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Tortoise Crossing
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California
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Tortoise Crossing
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<p>The trail seems steep for short reptilian legs, but desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) are impressively stalwart creatures that travel through the desert scrub to cross passes like this one in search of wildflowers to eat. In the spring, visitors sometimes spot tortoises while hiking on the High View Nature Trail, so keep an eye out! Tortoises are a federally threatened species; if you are lucky enough to see one be sure to give it plenty of space. Report any tortoise observations at the Black Rock Nature Center as scientists are eager for information on these elusive animals.</p>
Nolinas - Not Yuccas
~0 min drive
<p>Parry’s nolina (Nolina parryi) is a hardy desert plant with long, thin, flexible leaves that make it easy to tell apart from Joshua trees or yuccas. In the spring, nolinas can grow a very tall flower stalk-- up to 12 feet tall! The flowers are cream colored and appear like…
The Sink
~34 min drive
Easy 1-mile walk with 90 ft elevation gain.
Kitching Peak
~35 min drive
Brutal 3-mile climb gaining 7,400 ft to Kitching Peak summit.
Santa Ana River Trail
~35 min drive
15.83-mile river trail with 695 ft gain through Southern California foothills.
Peak Experience
~0 min drive
<p>The peak of the High View Nature Trail is 4,445 feet above sea level. To the northeast lies the community of Yucca Valley, and on clear days it is easy to see the distant expanse of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, over 40 miles away. The peak of Mount San Gorgoni…
Oaks and Pines
~0 min drive
<p>While common in the Black Rock Canyon area, mature stands of pine and oak trees like these are relatively rare in Joshua Tree National Park. These species prefer a slightly cooler climate and are therefore confined to the higher elevations of the Little San Bernardino Mount…
Little San Bernardino Mountains
~0 min drive
<p>The High View Nature Trail is in the northern foothills of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, which stand between the Morongo Basin to the north and the Coachella Valley to the south. The Little San Bernardino Mountains are part of the Transverse Ranges, a group of mounta…
Yucca Clump
~0 min drive
<p>Joshua trees may be the namesake of this park, but their close relative, the Mojave yucca (Yucca schidiger) is even more widespread. The plants are both in the yucca family; Joshua trees grow taller and branch while Mojave yuccas stay fairly short and grow in clumps. Indige…
San Gorgonio View
~1 min drive
<p>From this vantage point, on all but the foggiest days, the peak of Mount San Gorgonio is visible, rising from the San Bernardino Mountains and topping out at 11,503 feet above sea level. These mountains are the reason why this area is a desert. Moist air from the Pacific Oc…
Joshua Trees
~1 min drive
<p>Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) dominate much of the Black Rock area with their bright green leaves and spindly forms. These plants absorb as much water as possible after summer rains or winter snows through shallow roots that extend in a wide subterranean circle from their…
