Sawpit Canyon facts for kids
Sawpit Canyon is a deep, narrow valley located in the San Bernardino Mountains in San Bernardino County, California. It's a natural feature with a rich history.
The lowest part of the canyon, called its mouth, is about 3,386 feet (1,032 meters) above sea level. This is where the canyon opens up. The highest part, its source, is much higher at 5,100 feet (1,554 meters). This source is found just east of Monument Peak.
A small stream, or creek, once flowed through Sawpit Canyon. This creek was a smaller branch, or tributary, of the West Fork Mojave River. Today, the original mouth of the canyon and its creek are covered by the waters of Silverwood Lake.
History of Sawpit Canyon
Sawpit Canyon played an important role in the past. It was part of a very old path known as the Mohave Trail.
The Mohave Trail
The Mohave Trail was a major route used by Native Americans for trading. Traders would travel along this path from the Colorado River area, through the desert, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. They exchanged goods and ideas along this long journey.
Early Explorers
In 1776, a Spanish priest named Father Francisco Garcés was the first known European explorer to travel the Mohave Trail. He wrote down his experiences, giving us valuable records of the route.
Later, in 1826, an American explorer named Jedediah Smith became the first known Anglo-American to use the Mohave Trail. His travels helped map out parts of the American West.
