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Map Satellite Grapevine Canyon lies between the Panamint and Nelson ranges and drains into the southeastern part of Saline Valley.
There is a variety of plant communities present, including creosote bush scrub, Joshua tree woodland, pinyon-juniper woodland and a riparian association. Some of the more prominent plants on the canyon sides are hop sage, Grayia spinosa, box-thorn, Lycium pallidum, and blackbush, Coleogyne ramosissima.
Along the canyon bottom a riparian association occurs which here includes cottonwood, Populus fremontii, willow, Salix sp., and desert grape, Vitis girdiana.
A number of animals inhabit the canyon, some of limited distribution. The Panamint alligator lizard, Gerrhonotus panamintinus, and the Panamint chipmunk, Eutamias panamintinus, are found here, as are the Panamint kangaroo rat, Dipodomys panamintinus, and the gray shrew, Notiosorex crawfordi. The desert bighorn, Ovis canadensis, is a regular visitor within the canyon.
There are several springs in the area and during most of the year there is moving water in the stream course.
Integrity: A road crosses a portion of the area and there are some campsites. Feral burros and horses grazing the area have impacted some of the vegetation.
Use: Research, educational, observational, Some private.
May 1982
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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