Picacho and Quartz

At the southeastern end of the Chocolate mountains, this rugged area includes broad washes and steep-sided mountains dominated by Quartz Peak, 663 meters (2,177 feet), and Picacho Peak, 550-plus meters (1,800-plus feet).

Vegetation is primarily creosote bush scrub, with mesquite, Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana, desert ironwood, Olneya tesota, and ocotillo, Fouquieria splendens, among the more conspicuous plants. The rare Ditaxis californica occurs in the area.

The bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis, is found here in competition with the feral burro for the limited forage and water. Numerous other desert mammals, birds and reptiles are present.

The geology of the area is complex and the exposed rocks range from Precambrian igneous and metamorphics to Pleistocene nonmarine sedimentaries. There is some Quaternary alluvium. The dominant rock forms in much of the area are Tertiary volcanics, possibly of Plio-Pleistocene date. Picacho Peak appears to be a plug-dome, volcanic outcropping. There are several faults in the area.

Integrity: The area is virtually undisturbed. There are several abandoned mines, including a gold mine, near Picacho Peak, which was in operation in the late 18th century, as well as some jeep trails in the area.

Use: Research, educational, observational, light recreation. Portions are private.

September 1976