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Home , Kelso Dunes, Mojave National Preserve, New York Mountains

National Park Service Park News & Guide U.S. Department of the Interior

Issue 20/Fall 2011 Issue 20/Fall 2011

Issue 20/Fall 2011 Mojave National Preserve Co u rte s y/ T IM H E NS O N Above: A Loggerhead shrike eating a lizard. Center: A Cooper’s Hawk perches on the fence along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks across from the Kelso Depot. The Mojave Desert is for the Birds Welcome to Mojave! Hilary Clark, Park Ranger As the new superintendent, I want to The BIRDS In the Mojave Desert ARE head shrike also dines on lizards, and pursues extend my personal welcome to Mojave unique and colorful as were the homesteaders its prey with equal vigor. Its method of captur- National Preserve. Although I moved here ing lizards seems unusually violent and has even that once staked their claim in this arid land. from Glacier National Park in Montana, I Regal golden eagles soar in the cobalt desert sky, earned it the nickname “butcher bird.” This began my National Park Service career in while a black-crowned night heron preens along black-masked predator with a gray cap catches the desert southwest, so it’s great to be the shoreline of Lake Tuendae at Zzyzx. A covey lizards with its sharp beak, and then proceeds back! The Mojave Desert is a place where of quail scurry through a desert wash, which, to impale them on a thorn or barbed wire fence. you can spread your eyes. to author Robert Bateman, resemble “ornately Male shrikes give the term being “a good pro- costumed Victorians at a banquet.” vider” a whole new meaning, impaling more liz- Cooler temperatures make fall and winter ards than they can eat to attract potential female a perfect time to visit the Mojave Desert, The character of these birds contradicts the age- mates. and the softening light as the sun passes lower in the sky offers a bolder, warmer old view of the desert as lifeless. They find inge- palate for desert photographers. We have nious ways of escaping the searing summer heat Shrikes are crafty in using their environment to several photography exhibitions planned and staying insulated in the bitter winter cold. capture prey, while ravens use their resources for the fall and winter months in the Desert in very clever ways. Perhaps poet Edgar Allan The Gambel’s quail has a body temperature of Light Art Gallery at the Kelso Depot Visi- 107 degrees so it can continue to release heat un- Poe saw cunning in their countenance when he tor Center. These exhibits run from two til the ambient air reaches the same temperature. described one in The Raven, “And his eyes have to three months, so stop in often to see While this keeps quails from overheating, owls all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming,” what’s new. use gular fluttering as a natural cooling system. for these birds use their beaks as scissors and Owls flap the loose skin under their throat. This they fashion hooks from twigs and rakes from Mojave’s landscape varies tremendously as moves air over their mouth cavities. stiff, dead leaves. They carry these tools in their you travel around the preserve, and I en- beak, from one place to the next, reusing them courage you to take short walks in various Along with adaptations for keeping cool, birds’ if needed. Raven populations have exploded in areas. Inside this guide, you’ll find information on how to visit the Kelso Dunes, Cin- ability to fly lifts them to higher elevations. This the Mojave Desert due to an increase in devel- der Cones Lava Beds, and the Joshua tree provides them an aerial view of natural water opment–you’ll see them at most every dumpster. woodland on Cima Dome. On the east side sources at desert springs and seeps, and also at This is bad news for tortoises. Ravens have been of the park, campgrounds, and hiking trails observed teaching their young to feed on tor- tanks and wells. Biologists believe that for birds, are available for those who have more time changes in vegetation from upland to riparian toise hatchlings. to explore. are a visual cue for spotting sources of water. Year-round residents learn from their parents Ravens are scavengers, and share that trait with Over one thousand miles of dirt roads where forage and water sources are located. NPS/HILARY CLARK turkey vultures. Perceived as unattractive ac- await desert explorers in street-legal ve- cording to societal conventions of beauty, the hicles, providing access to old mining sites, While some birds glide high above the land- turkey vultures’ bald red heads are highly practi- springs, and roadside camps. Some routes scape, others, like roadrunners, stay closer to cal for feeding on dead carrion. Having a feath- require high-clearance vehicles and/or four- the ground. The roadrunner uses its zygodactyl erless head prevents vultures from contracting wheel drive, and road conditions change rapidly during rainy weather, so check with feet to run upwards of fifteen miles per hour. diseases and also helps dissipate heat. Along a ranger before heading out. Although, you won’t see a coyote chasing it, as with a bald head, turkey vultures get relief from the famous cartoon would have you believe, you the heat in a unique way. They urinate on their If you would like to learn more about what chicken-like legs which absorb the waste, and might see a lizard or rattlesnake dangling from to see and do, talk to the rangers at the its beak. Their featherless scaly legs, an attribute provide a source of evaporative cooling. Kelso Depot Visitor Center or Hole-in-the- that they share with thrashers and quail, help Wall. Visit our website, or call the head- release heat into the atmosphere. During cold Although some people might view the desert quarters information desk. Websites and nights, roadrunners enter a state of torpor, slow- NPS/RANA KNIGHTEN as devoid of life, for many birds, it is their life- phone numbers are listed on page two. ing their metabolism down to a snail’s pace. In Above: A Costa’s hummingbird is one of at blood. The next time you’re in the preserve, pull the mornings, they turn their backs toward the least 5 species that nests in, and migrates over and scan the surrounding desert with your through the Mojave Desert. Before starting sun, exposing their black-pigmented skin which their migration, hummingbirds will gain 25 eyes and ears. Watch for a great-horned owl absorbs heat. to 40 percent of their body weight, gorg- perched on a Joshua tree. Listen for the guttural Stephanie Dubois ing on nectar and insects. “kerr” of a hawk or the raucous call of a jay. Mo- Superintendent Much smaller than the roadrunner, the Logger- jave National Preserve is truly for the birds.

