Indian Wells Valley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indian Wells Valley |
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Indian Wells Valley, showing Ridgecrest, California and the China Lake area.
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| Length | 33 miles (53 km) N-S |
| Geography | |
| Borders on | Argus Range (E) Coso Range (N) El Paso Mountains (S) Sierra Nevada (W) |
The Indian Wells Valley is a dry, long valley in east-central California. It stretches from north to south. This valley is like a southern part of the Owens Valley which is to its north. The Coso Range mountains, which have some newer volcanoes, separate the two valleys.
A big crack in the Earth, called a fault, runs along the west side of the valley. Another fault, the Garlock Fault, marks the southern edge, near the El Paso Mountains. The Indian Wells Valley is also part of the northwestern Mojave Desert. This means it has plants and animals that are used to very dry conditions.
The biggest town in the valley is Ridgecrest. Other places include Inyokern and Indian Wells. Many people in the valley work at the China Lake Naval Weapons Center. This is the main industry here. Main roads like California State Route 14 and US Highway 395 help people travel through the valley.
Contents
Exploring Indian Wells Valley
The Indian Wells Valley is a unique place in California. It's known for its dry weather and wide-open spaces. Imagine a long, flat area surrounded by mountains. That's the Indian Wells Valley!
Where is the Valley?
This valley is located in the eastern part of California. It's part of the famous Mojave Desert. The desert is known for its hot, dry climate and special plants.
Mountains Around the Valley
The Indian Wells Valley is surrounded by different mountain ranges:
- To the east, you'll find the Argus Range.
- The Coso Range is to the north. This area has some interesting volcanic rocks.
- The El Paso Mountains are to the south.
- And to the west, you can see the tall peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Life in the Valley
Even though it's a desert, many people live and work in the Indian Wells Valley.
Main Towns and Communities
The largest town here is Ridgecrest. It's a busy place with homes and businesses. Other smaller communities include Inyokern and Indian Wells. These towns are important parts of the valley's community.
What People Do Here
A very important place in the valley is the China Lake Naval Weapons Center. This is a large military base where they test weapons and do research. It provides many jobs for people living in the valley. It's a big reason why the towns here have grown.
Getting Around
Two major roads help people travel through the Indian Wells Valley. California State Route 14 and US Highway 395 connect the valley to other parts of California. These roads are important for both local travel and for people passing through the desert.
