Turtle Mountains Wilderness
California
The Turtle Mountains Wilderness area ranges from broad bajadas to highly eroded volcanic peaks, spires, and cliffs. The Mopah Range contains the two signature Mopah Peaks, which are rhyodactic or volcanic plugs. The northern most peak is a landmark known as Mexican Hat. The area has numerous springs and seeps. Much of the Turtle Mountain range has been designated as a National Natural Landmark in recognition of its exceptional natural values.
Dominate vegetation consists of the creosote bush-bur sage and the palo verde-cactus shrub ecosystems. In the washes, Colorado/Sonoran microphylla woodlands can be found. These woodlands include such things as palo verde, smoke tree, honey mesquite, and catclaw. Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners, golden eagles, prairie falcons, rattlesnakes, and several species of lizards. The desert tortoise is found within the wilderness area, and northwestern and northeastern portions of the wilderness area are considered critical habitat. The wilderness is located in the southern portion of the sector and consists of 177,209 acres. OHV activity is common along the boundaries of wilderness.
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Nearby Discoveries
12 places to explore within 30 miles
Mopah Peak Hiking Trail
7.2 miles away
Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp
8.2 miles away
Stepladder Mountains Wilderness
16.8 miles away · 1.0 ★Camp Clipper Divisional Camp -Patton
16.9 miles away · 5.0 ★Savahia Peak Rock Collecting Area
18.4 miles away · 5.0 ★Snaggeltooth Primitive RV Camp
22.4 miles away · 4.2 ★Old Woman Mountains Wilderness
22.8 miles away · 4.7 ★
West Well
24.5 miles away
Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness
25.9 miles awayRice Valley Wilderness
26.3 miles away · 3.8 ★Whipple Mountains Wilderness
26.8 miles away · 5.0 ★