Vontrigger Hills facts for kids
The Vontrigger Hills are a group of low mountains located in the eastern part of the Mojave Desert in California. These hills are found in San Bernardino County, which is in the eastern part of the state. They are not very tall, but they are an important part of the desert landscape.
Quick facts for kids Vontrigger Hills |
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 Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,003 ft (1,220 m) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Mojave Desert |
| District | Mojave National Preserve, San Bernardino County |
| Range coordinates | 35°3′54.981″N 115°6′59.927″W / 35.06527250°N 115.11664639°W |
| Topo map | USGS Signal Hill |
Contents
Discovering the Vontrigger Hills
The Vontrigger Hills are a small mountain range. They are part of the vast Mojave Desert, which is a large and dry region in the southwestern United States. Even though they are called "hills," they are still considered a type of mountain range because of how they formed. The highest point in the Vontrigger Hills reaches about 4,003 feet (1,220 meters) above sea level. This makes them much lower than some of California's other famous mountains.
Where Are They Located?
These hills are located in the southeastern part of the Mojave National Preserve. This is a large protected area managed by the National Park Service. The Vontrigger Hills are about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of a small place called Goffs, California. Goffs is a historic spot along the famous U.S. Route 66, which was once a major highway across America.
Life in the Mojave Desert
The area around the Vontrigger Hills is known for its unique desert environment. The Mojave Desert is famous for being very hot and dry, especially in the summer. Despite these tough conditions, many plants and animals have found ways to survive and even thrive here.
Amazing Desert Plants
The plants in the Mojave Desert are specially adapted to live with little water. You might see different types of cacti, like the prickly pear, which store water in their thick stems. Another iconic plant is the Joshua tree, which is actually a type of yucca. These trees can grow quite tall and have a very distinct shape. Their branches look like arms reaching up to the sky. Other plants include various desert shrubs and wildflowers that bloom after rare rainfalls, bringing splashes of color to the landscape.
Unique Desert Animals
Many animals call the Vontrigger Hills and the surrounding Mojave Desert home. Some are active during the day, while others prefer to come out at night when it's cooler. You might spot desert tortoises, which are a protected species. They dig burrows to escape the heat. Other animals include various types of lizards, snakes, and birds like the roadrunner. Larger animals, such as bighorn sheep and coyotes, also live in this rugged environment. These animals have special ways to find food and water in the dry desert.
Exploring the Mojave National Preserve
The Vontrigger Hills are part of the Mojave National Preserve. This preserve covers a huge area of over 1.6 million acres. It was created to protect the unique natural and cultural features of the Mojave Desert. Visitors can explore vast desert landscapes, volcanic cinder cones, sand dunes, and historic sites. The preserve helps to keep the Vontrigger Hills and their wildlife safe for future generations to enjoy. It's a place where you can learn about desert ecosystems and see how life adapts to extreme conditions.
A Look at the Past
The area around the Vontrigger Hills has a long history. Native American tribes lived in the Mojave Desert for thousands of years, using the land's resources. Later, explorers and settlers traveled through this region. The mention of Goffs and U.S. Route 66 reminds us of a more recent past. Route 66 was a famous highway that connected the East and West coasts of the United States. It played a big role in American travel and culture, and many small towns like Goffs grew up along its path. The Vontrigger Hills stand as a quiet witness to these historical journeys.
