This beautiful desert country is made up of the Little Chuckawalla, Mule, and Palo Verde Mountains; the Black Hills; and numerous washes. Paloverde trees in the washes give an impression of water and cool shade. The hills are dotted sparsely with desert plants. Winter rains coax colorful flowers from the cactus and other vegetation, making it a beautiful place to spend time in January or February. The district is also rich in history, from the gold rush days to General Patton’s tank training days during World War II. It contains ancient fossils as well as artifacts from early Native Americans, pioneers, conquistadors, ranchers, and military troops.

Explore Nearby

• Picacho State Recreation Area — State Park in California
• Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park — State Park in Arizona
• Joshua Tree National Park Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in California
• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in California