Mesquite Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mesquite Mountains |
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 Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,321 m (4,334 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | San Bernardino County |
| Range coordinates | 35°43′9.913″N 115°42′37.025″W / 35.71942028°N 115.71028472°W |
| Topo map | USGS Mesquite Mountains |
The Mesquite Mountains are a mountain range found in eastern San Bernardino County, California. They are quite close to the border with Nevada. You can find them north of Interstate 15 in California and southeast of the famous Death Valley.
Contents
Exploring the Mesquite Wilderness Areas
In 1994, the U.S. government created two special protected areas here. These are called the Mesquite Wilderness and the North Mesquite Mountains Wilderness. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) takes care of these areas. The two wilderness sections are separated by Kingston Road.
North Mesquite Mountains Wilderness
The North Mesquite Mountains Wilderness covers about 28,955 acres. That's like 22,000 football fields! It's located in the northwestern part of the mountain range. This area includes the wide western end of Sandy Valley. Here, you'll see rolling brown hills and some steeper mountains. There are also medium-sized buttes, which are flat-topped hills with steep sides. These reddish-brown rock formations make the landscape unique. The Kingston Range Wilderness is located to the west of this area.
Mesquite Wilderness
The Mesquite Wilderness is even bigger, covering about 44,804 acres. This part includes the southeastern section of the mountain range. To its east, you'll find the Stateline Wilderness. Both wilderness areas help protect the natural environment and wildlife.
Plants and Animals of the Mojave Desert
The plants and animals living in the Mesquite Mountains are typical for the middle elevations of the Mojave Desert. This means they are well-adapted to dry, hot conditions.
Mojave Desert Plants
The main plants you'll see here are:
- Creosote brush: A common desert shrub that smells like rain.
- Blackbush scrub: Another type of shrub that grows in drier areas.
- Joshua tree woodland: Areas where tall, spiky Joshua trees grow.
- Yucca plants: These have sharp, sword-like leaves.
- Cacti: Many different kinds of cacti can be found.
- Various grasses: These grow especially after it rains.
Mojave Desert Animals
You'll find many interesting animals in this desert environment. Some common ones include:
- Coyotes: Smart, dog-like animals.
- Black-tailed jackrabbits: Large rabbits with long ears.
- Ground squirrels: Small, quick rodents.
- Kangaroo rats: Tiny rodents that hop like kangaroos.
- Quail: Small birds that live on the ground.
- Roadrunners: Fast birds that chase lizards and snakes.
- Rattlesnakes: Venomous snakes that warn with a rattle.
- Several species of lizards: Many different kinds of reptiles.
The very southern part of the wilderness is a very important home for the desert tortoise. This tortoise is a protected species, meaning it needs special care to survive.
