Black and Opal Mountain
AreaMap Satellite
This large area supports a sparse creosote bush scrub community which includes Larrea tridentata, Ephedra sp., Atriplex sp., Bebbia juncea, and Ambrosia dumosa. There is a small amount of Joshua tree woodland. The relatively restricted Psorothamnus arborescens occurs in the area.
Animals are comparatively abundant, particularly birds. A number of raptors nest in the area, including the red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, and the uncommon prairie falcon, Falco mexicanus. Reptiles are found in fair abundance here.
Geologically, the area includes some Mesozoic granitics but much of the region is of Miocene or Pleistocene volcanics in origin. There are nonmarine Miocene sediments bearing the fossil Barstovian fauna. A variety of minerals is also present.
Numerous sites of archaeological interest are found here.
Integrity: There are several roads in the area and some off-road vehicle damage has occurred. Some of the archaeological materials have been defaced or removed.
Use: Research, educational, observational. Some private holdings. A sizeable portion of the area has been tentatively designated an Outstanding Natural Area.
December 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
