Stepladder Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stepladder Mountains |
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Stepladder Mountains
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 806 m (2,644 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | San Bernardino County |
| Range coordinates | 34°33′47.023″N 114°51′47.887″W / 34.56306194°N 114.86330194°W |
| Topo map | USGS Stepladder Mountains |
The Stepladder Mountains are a group of mountains in southeastern California, United States. They are found in San Bernardino County. These mountains are special because they protect a large natural area.
This area is called the Stepladder Mountains Wilderness. It covers about 84,199 acres. This wilderness helps protect the Desert tortoise, which is the state reptile of California. The Stepladder Mountains are located east of the Old Woman Mountains. They are also north of the Turtle Mountains. The town of Essex is about 29 miles (47 km) to the southeast.
Plants of the Stepladder Mountains
The main type of plant in the Stepladder Mountains is the creosote bush. These bushes grow on the gentle slopes, called bajadas. In the dry riverbeds, or washes, you can find small forests.
These small forests have trees like palo verde, smoketree, and catclaw. There is also a small group of crucifixion thorn plants. You can also see a thick patch of teddy bear cholla cactus.
Animals of the Mojave Desert
The animals living here are typical for the Mojave Desert. You might see coyotes, which are wild dogs. There are also black-tailed jackrabbits hopping around.
Smaller animals include ground squirrels and kangaroo rats. Birds like quail and roadrunners are common. Be careful of rattlesnakes. Many different kinds of lizards also live here.
