Clark Mountain (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clark Mountain |
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The mountain is prominently visible to motorists on Interstate 15 crossing Ivanpah Dry Lake.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 7,933 ft (2,418 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 4,232 ft (1,290 m) |
| Listing | Desert Peaks Section List |
| Geography | |
| Location | San Bernardino County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Clark Mountain Range |
| Topo map | USGS Clark Mountain |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Exposed scramble, class 3 |
Clark Mountain is a tall mountain found in the Clark Mountain Range. It is located inside the Mojave National Preserve, very close to where California meets Nevada.
What Makes Clark Mountain Special?
Clark Mountain stands tall at 7,933 ft (2,418 m). This makes it the highest point in the entire Mojave National Preserve. It is also the tallest mountain in the Mojave Desert ranges. You can see it clearly from Interstate 15 as you drive by.
Plants and Animals of Clark Mountain
Clark Mountain is like a special "sky island" because its higher parts are very different from the flat desert below.
- Lower down, you'll find typical desert plants. These include the creosote bush and Joshua trees.
- As you go higher up the mountain, the plants change. Here, you'll see pinyon pines, Utah junipers, and even white fir trees. These trees usually grow in cooler, wetter places.
Even though the Mojave Desert doesn't get much rain, snow often falls on the high peaks of Clark Mountain during winter. This extra moisture helps the unique plants grow there.
Fun Activities at Clark Mountain
Clark Mountain is a famous spot for rock climbing. In 1992, a climber named Randy Leavitt helped make it a world-class climbing area. Many people say it has some of the best limestone climbing in America.
