Lafair and Round Valleys
Map SatelliteIn Lanfair Valley, a large, flat, high desert plain which slopes gently to the east, are some dense concentrations of Joshua trees, Yucca brevifolia, and Mojave yucca, Yucca schidigera. The latter are notable in terms of height, often exceeding 4.5 meters (15 feet). Yucca brevifolia var. jaegeriana is abundant here. Several Opuntia species are also found here. In Round Valley, connecting to the west, there is a pinyon-juniper-sagebrush community which is quite unusual for the Mojave. The sage appears to be Artemisia nova.
There is a typical high desert fauna which is here perhaps more abundant than in other similar areas due to Rock Springs and other springs and reservoirs in the area. Feral burros are present.
The floor of Lanfair Valley is of Quaternary alluvium crossed by several washes. Several small granitic hills rise up to 200 meters (650 feet) above the plain.
The Old Government Road traverses the area and at Rock Springs there are ruins of a fort. Various archaeological sites are located within the area.
Integrity: There are various structures, tanks, a landing strip, roads, etc., in the area which is used for cattle grazing.
Use: Research, educational, present.
December 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman