Arica Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arica Mountains |
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 Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 659 m (2,162 ft) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 2.5 mi (4.0 km) NNW |
| Width | 1 mi (1.6 km) E-W |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Riverside County |
| Range coordinates | 34°1′29″N 114°56′1″W / 34.02472°N 114.93361°W |
| Topo map | USGS Arica Mountains |
The Arica Mountains are a small mountain range. You can find them in northern Riverside County, California. They are located in the Colorado Desert. This area is part of the Lower Colorado River Valley.
These mountains are about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the old town of Rice. They are also near other mountain ranges. For example, the Little Maria Mountains are to the south. The Turtle Mountains are to the northeast. The Granite Mountains are to the west.
Exploring the Arica Mountains
The Arica Mountains are a fun place to learn about nature. They are part of a bigger protected area. This area is called the Palen/McCoy Wilderness. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This group helps protect natural lands for everyone to enjoy.
What is the Palen/McCoy Wilderness?
The Palen/McCoy Wilderness is a very large area. It includes five different mountain ranges. Besides the Arica Mountains, you can find the Granite, Palen, Little Maria, and McCoy Mountains here.
These mountain ranges are separated by wide, gently sloping areas. These areas are called alluvial fans or bajadas. They are formed by rocks and sand washed down from the mountains.
Nature and Wildlife
This wilderness area has many interesting features. You can see different types of plants and landforms. There are desert washes with special trees. These trees provide food and shelter for many animals.
You might spot animals like burro deer and coyotes. Bobcats, gray foxes, and even mountain lions live here too. Look for unique landforms like Desert pavement, which are flat areas covered in tightly packed rocks. You can also explore canyons and rugged peaks.
The wilderness is home to dense forests of ironwood trees. These trees are very strong and can live for a long time. The changing landscape makes this area a great place to explore.
