Wildhorse Mesa
Map SatelliteBordered by steep cliffs cut by rugged ravines, this is the largest volcanic mesa in the Mojave Desert.
Sloping gradually from the north to the south, the vegetation changes from a pinyon-juniper woodland (Pinus monophylla and Juniperus osteosperma) in the higher northern elevations to a creosote bush scrub in the lower south. There is also some sagebrush scrub on the mesa. Noteworthy species found here include Yucca baccata, Krameria erecta, Thamnosma montana, Lycium spp., Eriogonum spp., and Opuntia spp. Rare species include Agave utahensis var. nevadensis, which is nearing the southern limits of its range here, and Tetradymia argyraea.
There is a rich desert fauna including the desert bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis, and mountain lion, Felis concolor. Porcupines, Erethizon dorsatum, have been sighted here.
The basaltic mesa cap and other rock formations date from the late Miocene. Opal and petrified wood have been found here. Natural tanques and intermittent streams occur in the area. Traces of Indian cultures are common.
Integrity: Though there has been some logging, the inaccessibility of the area has prevented extensive grazing; consequently the mesa vegetation is virtually undisturbed. Vandalism is occurring since the opening of a campsite nearby.
Use: Educational, research, observational.
December 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