3. Mojave Roads 4. Looking Back 6. Campgrounds Essential Information…2

Getting around Mojave National Preserve, the Glenn DeVoge, now 86, remembers going to the Mojave National Preserve is a camper’s para- Nature & Science…4 third largest unit of the National Park System one-room school house at Kelso during the Great dise. Developed campgrounds, roadside, and in the contiguous United States, can be Depression. Now, the National Park Service is in backcountry camping offer opportunities for Faces & Places…5 challenging. It need not be. Plan ahead and the process of renovating this historic structure, so individuals and groups of diverse ages, inter- prioritize; familiarize yourself with Mojave’s visitors can learn about the lives of Glenn DeVoge ests, and skills. Careful planning and knowl- Camping…6 paved and dirt roads as well as the major sites and others who lived and went to school in this edge of camping rules and regulations will to see along the way. And remember—you’ll desert frontier town. help ensure an enjoyable and safe experience Hiking…7 never see it all in one day (but you can always for you, future visitors, and the fragile desert come back)... environment... Mojave National Preserve Map…8

Printed on 60% post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based inks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior A Hike with History Chris Mills, Park Ranger

If you were wondering how any- Exhibits near the spring describe the Mojave ONE could—or would want to!—live in the and Chemehuevi Indians who formerly lived Mojave National Preserve remote desert that is now Mojave National in the area, and Camp Rock Spring, an army Preserve, take a leisurely stroll along our outpost active briefly in the 1860s to protect Established in 1994, Mojave National Pre- newest park trail, the Rock Spring Loop, mail and early travelers that passed along the serve encompasses 1.6 million acres ranging to find some answers. The trail starts at the route. Water is almost always present here; in elevation from 800’ near Baker to 7,929’ Rock House, five miles east of Black Canyon whether it’s a slow trickle or several deep at Clark Mountain. Although most of the Road on Cedar Canyon Road. At the Rock pools depends on recent rainfall. park lies in the Mojave Desert, the south- House, you will find a vault toilet and picnic east section grades into the Sonoran Desert, table. From the spring, the trail climbs a ridgeline and elements of the Great Basin Desert are found at higher elevations east of the Gran- nps c o ll e t i n overlooking Watson Wash with expansive ite, Providence and New York mountains. The Rock House was constructed by Bert views of the Hackberry and New York Smith in 1929, when he came to this area to Mountains to the north and east. If you look Superintendent recover from poison gas exposure suffered carefully, you can also see portions of the DennisStephanie Schramm Dubois during World War I. Doctors told him he Mojave Road, now a popular four-wheel didn’t have long to live, but the dry desert air drive-route. This section runs parallel to Ce- Deputy Superintendent proved so beneficial to Smith’s health that dar Canyon Road. Leaving the ridgeline, you Larry Whalon he lived here for 25 more years! The second enter a small copse of juniper and pinyon long-term resident was artist Carl Faber, trees that provide welcome shade as the trail Chief Ranger who lived and worked at the Rock House leads you back to the Rock House. DavidMark PeapenburgAshe in the 1980s, selling his artwork to passing travelers. As you walk back to your car, think about Chief, Resource Interpretation

Linda Slater nps c o ll e t i n why you decided to hike this particular trail. A few minutes into the hike, the remains Above: Rock Spring. Below: the Rock House. Was it because of the spring? The presence Newspaper EditorEditors of a milling operation from the 1930s are of water has always attracted humans and MichaelHilary Clark/ Glore Norma Sosa visible near the trail. Rich mineral deposits wildllife, especially in arid regions like the of gold, silver, copper, and other precious Mojave Desert. Still, people have many less Mailing Address metals have been found across this region. Getting There: obvious reasons for journeying to this area 2701 Barstow Road Rock from nearby Watson Wash was hauled that are known only to them. Barstow, CA 92311 here and crushed to release the copper. The Rock Spring Loop Trail Five miles east of the intersection with project met with little success and didn’t last Black Canyon Road (or 10 miles west of Web and E-mail long. Prospectors often just walked away the intersection with Lanfair Road) on www.nps.gov/moja from such sites, leaving everything behind. For e-mail, click “Contact Us” the unpaved but graded Cedar Canyon Road, a signed turn-off leads south to The trail continues to Rock Spring, one in a Park Headquarters the trailhead and parking area. series of springs that dot the Mojave Desert ph: 760-252-6100 fax: 760-252-6174 every 20 to 30 miles, forming a natural travel corridor. This route eventually became The National Park Service cares for the spe- known as the Mojave Trail and later, the cial places saved by the American people so Mojave Road. Water means life in the desert, that all may experience our heritage. so humans and wildlife depended on this spring, as did the livestock later introduced by miners and ranchers.

Essential Information Dates and Hours of Operation The preserve is always open. Information centers (see below) maintain regular hours of operation. must be confined to a leash no longer than six feet in length and never left unattended (including inside vehicles). Dogs used during hunting activities must be under the owner’s control at all times. Fees and Reservations Pet excrement must be collected and disposed of in garbage receptacles. There are currently no entrance fees for Mojave National Preserve. See page 6 for information on campground reservations and fees. Hunting and Firearms Hunting is permitted in accordance with state regulations. All hunting activities require a license; Information Centers additional permits and tags may apply. Visit the California Department of Fish & Game website at Three information centers provide orientation, information, and trip-planning advice. Park rangers http://www.dfg.ca.gov/ for more information. are on duty. Western National Parks Association (WNPA) bookstores offer books, maps, and other Mojave-related items. Target shooting or “plinking” is prohibited. All firearms transported within the preserve must be un- Kelso Depot Visitor Center and the Beanery or lunchcounter loaded, cased, and broken down, except during lawful hunting activities. No shooting is permitted Located 34 miles south of Baker, Calif. on Kelbaker Road. Open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. within 1/2 mile of campgrounds, information centers, Kelso Dunes, and Fort Piute. Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center Located near Hole-in-the-Wall Campground. Winter hours (October–April): Wednesday through Collecting and Vandalism Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Summer hours (May–September) Open intermittently as staff is available. Disturbing, defacing, or collecting plants, animals, rocks, historic or archeological objects is prohib- Headquarters Information Center ited. Please leave these resources—all part of our national heritage—as you find them for everyone Located at 2701 Barstow Road, Barstow, Calif. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. to enjoy. Metal detectors are not allowed.

