Ivanpah Valley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ivanpah Valley
Ivanpah Valley Location in California
Geography

The Ivanpah Valley is a wide, flat area found in the southwestern United States. It stretches across parts of southeastern California and southern Nevada. This valley is special because it's surrounded by interesting mountains and is home to a famous dry lake.

Discovering Ivanpah Valley

Ivanpah Valley sits between two mountain ranges: the New York Mountains and the Ivanpah Mountains. On the California side, it's in San Bernardino County. On the Nevada side, it's in Clark County.

What's Inside the Valley?

Several small communities are located within the Ivanpah Valley. These include Cima, California and Nipton, California in California. In Nevada, you'll find Jean, Nevada and Primm, Nevada.

One of the most well-known features of the valley is the Ivanpah Dry Lake. A dry lake is a lakebed that usually has no water, making it a large, flat, open space.

Fun on the Dry Lake

Ivanpah Dry Lake is a very popular spot for a sport called land sailing. Imagine a sailboat, but instead of water, it glides across the flat, dry ground using the wind! People also come here for other activities that need a lot of open space. There have also been plans to build an airport in the valley, near the dry lake.

How the Valley is Shaped

The southern and southeastern parts of the valley are close to the northern edge of the Mojave National Preserve. This area is like a natural dividing line for water. It helps decide which way rainwater flows. Some water might drain towards the Colorado River, while other parts might stay within the valley itself, creating dry lakebeds. The valley is surrounded by several mountain ranges, which help define its shape and boundaries.