Little San Bernardino Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little San Bernardino Mountains |
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Looking south from Keys View in the Little San Bernardino Mountains in Joshua Tree National Park. Visible landmarks are the Salton Sea at rear left, and the Santa Rosa Mountains behind Indio and the San Jacinto Mountains behind Palm Springs in center. In the valley floor, the San Andreas Fault is visible. At rear right is 11,500 ft San Gorgonio Mountain.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,772 m (5,814 ft) |
| Geography | |
Little San Bernardino Mountains
 Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Riverside / San Bernardino |
| Range coordinates | 33°58′27.039″N 116°19′0.031″W / 33.97417750°N 116.31667528°W |
| Topo map | USGS East Deception Canyon |
The Little San Bernardino Mountains are a small mountain range in southern California, United States. They are part of the Transverse Ranges. These mountains stretch about 40 miles (64 km) to the southeast. They go from the San Bernardino Mountains through San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. They end near the Salton Sea.
The city of Palm Springs is located to the south. From Palm Springs, you can look north and northeast across the Coachella Valley to these mountains.
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Exploring the Mountains' Geography
This mountain range helps separate two big deserts. To the south is the Colorado Desert (which includes the Coachella Valley). To the north is the Mojave Desert.
Mountain Peaks and Heights
The mountains here are not super tall. Their peaks usually range from about 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 meters) high. The highest point in the range is Quail Mountain (California). It stands at 5,813 feet (1,772 meters) tall. Other notable peaks in the area include Mount Inspiration and Eureka Peak.
Amazing Habitats and Wildlife
A large part of the central and eastern Little San Bernardino Mountains is protected. It is inside Joshua Tree National Park. This park is famous for its unique Joshua trees and desert landscapes.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
At the western end of the mountains, you'll find the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. This special place has an oasis (a wet area in the desert). This oasis is home to one of California's ten largest areas of cottonwood and red willow trees. These trees grow near water in what is called a Riparian zone.
The preserve is also home to the only native palm tree in California. This is the Washingtonia filifera, also known as the Desert fan palm. You might see these palms used in landscaping in many places today.
The Colorado River Aqueduct
The Colorado River Aqueduct is a very important water channel. It runs along the southwest edge of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. This aqueduct brings water from the Colorado River to many cities. It provides water for places like Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego.
