Castle Mountains National Monument
Castle Mountains National Monument may be found in San Bernardino County, California, in the eastern part of the Mojave Desert. The Mojave National Preserve surrounds the Castle Mountains National Monument on three sides.
Along with its two neighbouring national parks, Mojave Trails National Monument and Sand to Snow National Monument, this park was established in 2016 as part of a larger national park system. Castle Mountain National Monument is the only part of the three managed by the National Park Service. It preserves 20920 acres of natural area and desert environment northwest of the Colorado River.
The open pit gold mine near the monument will be turned over to the park service once mining operations have been concluded. The Castle Peaks are a set of spires that protrude vertically and are a distinctive geological structure that is very popular with visitors to the park.
Horseback Riding At Castle Mountains National Monument
Riding enthusiasts and their four-legged companions can stay at the local equestrian campground close to the Castle Mountains National Monument and explore the surrounding areas. Accessing the rough terrain is easiest with four legs rather than two.
Because the terrain is uneven and there are fluctuations in height, you need to be sure that your horse is suitable for any treks you want to take in the area. If you wait until later in the year when the temperature is cooler, it will be easier to prevent your horse from scorching in the desert landscape, which may be quite harsh and punishing during the summer months.
View Wildlife At Castle Mountains National Monument
Various animals call the grasslands, forests, and mountains of the region’s desert home. The 226-square-mile Lanfair Valley watershed, which includes this area, feeds an aquifer essential to the survival of desert species in the Mojave. The Castle Mountains National Monument has fascinating animals, including eagles, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, coyotes, and bobcats.
Please keep your eyes peeled for the many species of reptiles, birds, and insects that call the park their home. Keep your distance from dangerous animals like rattlesnakes and huge beasts. Instead of getting too close to the locals, use the zoom feature on your camera.
Sightseeing At Castle Mountains National Monument
Wonderful landscapes and landscape views may be found surrounding Castle Mountains National Monument. The area is characterized by its abundance of mountains, spires, Joshua trees, juniper woods, and desert grasslands.
Few places on Earth have as broad a range of geological formations and natural habitats as this location, so the mix of Mojave Desert elements that you’ll find here is quite exceptional. The spires of Castle Peaks, known for their incredible height, are a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy fascinating sightseeing.
Archaeological Discovery
The area around Castle Mountain National Monument has yielded the discovery of several important archaeological sites associated with the history of the Native Americans who lived there. In the vicinity, you’ll also find the historic gold-mining ghost town of Hart. Visitors can understand the challenges of establishing a community in a hostile desert setting by exploring the gold mining village.
Address: Barstow, CA 92311, United States
Open: 24 hours
Phone: +1 760-252-6100
Established: February 12, 2016
Area: 84.66 km²
Management: National Park Service
