The is located in the
Mojave Desert in
Southern California ,
USA . It lies between
Interstate 15 and
Interstate 40 . Elevation ranges from 880 to 7492 ft (268 to 2284 m). The preserve was established
October 31 ,
1994 .
Natural features include the
Kelso Dunes and the Cima Dome, as well as
Volcanic formations such as Hole-in-the-Wall and the Cinder Cone Lava Beds. The preserve encloses
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area and
Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve , which are both managed by the
California Department Of Parks And Recreation . Impressive
Joshua Tree forests cover parts of the preserve. The defunct railroad depot and
Ghost Town of
Kelso is also found there.
The climate varies greatly. Summer temperatures average 90 °F (32 °C), with highs exceeding 105 °F (41 °C). Annual precipitation varies from 3.37 in (86 mm) near Baker, to almost 9 in (230 mm) in the mountains. At least 25% of precipitation comes from summer thunderstorms. Snow is often found in the mountains during the winter.
