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Map Satellite In this area, particularly in Freeman Canyon, are excellent stands of Joshua trees, Yucca brevifolia var. herbertii, amidst the dominant creosote bush scrub. In addition to Larrea tridentata, the scrub includes arrowscale, Atriplex phyllostegia, indigo bush, Dalea fremontii var. saundersii, and Mormon tea, Ephedra nevadensis. Some grassland, composed primarily of exotics, is found in the area. In the higher elevations there is a pinyon pine, Pinus monophylla, woodland. Several rare plants occur in the area, Phacelia nashiana, Camissonia kernensis var. kernensis, and Galium angustifolium var. onycense. Animals are abundant. Of note are the chuckwalla, Sauromalus obesus, desert night lizard, Xantusia vigilis, golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos, the prairie falcon, Falco mexicanus, and the Walker Pass pocket mouse, Perognathus xanthonotus; the latter has an extremely restricted range. In most of the area the underlying rock is granite; the ridge separating the two canyons is composed of Mesozoic metasedimentaries intruded by Mesozoic hornblende and gabbro. Integrity: A highway passes through the area, as does an aqueduct, and there is grazing in the area. Portions, particularly in Indian Wells Canyon, are heavily impacted. Use: Research, educational, observational, light recreation. Some private land. May 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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