Permits Private Property Permits are required for all organized events, group events (more than 15 individuals or 7 vehicles), Private inholdings are found throughout the preserve. Please respect the rights of our neighbors. It and commercial activities such as filming. Fees apply. Proof of insurance and posting of a bond is your responsibility to obtain permission before hunting, hiking, or entering private property. might also be required. Call 760-252-6107 or visit www.nps.gov/moja for more information. Cattle and Fences Lodging Most grazing within Mojave National Preserve occurs on public land. This land is open to you to There are no motels within Mojave National Preserve. Lodging may be available in Barstow, Nipton, explore, but please don’t disturb cattle, fences, or water tanks. Leave gates as you find them. Ludlow, Needles, Baker and Twentynine Palms, Calif., and in Primm and Searchlight, Nev. Bicycles Water Bicycles are allowed on dirt and paved roads, but are not allowed on hiking trails unless they are Drinking water is available only at Kelso Depot Visitor Center, Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center, former roads. Bicycles are not allowed in Wilderness Areas or for cross-country travel. Hole-in-the-Wall and Black Canyon Campgrounds, Mid-Hills Campground. Gasoline Firewood & Campfires There are no gasoline stations within Mojave National Preserve—be sure to fill your tank before Wood is scarce in the desert. Cutting or collecting any wood, including downed wood, is prohib- entering. Gasoline can be purchased along I–40 at Needles, Fenner and Ludlow, Calif., along I–15 at ited. All firewood, including kindling, must be brought in. Firewood may be available for purchase Baker, Calif., the Cima Road exit, and Primm, Nev., and along U.S. 95 at Searchlight, at the Nev. 163 in Fenner, California. Campfires are allowed in fire rings in campgrounds and other established sites. junction south of Cal-Nev-Ari, Nev. To minimize your impact, use a firepan and pack out the ashes. Please do not leave fires smoldering Pets or unattended. Though not allowed inside information centers, pets are welcome elsewhere in the preserve. They

2 Mojave National Preserve ter Exploring Mojave nps / linda sla

ScenicScenic Cima Cima Road Road connects connects I-15 I-15 with with Cima, Cima, Calif., Calif., traversing traversing the the world’s world’s largest largest concentration concentration of ofJoshua Joshua trees. trees.

Avenues to Adventure Dirt Road Driving nps c o ll e t i n

Mojave National Preserve is vast. At 1.6 million acres, it is the third largest unit of the National Park Prepare Your Vehicle System in the contiguous United States. While much of Mojave’s wild and historic splendor is avail- Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition: check tires, oil, and gas gauge. able only to those who travel its trails and unmaintained roads, the primary roads of the preserve offer endless opportunities for exploration (see map on page 8). For emergencies, carry tools, tire jack, towrope, extra water, and fluids for your vehicle.

