Rand Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rand Mountains |
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 Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,049 m (3,442 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Kern County |
| Range coordinates | 35°17′41.871″N 117°46′38.228″W / 35.29496417°N 117.77728556°W |
| Topo map | USGS Saltdale SE |
The Rand Mountains are a mountain range found in the Mojave Desert. They are located in California, northeast of California City and southwest of the town of Randsburg.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Rand Mountains
The Rand Mountains were once a very busy place because of mining. This area was known as the Rand Mining District. People came here to find valuable minerals.
Mining Towns and Ghost Towns
Several mining towns grew up in the Rand Mountains. These included Randsburg, Red Mountain, and Johannesburg. Miners lived and worked in these towns. Over time, as the mining slowed down, many people left. Today, these towns are almost like ghost towns, with very few people living there. They are quiet reminders of a busy past.
Exploring the Geography of the Rand Mountains
The Rand Mountains stretch about 15 miles. They run from the Desert Tortoise Natural Area all the way to the old mining areas near Randsburg.
Where Are the Rand Mountains Located?
These mountains lie in a direction from southwest to northeast. They are on the eastern edge of the Fremont Valley. To the west of the Rand Mountains, you can find the Scodie Mountains and the famous Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Peaks and Weather in the Rand Mountains
The two main peaks in the Rand Mountains are Government Peak and Sidney Peak. Government Peak is the tallest, reaching 4,741 feet above sea level. Sidney Peak is a bit shorter at 4,372 feet. The Rand Mountains are very dry. They get less than seven inches of rain in a typical year. This is because they are in the desert!
