Copyright: Bureau of Land Management
Barstow Field Office Sawtooth
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Description - The desert within the Barstow BLM resource area is vast, about three million acres, and has many unique features. Elevations vary from near sea level north of Baker to over 6,000 feet in the Ord Mountains south of Barstow. There are many scenic locations with rough mountains, dry lake beds, and winding canyons. Plants found here include various cactus species and the Joshua tree, the symbol of the Mojave Desert. Winter days are usually comfortable in the 70 degree F range (about 20 degree C) thus attracting visitors who come to escape colder states. Summer days can be hot and dry with 110 degree F (40 degree C) temperatures common.
Attractions
- When Congress passed the California Desert Protection Act of 1994, nearly a dozen wilderness areas fell under the guidance of the Barstow BLM Field Office. The wilderness areas total nearly 563,000 acres. An additional six other areas covered by the Barstow Field Office are under consideration for wilderness designation; they total more than 300,000 acres. Visitor use is light; overall wilderness qualities remain very high - solitude, natural conditions, opportunities for unconfined recreation. Hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, primitive camping, rock hounding, nature study, photography, rock climbing, spelunking and hunting are allowed. Motorized activities, mountain biking, hang gliding and competitive pursuits are accommodated outside the wilderness areas. Calico Early Man Site is a must-see for those who enjoy unmasking ancient worlds. The site is located about 15 miles northeast of Barstow off Interstate 15.
Recreation - Recreational opportunities available in the area consist of archeological and cultural sites, bird watching, camping, recreational shooting, wilderness, rock hounding, OHV use, and wildlife viewing. Climate - Days in south-central California are typically clear with less than 25 percent humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average high of 85 degrees F and a low of 50 degrees F respectively. Winter brings cooler days, around 60 degrees F, and freezing nights. It occasionally snows at higher elevations. Summers are hot, over 100 degrees F during the day and not cooling much below 75 degrees F until the early morning. Location -
The Barstow Field Office area is located in the Mojave Desert.
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