Pinto Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pinto Mountains |
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The Pinto Mountains seen from the south
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 953 m (3,127 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Riverside County |
| Range coordinates | 34°01′28″N 115°51′11″W / 34.02444°N 115.85306°W |
| Topo map | USGS Humbug Mountain |
The Pinto Mountains are a cool mountain range in southern California, USA. You can find them in the north-central part of Joshua Tree National Park. These mountains reach a height of about 1,390 meters (4,560 ft). That's pretty tall! They are located southeast of the city of Twentynine Palms.
The mountains are mostly made of a dark rock called gneiss. This rock is formed deep inside the Earth under lots of heat and pressure. The most common plant you'll see here is the creosote bush. It's a tough plant that thrives in the desert.
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Explore the Pinto Mountains
The Pinto Mountains are a special place. They are known for their rugged beauty. This area is a great example of a desert mountain environment.
Where Are the Pinto Mountains?
The Pinto Mountains are located in the Mojave Desert region of California. They are a key part of the amazing Joshua Tree National Park. This park is famous for its unique trees and desert landscapes.
What Are the Mountains Made Of?
The main rock type in the Pinto Mountains is dark gneiss. Gneiss is a type of metamorphic rock. This means it started as one kind of rock and changed over time. It changed because of intense heat and pressure underground.
Plants and Animals of the Pinto Mountains
The desert environment here supports special kinds of plants. The creosote bush is everywhere. It's a very hardy plant that can live in dry places.
You might also spot desert animals. These include lizards, snakes, and various birds. Some larger animals like bighorn sheep or coyotes might also live here. They are all adapted to life in the desert.
Pinto Mountains Wilderness
A large part of the Pinto Mountains is protected. It's called the Pinto Mountains Wilderness. This special area was created in 2009 by the U.S. Congress. It helps keep the rugged mountains safe and natural.
Protecting a Wild Place
The Pinto Mountains Wilderness covers about 24,348 acres. That's a huge area! It's a true desert wilderness area. This means it's kept as wild as possible. There are no roads or buildings allowed.
Who Manages the Wilderness?
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management takes care of this wilderness. They make sure it stays protected. It's part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This system protects wild lands all across the United States. It helps preserve nature for everyone to enjoy.