Kelbaker Road Cima Road Know the Rules of the Road All vehicles operating within Mojave National Preserve must be street-legal in accordance A 56-mile paved road stretching from I-15 at About 26 miles east of Baker, Calif., the paved with California DMV requirements, including current registration and tags, lights and turn Baker, Calif. in the north to I-40 east of Ludlow, Cima Road connects I-15 with Cima, Calif., 16 signals, and valid insurance. California “Green Sticker” and “Red Sticker” programs are not Calif. in the south, Kelbaker Road winds past miles to the southeast. recognized within the preserve. cinder cones, lava flows, Kelso Depot, Kelso Dunes, and the Granite Mountains. Cima Dome & Joshua Tree Forest Off-pavement travel is allowed only on existing, open dirt roads. Do not travel cross-country Self-guiding trail, no water. or create new routes. This rule is strictly enforced; violators will receive citations. Driving Cinder Cones & Lava Flows The near-perfect symmetry of Cima Dome rises in washes is not permitted. Watch for and respect Wilderness Boundary signs; motorized No signs or services. 1,500 feet above the surrounding desert and vehicles and bicycles are not allowed in designated Wilderness Areas. About 14 miles southeast of Baker, Kelbaker provides ideal habitat for the world’s largest Road traverses a 25,600-acre area of lava flows concentration of Joshua trees. Although the top Check Road Conditions and volcanic cinder cones thought to range in of the dome is located west of Cima Road near Road conditions vary widely. Dirt roads might be rough, sandy, or muddy, rendering them age from 10,000 to 7 million years old. In 1973, the Teutonia Peak Trailhead, this unusual geo- impassable and the unprepared motorist could be trapped many miles from help. Watch for the area was designated as Cinder Cones Na- logic feature is best seen from a distance. Try cattle, burros, and other wildlife on roadways. tional Natural Landmark due to its scenic beauty the view looking northwest from Cedar Canyon and exceptional geological value. Aiken Mine Road, 2.5 miles east of Kelso Cima Road. Not all roads are shown on all maps; traces and illegal shortcuts add to the confusion. Carry a Road (19 miles southeast of Baker, Calif.) offers good map, and ask a park ranger for current road conditions. an interesting side trip through the heart of the Cedar Canyon & Black area and access to a lava tube. High clearance and four-wheel drive recommended. Canyon Roads Mostly unpaved, the 20-mile Cedar Canyon Kelso Depot Visitor Center Road connects Kelso Cima Road in the west Zzyzx Road Sand & Mud Driving Tips Information, exhibits, orientation film, art gal- with Ivanpah Road in the east, paralleling (and Six miles southwest of Baker on I-15, Zzyzx lery, bookstore, restrooms, water, picnic area. sometimes joining) the historic Mojave Road. Road leads 5 miles south into the preserve along •Be sure to carry plenty of drinking water Located 34 miles southeast of Baker, Kelso De- Black Canyon Road (unpaved north of Hole-in- the western shore of Soda Lake (dry). and emergency supplies. pot began operation in 1924 and served as train the-Wall) connects Cedar Canyon Road with station, restaurant, and employee housing on Essex Road, 20 miles to the south. Zzyzx/Soda Springs •Engage four-wheel drive before entering the Los Angeles and Salt Lake route of the Union Self-guiding trail, wayside exhibits, vault toilets, deep sand or mud. Pacific Railroad. Now Mojave National Preserve’s Rock Spring non-potable water, picnic area. principal information center and museum, ex- Wayside exhibits, vault toilet, picnic table Historically known as Soda Springs and later •Don’t gun the engine—this will spin the tensive exhibits describe the cultural and natural A well-known waterhole for early travelers, Rock renamed Zzyzx (pronounced Zye-zix), this oasis tires, dig you in deeper, and could bury history of the preserve. Historically furnished Spring is located 5.2 miles east of Black Canyon is home to the California State University Desert your vehicle to the frame. Smooth, easy rooms offer a glimpse into Kelso’s past. Road on Cedar Canyon Road, then 1/4 mile south Studies Center. The buildings and pond were power is better than too much power; on a sandy, unmarked road (four-wheel drive developed in the 1940s by Curtis Springer, who use low gearing and just enough throttle Kelso Dunes recommended). Camp Rock Springs, a military operated a health resort at the site. Zzyzx is open to maintain forward movement. Self-guiding trail, vault toilets, no water. redoubt established in 1866, was one of the most to the public—stroll around Lake Tuendae and About 42 miles southeast of Baker (8 miles isolated and comfortless army posts in the West. along the shore of Soda Dry Lake. Please do not •If you detect a loss of traction, turn the south of Kelso Depot), then 3 miles west on disturb participants when classes are in session. steering wheel rapidly from side-to-side— a graded dirt road, Kelso Dunes were created Mid Hills this might help to generate traction. by winds carrying sand grains from the dried Campground, trailhead, vault toilets, water. Not Nipton, Ivanpah & Lanfair Soda Lake and Mojave River Sink located to the recommended for RVs. •If your vehicle gets stuck, place solid northwest. The Providence and Granite moun- About 2 miles west of Black Canyon Road at Roads materials (such as floor mats) under the tains served as barriers that trapped the blowing the north end of Wild Horse Canyon Road, Mid Eleven miles south of Primm, Nev., Nipton Road tires to provide traction. sand. Created over the course of 25,000 years, Hills supports pinyon-juniper woodland habitat. begins at I-15 and passes through Nipton, Calif., the dunes are nearly 700 feet high and cover a The effects of a fire that swept through the 11 miles east. Ivanpah Road (only the 10 north- •If you’re really stuck, it’s best to stay 45-square-mile area. The Kelso Dunes produce area in June 2005 are evident, although several ernmost miles paved) heads southeast of Nipton with your vehicle. A stationary, stranded a “booming” or “singing” sound when sand campsites in the popular campground still con- Road, through the Ivanpah and Lanfair valleys, vehicle is much easier to locate than a with the right moisture content slides down the tain shady stands of pinyon pine and juniper. eventually connecting with the paved Lanfair person traveling on foot. Avoid strenuous steep slopes. Try it for yourself—run down a Road and the Fenner Valley. Together stretching activity during the heat of the day; stay in dune slope (but don’t trample vegetation!) to Hole-in-the-Wall 46 miles, Ivanpah and Lanfair Roads connect the the shade of your vehicle. initiate the sound. Information center, bookstore, campgrounds, northern preserve boundary (bordering Nipton picnic area, trailhead, restroom, water, telephone. Road) with the southern near Goffs, Calif. Granite Mountains Just north of the junction of Black Canyon and No signs or services. the south end of Wild Horse Canyon Roads, Hotel Nipton Lanfair Valley An imposing jumble of granite marks the south rhyolite cliffs riddled with holes and hollows are Privately-operated hotel, store, & campground; No signs or services. entrance to the preserve, 50 miles southeast of the backdrop for Hole-in-the-Wall. for info. call 760 856-2335 or email at South of the New York Mountains along Baker on Kelbaker Road. Portions of the Granite [email protected]. Ivanpah and Lanfair roads, this high valley Mountains lie within the University of Califor- Piute Spring Built in 1910, this charming hotel reflects the shelters an impressive Joshua tree forest and railroad, ranching, and mining history of the was an early ranching and homesteading nia’s Desert Research Center; please respect the About 7.4 miles west of U.S. 95 on the un- small community at Nipton. center. From 1893 until 1923, the Nevada signs that mark the boundary. High clearance marked and unpaved Mojave Road, then 3.1 Southern Railway ran up the valley from and four-wheel drive recommended. miles west on an extremely rough unmarked Caruthers Canyon Goffs, providing services to homesteaders dirt road. High clearance and four-wheel Primitive camping, hiking, no signs or services. and ranchers in the valley and to miners in Clark Mountain drive recommended. About 5.5 miles west of Ivanpah Road on New the mountains beyond. While little evidence No signs or services. York Mountains Road, then 2.7 miles north on remains of homesteads that once dotted the The only portion of Mojave National Preserve Fort Piute and Piute Spring an unsigned road, Caruthers Canyon is located valley, tracts of private property still exist. north of I-15, Clark Mountain is also its highest Trails, wayside exhibits, no signs or services. in the rugged New York Mountains. Surrounded Please respect the rights of landowners. point, at 7,929 feet. A relict white fir grove Willows, cottonwoods, and rushes thrive along by mountains rising over 7,500 feet, a botani- near the top is one of only three in the Mojave a half-mile section of Piute Creek. Fort Piute (still cal “island” of chaparral plants remains from Desert. Check detailed maps or ask a ranger for visible) was one in a string of military outposts wetter times of the past. High clearance and access information. High clearance and four- built along the Mojave Road. Please don’t climb four-wheel drive recommended. wheel drive recommended. on the foundations or remove anything.

Mojave National Preserve 3 Looking Back C O U RTE S Y /V E NIC BUNK ER NPS C O LL Ec t i o n Books and More! Top left: Mrs. Hayden teacher, and Mrs. Warner, bus driver stand by the Kelso schoolbus. Adjacent: Renovated exterior and interior of Kelso’s school.

Phillip Gomez, Park Ranger Kelso’s Schoolhouse: Then and Now Western National Parks Association Phillip Gomez, Park Ranger (WNPA) is one of at least 64 associa- For Three Years Glenn DeVoGe’s Father, 86, Also Still working as a conductor on U.P. freight trains, DeVoge recent- tions that work in partnership with the named Glenn, went to school at the “one-room” Kelso school- ly stepped off a train briefly stopped at the depot to come inside National Park Service to support park house along the north side of Kelso-Cima Road, half a mile from and show a co-worker around his old haunts. Just as DeVoge Jr’s programs and to assist park visitors in the Kelso Depot Visitor Center. father once plodded to school on his horse and his grandfather making connections with the special swept the dust from his store, “living history” still haunts this places they come to experience. That was during the Great Depression. He lived in a boarding desert oasis. house on the north side of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and Since 1936, Congress has recognized would ride a horse to school, his son said during a recent visit to cooperating associations for support- ing the Park Service in its educational the depot. Tiny Kelso, then and now, is a company town, owned and preservation goals, accomplished by the Union Pacific Railroad–the corporate behemoth born dur- through bookstore sales, membership ing the Civil War with the word “Union” reflecting half its birth support, book and publication develop- certificate. ment, research funding, and special events. For the past year or so, the National Park Service has been restor- ing the Kelso schoolhouse, which was shuttered a half-century WNPA donates a percentage of the rev- ago. But instead of school kids getting an education, park visitors enues gained from sales; more than $4 will learn about what it was like to attend school on this 20th- million annually to 66 park affiliates. The century frontier in the Mojave Desert. association also operates an online store, at www.wnpa.org with more than 600 The Park Service financed the $247,000 restoration project from educational and inspirational products and publications that make park visits special project funding for maintaining historic structures said more meaningful and memorable. Linda Slater, Chief, Resource Interpretation. “Our goal is to staff the building with a park volunteer and allow people inside,” The association has, as one of its found- Slater said. She indicated that visiting school groups may soon get

