Indio Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indio Hills |
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 Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 768 ft (234 m) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Colorado Desert |
| District | Coachella Valley, Riverside County |
| Range coordinates | 33°50′18.061″N 116°19′9.033″W / 33.83835028°N 116.31917583°W |
| Topo map | USGS Myoma |
The Indio Hills are a small group of hills in the Colorado Desert. They are found in southern California, close to the city of Indio. These hills are part of Riverside County. Even though they are called "hills," they are actually a low mountain range.
About the Indio Hills
The Indio Hills are not very tall. Their highest point is about 768 feet (234 meters) above sea level. They stretch across the Coachella Valley, which is a desert area.
Geology and Water Sources
The Indio Hills sit right along the famous San Andreas Fault. This is a very long crack in the Earth's crust. Because of this fault, there are special places called natural springs in the hills. These springs bring water up from underground.
The water from these springs is very important for life in the desert. It creates wet areas called oases. These oases are like green islands in the dry desert.
Desert Fan Palms
These oases are home to a special type of tree. It is called the California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera). These tall, beautiful palms need water to grow. They create a unique habitat for many desert animals.
Protected Areas
Parts of the Indio Hills are protected. This means they are special places where nature is kept safe. Two important areas are:
- The Indio Hills Palms State Reserve: This reserve helps protect the palm oases.
- The Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge protects different kinds of wildlife and their homes in the area.
These protected areas help make sure that the unique plants and animals of the Indio Hills can continue to thrive.
