Mojave Desert

When most Americans think of the word “desert” they might envision camels and sand dunes. But the desert they are probably most familiar with is the Mojave, even if they don’t recognize it as such.

The Mojave is one of the most filmed and photographed arid landscapes on the planet. Situated between the fantasy playground of Las Vegas in neighboring Nevada and “La-La Land” (Los Angeles) , this desert has had a starring role in a multitude of feature films. The Mojave has also appeared in countless TV shows, advertisements and books as well.

Like California itself, the Mojave is a paradox. It is at once both near and far. Ringed by civilization on 3 sides, it is penetrated by a network of roads and human settlements. But also hidden within its numerous mountains and canyons are some of the most remote and seldom seen wonders in the state.

Boom and Bust

The cycle of boom and bust is illustrated vividly in California's desert communities. Many people flocked to inland locations to escape high rents elsewhere. Lured by cheap housing, expansive lots, and an overall lower cost of living, many were willing to either make long commutes towards the coast or work lower paying service jobs closer to their new homes. But the vagaries of the economy here are as unforgiving as the climate. When fortunes changed many people packed what they could and left their homes to the elements.

Improbable Helendale

Near Helendale, in the Victor Valley, is a curious development that boasts lakefront properties many miles from any naturally occurring water bodies. Such conspicuous consumption of water is no accident. Displays like this, and the ubiquitous water fountains to be found in seemingly every desert city of size in the Mojave, serve as statements to human's ability to "control" nature. These works are designed to give prospective homebuyers reassurance that this area known for its fierce climate can be tamed by the hand of man.

Mojave River

The Mojave River is an intermittent stream course whose channel is usually dry most of the year. In fact, the vast majority of the river's flow runs underground. The river rises in the San Bernardino Mountains and snakes it's way though its namesake desert only to discharge into endorheic basins near Baker. The Mojave only has surface flow in times of flood or in places where the underlying rock strata force the river above ground. After particularly heavy rains in February of 2013, the Mojave River (seen here) surfaces near Helendale.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are far more common in Western cliches and people's nightmares then they are in the Mojave. Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to keep your hands and feet where you can see them when hiking in this desert. For the Mojave is home to the world's most venomous rattler. Crotalus scutulatus (Mojave rattlesnake or Mojave green) has a potent neurotoxic-hemotoxic venom that it uses to kill the small rodents and lizards it preys upon. This particular snake also has a reputation for aggressiveness, which is unusual for rattlesnakes.

River in the Desert

The Colorado River Aqueduct flows some 242 miles from Parker Dam on Lake Havasu to its receiving reservoir, Lake Mathews, in Riverside County. Operated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California , this mammoth water project pumps over 1,200,000 acre feet of water through a scorching desert primarily to fill drinking glasses in thirsty southern California.

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