ing goals, the publication of park-related their “lessons” in the old schoolhouse taught by “living history” COURTESY/HOLLIS T. FRANCOM information not readily available else- rangers presenting special programs. Above: 1933 class photo, Kelso Schoolhouse; Glenn DeVoge Sr. stands behind where. girl (chin hidden by her head) in the next to last row, far right. His brother is in However, the schoolhouse interior needs to be decorated and the front row, second from left. Currently, more than 175 books have furnished appropriately to make it authentic. Before opening it been published and kept in print, with on a permanent basis, the National Park Service will prepare a many new publications introduced historic furnishings plan detailing how the schoolhouse would annually. Since its founding, WNPA has have looked during the 1940s when the population of Kelso was contributed $55 million to the parks. at its peak. In the meantime, park staff will allow access to the Stop by the WNPA bookstores at Kelso schoolhouse as circumstances afford. and the Hole-in-the Wall Visitor Centers and check out the wide array of books Other old ruined buildings seen along Kelso-Cima Road are on geology, history, and ecology as well located on private property and are ineligible for restoration us- as other items available for purchase. ing public funds. The schoolhouse is the exception; it’s publicly Your purchases help parks by generat- owned, part of the preserve, and part of Kelso’s humble story ing revenue for interpretative programs, connecting the community to the more grandiose Spanish educational outreach, and park research. Revival-style train depot.

President Abraham Lincoln, whose picture hung in many a class- room, spoke in the First Inaugural Address of the “mystic chords of memory” that united long-passed Americans with present generations. At places like Kelso, those chords are still strong, hardly frayed at all. Glenn DeVoge’s grandfather worked as the foreman of the Walking Box Ranch near Searchlight before run- ning a general store on Kelso’s south side, where most residents live today. DeVoge’s father, after his schooling at Kelso, worked for the U.P. for 42 years, though not on the Kelso-Yermo line. Glenn DeVoge Jr. used to sleep in one of the upstairs rooms at the

nps c o ll e t i n depot “clubhouse,” as it was then called, and took his meals at the nps c o ll e t i n NPS C O LL Ec t i o n Beanery. That was in the early 1980s, shortly before the restaurant Julia Cronk, Western National Parks Association NPS COLLECTION Entrance to Kelso’s renovated schoolhouse Bookstore Manager, at the Kelso Depot. closed for business in 1985. New Books on History Phillip Gomez, Park Ranger The Bookstore in the KeLSO DEPOT Fe (BNSF), the successor railroad to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa century as the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. Its rails then linked Lake Visitor Center has added two new titles fo- Fe. Historian and attorney Walter R. Borneman presents a dazzling Superior with the Gulf of Mexico and the Missouri River with the cusing on the transcontinental railroads–the account of how the western railroads got built in the aftermath of the West Coast. The southern route from Chicago to Los Angeles was nation’s first rails systems to traverse the Civil War. With the linkage of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific at the most famous route, passing as it did through the heart of the West from the Great Plains to the Pacific Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869, other railroads began engineer- scenic Southwest, including the Mojave Desert. This route became, Coast. Connecting rail links with eastern ing routes and laying a network of rails across the West. (The Na- in Borneman’s words, “the most significant of the nation’s transcon- seaboard cities made these railways truly tional Park Service commemorates the meeting of the two initial rail- tinental railroads.” “transcontinental.” roads at Golden Spike National Historic Site in north-central Utah.) The “race” in the book’s title was the rivalry among capitalists to be Mojave National Preserve encompasses But Borneman pays particular attention to the ancestors of the red first to build across the desert Southwest on the most direct, most sn- sandy, rugged terrain bisected by the Union and yellow diesels seen today alongside old Route 66. Beginning in ow-free line, with tracks over the easiest grades to tidewater on the Pacific and traversed along its southern the 1850s as a small railroad in the Kansas Territory called the Leav- Pacific Coast. boundary by the Burlington Northern-Santa enworth Pawnee & Western, it emerged toward the end of the 19th Continued on next page...

4 Mojave National Preserve CLA R K nps / HILA RY Nature and Science Above: Bighorn sheep find reprieve from the heat under a desert shrub. Center: A tarantula in a defensive posture.

Youth Quail Hunt Beware: The Male Tarantulas are Coming! Rana Knighten, Park Ranger Neal Darby, Wildlife BIologist

Hunting has long been part of the STARTING EVERY SEPTEM- ars, the odds are good that you will spot American culture and heritage. Mojave BEr, the tarantulas crawl out a male tarantula from September through National Preserve is one of 69 national of holes and crevasses scat- November along the preserve roads. parklands in which hunting is permit- tered across the desert floor. ted. In an effort to connect youth and They come out in force, just in Unfortunately, roads and tarantulas don’t families to their public lands, Mojave time to add to your Hallow- mix. Hundreds of tarantulas are killed every National Preserve, in cooperation with een fright. They crawl across year by motorists, making it more difficult the California Department of Fish and the Mojave searching for one for the biologists to protect and conserve Game Commission, Safari Club Inter- thing. Nothing impedes their national, and others, is hosting the them. There are no easy solutions, but slow- search. On mountains and second annual Youth Quail and Chukar ing down below posted speed limits and Hunt. Last year, seventeen young hunt- across valleys they search for avoiding driving over objects in the road can ers bagged a total of two chukar and fresh blood . . . well, actually, give male tarantulas and other wildlife a bet-

