Castle Mountains

Castle Mountains represent some of the most unique elements of the Mojave Desert. Nestled between the Nevada state line and Mojave National Preserve, the nearly 21,000 acres of Castle Mountains boasts Joshua tree forests, unbroken natural landscapes, rare desert grasslands and rich human history. The diverse habitats support over 400 species of plants, 80 species of birds, 20 mammals, 10 reptiles and 6 amphibians. Some of the rare and endangered species that call this place home include the desert tortoise, bighorn sheep, mountain lion and golden eagle. In addition to its diverse wildlife, the Castle Mountains are also home to many cultural and historical resources. The area was once populated by Native Americans, and later used as a mining district during the California Gold Rush. Today, visitors can still see evidence of these past cultures in the form of rock art panels, mining ruins and historic ranch sites. The Castle Mountains offer a unique opportunity to experience all that the Mojave Desert has to offer.