Woods Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woods Mountains |
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 Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,168 m (3,832 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | San Bernardino County |
| Range coordinates | 35°2′29.972″N 115°19′2.949″W / 35.04165889°N 115.31748583°W |
| Topo map | USGS Woods Mountains |
The Woods Mountains are a small mountain range located in a very dry area called the Mojave Desert in southeastern California. They are found in San Bernardino County, which is a large county in California. These mountains are part of the Mojave National Preserve, a special protected area.
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Discovering the Woods Mountains
Where Are the Woods Mountains?
The Woods Mountains are in southeastern California. They are part of the Mojave Desert, a large desert region. You can find them near a place called Hole-in-the-Wall. They are also north of Interstate 40, a major highway. The mountains are within the Mojave National Preserve. This preserve helps protect the desert's unique plants and animals.
How High Are They?
The highest point in the Woods Mountains is a peak called Tortoise Shell Mountain. It reaches an elevation of about 1,168 meters (or 4,600 feet) above sea level. That's pretty tall!
The Story Behind the Name
Tortoise Shell Mountain got its name in 1971. A person named Stephen Castagneto named it. He found pieces of tortoise shells on top of the mountain. These shells were likely dropped by birds. Some birds pick up tortoises and drop them from high places. This breaks the tortoise's shell. Then, the birds can eat the meat inside.
Who Lived Here Before?
People have lived in the Woods Mountains for a very long time. Scientists have found evidence of early human homes. There are at least two known rock overhangs. These overhangs show signs of fires. This means people used to live there and build fires for warmth or cooking. These early residents were likely from the Chemehuevi Indian tribe. They lived in the area before Europeans arrived.