twenty-four Gambel’s quail. they search for female taran- nps / g eor e lau ter bach ter chance of not getting struck by a vehicle. tulas. Male tarantulas and other wildlife can’t The event is open to anyone 18 and always adapt to human activities. Give’em a younger who has successfully com- Biologists recognize more than 800 differ- Throughout the world, there has never been brake! pleted a hunter safety class and has ent species of tarantulas worldwide. They a confirmed human fatality from a tarantula the necessary licenses. An experienced are found everywhere except the Arctic and bite or from contact with stinging hairs. Hy- hunter will act as a mentor and guide Antarctica. As the world’s largest spiders, drocortisone cream can help relieve symp- FEATURE CREATURE while young people pursue these elu- some species grow over a foot long. Local toms from an encounter with a tarantula. sive game birds. Participants will enjoy Mojave tarantulas rarely get much larger talks on the Mojave Desert, as well as than five inches. Their large size, large pin- You’ll rarely see tarantulas in the wild, as they lessons on gun, and backcountry safety. spend almost all their time in burrows. At Experienced sportsmen will talk about cers or fangs, intimidating defense posture, night they sit at burrow entrances or wander Mojave game birds, proper field and and the fact that they are hairy has made short distances to ambush insects, spiders, dressing techniques, and hunting and them staples in Halloween horrors and wilderness ethics. Parents are encour- nightmares. In reality, tarantulas are very and other prey. In the fall, however, the male aged to attend, but cannot hunt. docile and are even kept as pets. tarantulas come out at all hours in search of females. After mating with females, male ta- This year’s youth hunt will be held Like most animals, however, they will defend rantulas need to leave quickly, or possibly get October 29 through October 30 at the themselves by biting, and the bites can leave devoured by the mother of their babies! Black Canyon Group and Equestrian a painful wound, much like a bee sting. Campground. Breakfast and dinner will North American species are famous for The threat of being eaten by their female be provided on Saturday. The event is throwing ultricating, or stinging hairs, found mate and their constant wandering equates limited to the first 25 participants who on the tarantula’s abdomen. to a short life for male tarantulas. Seven years register. Late registrants will be placed is considered old for a male tarantula in the on a waiting list. For more informa- wild. The females, however, can live up to 35 tion or to register, contact Neal Darby, When threatened, the tarantula breaks the years and longer. wildlife biologist for Mojave National hairs from its body and kicks them towards Preserve at (760) 252-6146. the threat. It is even more painful if the hairs embed in the eyes or mucous membranes Under the appropriate conditions, these c o u rte s y/t im h e ns o n of the mouth and nose. The reaction to the arachnids that make an appearance in the fall

stinging hairs depends on your sensitivity. can, sometimes, come out en masse, num- T IM H E NS En Co u rte s ry/ A blister beetle munches on wild heliotrope. Tartantulas are venomous, but not deadly. bering in the thousands. Even in the lean ye-

New Books on History (continued from page 4)

“The author does a wonderful job bringing styles of architecture for many public build- to life the personalities of the larger-than-life ings sporting a Southwestern “look.” El men who led the rails west,” said one review- Tovar became the model for the style known er, “Great, readable history.” as National Park Rustic; the Spanish Mis- sion Revival style was imitated by the Union Half a century before Howard Johnson Pacific Railroad in the design of California forged a franchised chain of quality restau- and Nevada train depots, including Kelso’s, rants along the East Coast in the early 1930s, in the 1920s. These cultural fashions, gleaned Fred Harvey was the household name in from Santa Fe, N.M., added immeasurably to NPS COLLECTION food service and lodging across the South- the prestige of the Santa Fe Railroad and the west. But Harvey’s vast organization of “eat- popularity of Native American art.

ing houses” and lodges was laid out before NPS C O LL E T I N the advent of our car culture; the Fred Har- Author Stephen Fried tells Fred Harvey’s Mike Williams, manager of the Kelso Beanery, reads Appetite for America. The Union Pacific, which built vey Company contracted with the Santa Fe story as it intersects with socio-economic, the Kelso Depot in 1924, was in fierce competition Railroad to provide rail passengers with its technological, and political developments in- with Santa Fe’s Harvey Houses. trademark customer service. “Harvey Girls” the nation, from the Battle of the Little Big in black and white waitress garb served horn in distant Montana to the arrival of au- Read all about it! train passengers elegant meals with English tos, telephones radio, two depressions, and silverware and fine Irish linens; Harvey and television. Rival Rails: The Race to Build America’s his son Ford created a hospitalty empire–the Greatest Transcontinental Railroad by first national chain of lunchrooms, hotels, “If you like history and are looking for Walter R Borneman gift and curio shops–before McDonald’s, something unusal and uplifting to read,” Hardcover at $28.00 Mariott hotels, Starbucks, and Hallmark one reviewer wrote, “I highly recommend came onto the scene. Grand hotels, such ‘Appetite for America.’ You will see west- Appetite for America: Fred Harvey as the Alvarado in Albuquerque and the El ward expansion in a whole new light.” and the Business of Civilizing the Tovar at the Grand Canyon, inspired Spanish Wild West by Stephen Fried Paperback at $18.00 colonial, Mission-Revival and Pueblo Indian

Mojave National Preserve 5 Campingnps c o ll e t i n & Backcountry Travel Roadside camping and hiking opportunities abound at the 1.6 million acre Mojave National Preserve. If you visit in the spring, you may see Joshua trees in bloom. Campgrounds

Backcountry Guidelines & Regulations Hole-in-the-Wall Campground Facilities: vault toilets, trash receptacles, potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, dump Backcountry camping—backpacking, roadside camping, and station; no utility hookups. horsepacking—requires careful planning in order to ensure a safe Fees: $12 per site per night, $6 for America the Beautiful Senior/Access Pass holders. and rewarding experience. Visitors should adhere to National Park Reservations: not accepted; campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Service regulations and are further encouraged to follow Leave nps collection At 4,400 feet in elevation, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is surrounded by sculptured No Trace guidelines to minimize their impact on the fragile desert volcanic rock walls and makes a great basecamp for hikers (see p.7) and for exploring environment. nearby Mitchell Caverns in the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area. Thirty-five campsites accommodate RVs and tents; two walk-in sites are also available. Leave No Trace information is rooted in scientific studies and com- mon sense. The message is framed under seven Leave No Trace Mid Hills Campground Principles presented below with accompanying regulations and Facilities: vault toilets, trash receptacles, potable water, fire rings, picnic tables; no guidelines specific to Mojave National Preserve: dump station or utility hookups. Fees: $12 per site per night, $6 for America the Beautiful Senior/Access Pass holders. 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare Reservations: not accepted; campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. •There is no permit or registration system for backcountry The Hackberry Fire swept through the Mid Hills area in June 2005, burning much of camping at Mojave National Preserve; be sure to notify others the vegetation. About half of the 26 campsites were left unharmed, however—they of your travel itinerary. remain surrounded by pinyon pine and juniper trees. At 5,600 feet in elevation, Mid •Few established trails exist; carry a good map and familiarize Hills is much cooler than the desert floor below. The access road is unpaved and is not yourself with desert travel and survival skills before beginning

recommended for motorhomes or trailers.

