Mojave National Preserve's vast expanse of desert lands includes one of the most diverse desert environments in the world, representing three of the four major North American deserts: the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran. The Preserve is a land of old mountain ranges, sand dunes, great mesas and volcanic features such as cinder cones, domes, and lava flows. The most ancient rocks in the preserve, found in the Clark Mountains, are 2.5 billion years old.

The Preserve's remarkable geology and geography contributes to its unique ecology. Changes in elevation and soil type, combined with dozens of seeps and springs, create a wide range of microhabitats that support a rich diversity of plants and animals. This diverse ecology has produced 35 wildlife habitat types that support over 800 plant species, including the world's largest and densest Joshua tree forest, and nearly 300 wildlife species, including the gila monster, Mohave tui chub, Mojave fringe-toed lizard, prairie falcon, golden eagle, mule deer, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. Nearly half of the Preserve is critical habitat for the endangered desert tortoise.

NPCA Recommends

Before your next visit, read NPCA's California desert guidebook, "Variety and Adventure in the California Desert: A Guide to Responsible Recreation." In the guide you will find highlights of the varied activities visitors can enjoy in the desert, suggestions on how you can pursue recreation responsibly, and some challenges for the future.

Threats

While this region won important protections in 1994 with the passage of the California Desert Protection Act, the desert parks are increasingly endangered by the sprawling growth of southern California and Nevada, environmentally-threatening policies, and lack of funding for the parks' protection and management.

NPCA's California Desert Field Office seeks to inform the public about issues concerning California's desert parks, involve the public in solution to these issues, and encourage enjoyment and protection of park lands.

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