natural creek look | Dry creek beds, borders, accents | Follows the color | Uneven |
| Cobble | 3 to 8 inch | Large rounded stone | Swales, downspouts | Holds heat like any big stone | Not for walking |
| Decomposed granite | 1/4 inch and smaller | Fine, compacts flat | Paths, patios, around plants | Light colors common | Firm when compacted |
| Lava rock | About 3/4 inch | Porous, black or burgundy | Accent beds, contrast | Dark, runs hot | Rough and sharp |
| Rip rap | Large angular stone | Rough, heavy | Slopes, washes, erosion control | Not a factor | Not for walking |
| Boulders | 12 to 36 inch and up | Single large stones | Focal points, grade changes | Holds heat like any big stone | Not for walking |
Crushed rock is quarry stone broken into angular pieces and screened to size. The angles lock together, so it stays put on gentle slopes.
Class II base rock (3/4 inch minus at Majestic) is different: it has fines mixed in so it compacts hard, and it goes under pavers and paths, not on a planting bed.
Gold and tan sit close to the color of desert soil.
Golds hide dust well, which matters in a windy yard.
Browns and reds give more contrast against light stucco and green plants. From the Angel Rock & Sand list:
Darker rock takes on more sun than light rock, so it is a poor pick next to a patio where people walk barefoot.
White rock (Angel White and Pearl White, both 3/4 inch at Angel) and marble chips (stocked at Majestic) look clean and modern. The tradeoff in the High Desert is brightness. In full sun white rock glares, reflects light onto walls and windows, and shows every bit of dirt. Use it in small doses or as a border.
Grays are the middle ground. Calico Gray and Lucerne Gray come in 3/8, 3/4 and 1.5 inch, and Mountain Ash comes in 3/8, 3/4 and DG. Majestic carries crushed granite in gray as well as gold. Gray suits modern houses and does not glare like white.
Lava rock is light and porous. Angel lists Black Lava and Burgundy Lava, both in 3/4 inch (Angel).
It is rough and sharp, so keep it out of play areas and dog runs (see best rock for dogs). Black lava is the darkest rock here and runs hot in full sun.
River rock is tumbled smooth and is the go-to for dry creek beds. Majestic stocks river washed stones, pea gravel, Mexican beach pebbles, California Gold and Arizona River in 1 to 3 inch tumbled sizes, and cobble and polished stone in 3 to 8 inch (Majestic).
River rock runs about 1.45 tons per cubic yard against about 1.35 for crushed rock (Earth Stone).
Rip rap is large angular rock placed to stop erosion. Caltrans calls it rock slope protection and sorts it into named classes, from small backing rock up to multi-ton stone (Caltrans Highway Design Manual, Ch. 870).
At home, rip rap shows up where a slope sheds water or a wash crosses the lot. Angular rock interlocks better than round rock. We do not list class weights because we have not confirmed them against the Caltrans specifications. If a slope is carrying real flow, treat it as a drainage job first and a rock job second.
Decomposed granite is granite broken down to 1/4 inch and smaller. It comes loose, stabilized with a binder, or resin-bound, and it works well in dry climates like California (Landscaping Network). Majestic carries 3/8 inch minus crushed granite in gold and gray tones. Read the full decomposed granite guide or the stabilized DG guide for paths.
Boulders are the bones of a rockscape. Majestic sells them by the ton in sizes from 12 to 36 inches and up (Majestic). See our landscape boulders guide for the weight chart and placement tips.
Our rockscape design work starts with these choices.
See our Hesperia rockscape and Victorville rockscape pages.
Crushed rock, pea gravel, river rock, cobble, decomposed granite, lava rock, rip rap and boulders. Crushed rock is angular and stays put, river rock is rounded, and DG compacts into a walking surface.
The 3/4 inch size. Nearly every color on Angel Rock & Sand's decorative rock list in Victorville comes in 3/4 inch, and Majestic Rock & Material stocks 3/4 inch crushed gravel.
In small doses. White rock glares in full sun and shows dust. Gray gives a similar clean look without the glare.
Crushed rock has sharp angles that lock together and stay put. River rock is tumbled smooth and rolls underfoot, so it suits dry creek beds more than paths.
About 160 square feet at 2 inches deep, 110 at 3 inches and 80 at 4 inches, per Majestic Rock & Material. Most rock weighs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Use our landscape rock calculator for your exact area.
We checked every number on this page against the public sources below. If a rule or date changes, the agency page is the final word.
Rock type, size and color all change how a yard looks, drains and holds up to wind and storms. Monarch designs and installs rockscapes across the High Desert and Inland Empire. Book a free consultation and we will walk the yard and help you pick the rock.
Get a Free Rockscape EstimateOr call (760) 792-7627