n n n o o o i i i t t t c c c e e e ll ll ll o o o c c c nps nps your trip. nps Black Canyon Equestrian & Group Campground 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Facilities: corrals, vault toilets, trash receptacles, potable water, fire ring, grill, picnic •Reuse existing campsites (required for roadside camping—see shelter with tables. below). Fees: $25 per group per night. •Do not make camp in a dry wash—flash floods develop Reservations: required; call 760 928-2572 or 760 252-6104 quickly in the desert. Located across the road from Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center. Horses and riders •Camping is limited to a maximum of 14 consecutive days per are welcome at Mojave National Preserve! Permits required for large groups (see p.2 visit/stay and 30 total days per year. for permit information). •Campsites must be more than 200 yards from any water

source. nps collection •Camping is not permitted: within 1/4 mile of any paved road; within 1/2 mile of Fort Piute or Kelso Depot; within 1 mile north Nearby Camping Areas (i.e., the crest of the dunes) or 1/4 mile south of the Kelso Dunes access road. Afton Canyon 25 miles southwest of Baker on I-15, has a BLM 3. Dispose of Waste Properly campground with tables and fire rings for $6 per •Store all food and garbage in a manner that will prevent ac- night. cess by wildlife. Carry plastic bags and pack out all trash. •Bury human waste in catholes 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 Commercial camping is also available at Baker, feet from water, camp, and trails. Pack out all toilet paper and Barstow, Needles, and Nipton, Calif. hygiene products.

4. Leave What You Find •Disturbing, defacing, or collecting plants, animals, rocks, and historic or archeological objects is prohibited. As part of our na- Roadside Camping tional heritage, these resources should be left as they are found Roadside vehicle camping is permitted in areas that have been traditionally used for this purpose. Camping tramples vegeta- for all to enjoy. Metal detectors are not allowed. tion and disturbs soils. By reusing existing sites, you help protect the desert from further damage. Many roadside camping sites cannot accommodate multiple vehicles; please don’t enlarge sites. Do not camp along paved roads or in day-use areas, 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts and stay at least 200 yards from all water sources. •Campfires are allowed in established fire rings only, or with use of a portable firepan (be sure to pack out ashes). Do not The National Park Service encourages roadside campers to use the following, selected sites: leave fires smoldering or unattended. Near Kelbaker Road: •Cutting or collecting any wood, including downed wood, is Near Cima Road: Rainy Day Mine Site prohibited. All firewood must be brought into the preserve. Sunrise Rock 15.2 miles southeast of Baker on Kelbaker 12 miles south of I-15 on the east side of Cima Road, then 0.3 miles northeast on the unsigned 6. Respect Wildlife Road. Trailhead for Teutonia Peak Trail is nearby and very sandy road to the Rainy Day Mine. on the opposite side of Cima Road. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors Four-wheel drive recommended; no RVs. Granite Pass Near Black Canyon Road: 6.1 miles north of I-40 on Kelbaker Road, just Black Canyon Road north of Granite Pass, then west on one of This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission 5.2 miles south of Hole-in-the-Wall Information several access roads. Campsites are located from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. For more infor- Center on the east side of Black Canyon Road, just north of the granite spires. High clearance mation or materials, please visit www.LNT.org or call 303-442-8222. near rock piles. vehicle recommended; no RVs. Kelso Dunes Mine Near Ivanpah and Cedar Canyon Roads: 4 miles west of Kelbaker Road on the unpaved Caruthers Canyon Kelso Dunes Road. One campsite is located 5.5 miles west of Ivanpah Road on New York south of the road, 1/4 mile past the marked Mountains Road, then 1.5 to 2.7 miles north to trailhead. Several others are available 3/4 mile campsites. High clearnace and four-wheel drive beyond, near a clump of trees. Except at these recommended; no RVs. sites, roadside camping is prohibited along Kelso Dunes Road (including at the trailhead).

6 Mojave National Preserve Hiking nps c o ll e t i n

Hikers at Mojave National Preserve can enjoy a variety of challenges, with sweeping views, solitude, and nearly 800,000 acres of designated Wilderness.

Although there are few established hiking trails in Mojave National Pre- serve, abandoned dirt roads, washes, and ridge lines offer an abundance of cross-country hiking opportunities. Numbers on map show general locations of trails and routes listed below.

All trails and routes listed below are shown on the National Geo- graphic Trails Illustrated topographic map for Mojave National Preserve. This and other maps are available for purchase at the Kelso Depot Visitor Center and the Hole- in-the-Wall Information Center. 2 11 9 10

1 Mitchell Caverns remains 12 closed indefinitely 65 43 Linda Slater, Chief, Resource Interpretation

Visitors to Mojave’s Hole-in-the-Wall Campground often include a tour of 7 Mitchell Caverns as part of their activi- 8 ties….but no more. State budget problems have forced the shutdown of this beloved desert attraction.

