Prime Desert Woodland Preserve in Lancaster, CA
Nestled between Los Angeles and San Bernardino sits the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve in Lancaster, California. Established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2005, this hidden oasis of rolling hills, watery desert pools, and a wide variety of plant and animal life is one of the most beautiful natural reserves on the West Coast. Information can be found here.
The Prime Desert Woodland Preserve is situated in the northwest portion of Los Angeles County. Its boundaries encompass nearly 10,000 acres of pristine desert terrain, including the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains. The area is home to many endangered species of plants and animals, including the recently re-established desert pupfish. The reserve is broken into three distinct regions. The first, referred to as the "Northern Plateau," is a high plateau featuring limestone hills, occasional water sources, and rock outcroppings. The plateau's elevation reaches just over 3,000 feet in some areas and offers excellent views of the refuge and the surrounding desert terrain. The next region is the "Capitol Rock," a 2,300-foot-high mesa that offers breathtaking vistas of the Mojave Desert. The third region is an arid area known as "Boulder Creek." Here, visitors can explore the area's unique geology, interesting wildlife, and meandering streams. The Prime Desert Woodland Preserve is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore its treasure trove of natural sights and sounds. Hiking trails, camping areas, bird-watching opportunities, and wildflower fields are plentiful throughout the preserve. Discover facts about Rawley Duntley Park in Lancaster, CA.