Providence Mountains State Recreation

n o i t c e ll o c nps Area, home to Mitchell Caverns, is a California State Park located within the boundaries of Mojave National Preserve. Developed Trails State park officials shut down operations in January 2011. State officials decided 1) Lake Tuendae Nature Trail to close the park when employee retire- Trailhead: Zzyzx parking area, 5 miles south of 6) Barber Peak Loop Trail dirt road. Bear left at the first fork, right at the ments coincided with problems in the I-15 on Zzyzx Road. Trailhead: Parking area for walk-in tent sites at second, then continue to a parking area. Four- functioning of the water system. Enjoy an easy, self-guided, 1/4-mile stroll around Hole-in-the-Wall Campground. wheel drive recommended. Lake Tuendae. Wayside exhibits along the trail The preserve’s newest trail, this 6-mile loop Hike the deteriorating closed road into Keystone Meanwhile, shortfalls in the California reveal the rich cultural and natural history of this encircles Barber Peak just west of Hole-in-the- Canyon, ascending the New York Mountains. state budget caused lawmakers in Sacra- oasis on the preserve’s western boundary. Wall Campground, passes the Opalite Cliffs, and Continue cross-country to the top of the ridge mento to ask that state agencies identify returns to Hole-in-the-Wall via Banshee Canyon. for spectacular views. Hike is 3 miles one-way. possible budget cuts. In May 2011, Cali- 2) Teutonia Peak Trail fornia State Parks released its closure list, Trailhead: 12 miles south of I-15, or 5 miles 10) Caruthers Canyon and Providence Mountains was among Recommended Routes Start: Primitive campsites in Caruthers Canyon, the 70 parks included. Although closures north of Cima, Calif. on Cima Road. Warning: the routes described below are 5.5 miles west of Ivanpah Road on New York for most parks on the list won’t go into Explore the world’s densest Joshua tree forest not established trails; trailheads might Mountains Road, then 2.7 miles north on un- effect until July 2012, California State en route to a rocky peak with expansive views be unidentifiable or nonexistent. Check a signed road. High clearance and four-wheel Parks’ officials decided not to invest in re- of Cima Dome and beyond. 4 miles round-trip. detailed map and consult a park ranger for drive recommended. pairs to the park’s infrastructure during a route information. Maps and guidebooks Hike 3 miles one-way through a rocky basin to time of shrinking budgets, so Providence 3) Hole-in-the-Wall Nature Trail are available at information centers. Trailhead: Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center an abandoned gold-mining area. Do not enter Mountains State Recreation Area remains mine shafts or climb on abandoned structures; closed. and Campground, 20 miles north of I-40 on 7) Kelso Dunes Essex and Black Canyon roads. they are unstable and extremely dangerous. Start: 3 miles west of Kelbaker Road on the Mitchell Caverns was initially developed Learn to identify desert plants on this easy, 1/2- well-graded, but unpaved Kelso Dunes Road. 11) Castle Peaks Corridor as a privately operated tourist attrac- mile round-trip hike. Trailheads at Hole-in-the- Hikers at sunrise and sunset are treated to both Start: 4.9 miles east of Ivanpah Road on signed tion by Jack and Ida Mitchell in the early Wall Information Center and Campground. cooler temperatures and the rose-colored glow Hart Mine Road; left at fork, then 0.9 miles, 1930s. Jack Mitchell died in 1954, and of the dunes. The roughly 3-mile round-trip hike left at fork, then 3.4 miles, crossing an earthen his family turned the property over to 4) Rings Loop Trail might take several hours as you slog through berm; left at fork, then 1 mile more to where the state. Two years later, in 1956 it was Trailhead: Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center the sand, then slide down the slopes. parking area, 20 miles north of I-40 on Essex road ends. High clearance and four-wheel added to the California State Park system. drive recommended. and Black Canyon roads. 8) Quail Basin For excellent views of the Castle Peak spires, Over the years, California State Parks has Discover how Hole-in-the-Wall got its name as Start: 12.5 miles north of I-40 on Kelbaker walk 4 miles one-way up the closed road to the made many improvements to the cav- you ascend through narrow Banshee Canyon Road, then 1 mile east on an unmarked dirt with the help of metal rings mounted in the ridgetop and beyond into a small canyon. erns, including the development of a safe road. Park at junction with closed dirt road pathway through the caverns, a tunnel rock. The 11/2-mile round-trip hike connects heading south. High clearance and four- 12) Piute Creek connecting the two principal caves, and to the Mid Hills to Hole-in-the-Wall Trail (see wheel drive recommended. Start: 9.5 miles east of the junction of Lanfair installation of a lighting system. However, below). Follow the route to the south to a road that Valley and Cedar Canyon roads on a dirt utility the caverns’ remote location and lack loops around a small valley. After walking the road, then 0.5 miles north. High clearance of connection to the electrical grid have 5) Mid Hills to Hole-in-the-Wall Trail loop, return via the same route. The 6.5-mile and four-wheel drive recommended. contributed to the difficulties in its opera- Trailheads: Entrance to Mid Hills Campground, round-trip route leads past jumbled rocks into Hike 6.5 miles round-trip through colorful Piute tion and maintenance. With continuing and about 1 mile west of Black Canyon Road on a small valley of Mojave yucca and juniper sur- Gorge and explore the ruins of Fort Piute, built weakness in the economy and ongoing the south end of Wild Horse Canyon Road. rounded by granite outcroppings. Hike 8 miles, one-way, through a maze of and manned in the 1860s to protect mail and fiscal issues for California State Parks, travelers on the Mojave Road. A perennial the future of Mitchell Caverns remains washes decorated with barrel and cholla cacti, 9) Keystone Canyon stream near the fort, rare in the Mojave, sup- uncertain. then through the Hackberry Fire burned area. Start: 18 miles south of Nipton Road on Ivanpah ports riparian plants and animals. Return to your Total elevation gain is 1,200 feet. Watch care- Road, then 2.5 miles west on an unmarked fully for trail route markers. vehicle via an unused trace of the Mojave Road.

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5mi 8km ae ed National Mead Lake Joshua T Death Valley National Park Mojave National Preserve National Park Service Lake Mead National R ecreation Area Joshua T Death Valley National Park Calico Ghost T Anza Borrego Desert State Park Nearby Parklands Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center Hole-in-the-Wall Fire Center Center Kelso Depot Visitor Barstow Headquarters O ffice Mojave National Preserve San Bernardino County Sheriff - Needles San Bernardino County Sheriff - Baker Federal Interagency Communications Center Emergency 911 Telephone Directory US Federal government jobs US Federal government Leave No T Desert California information Wilderness Desert Discovery Center Desert T DesertUSA wildflower reports Sweeney Granite Mtns. Desert R esearch Ctr. Bureau of Land Management Desert Studies Institute (Zzyzx) Wesstern National Parks Association Printed on 60% post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based inks ortoise data and information ree National Park ree National Park race own ceto Area R ecreation

Mileages Mojave National Preserve U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service www.usajobs.opm.gov www.lnt.org www.californiadesert.gov www.wilderness.net www.discoverytrails.org/welcome1.html www.deserttortoise.gov www.desertusa.com/wildflo/wildupdates http://nrs.ucop.edu/Sweeney-Granite.htm www.blm.gov http://biology.fullerton.edu/dsc/ www.wnpa.org www.nps.gov/lame www.nps.gov/jotr www.nps.gov/deva www.nps.gov/moja www.nps.gov 702 293-8990 760 367-5500 760 786-2331 760 254-2122 760 767-4205 760 928-2572 760 252-6104 or 760 928-2573 760 252-6108 760 252-6100 760 326-9200 760 733-4448 909 383-5651