Mojave Desert

Invites readers to explore the smallest and most unique southwestern desert, the beautiful Mojave--Provided by publisher.

CD-ROM contains: Electronic version of text -- Maps.

This guidebook to the Mojave National Preserve presents nearly 100 hiking options, as well information on the area's natural and cultural histories.

Mojave Desert Trails explores some of the most interesting historic and geological sites in the Mojave Desert. Ecologically and environmentally diverse, the Mojave Desert encompasses a dramatic and enchanting landscape of ancient volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, sand dunes and rugged mountains. Weather in the Mojave changes as dramatically as its terrain: triple digits from late spring to early fall with winter temps often dropping below freezing. A wet winter, with both rain and snow, will prepare the Mojave Desert for a spectacular display of spring flowers.

It is a desert like no other, stretching from the eastern outskirts of Los Angeles across the width of Southern California and into parts of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. The Mojave Desert's attractions include Death Valley, the Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave National Preserve, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Colorado River, Palm Springs, the Cabazon Dinosaurs, Calico Ghost Town, and dozens of Route 66 landmarks. It is the most spectacular desert on Earth, and it draws more tourists each year than all other deserts of the world combined. Mojave Desert is the first book of its kind, using rare and vintage postcards to provide a pictorial, historical grand tour of this American wonderland.

The Mojave Desert eco-region extends from eastern California to northwestern Arizona, southern Nevada, and southwestern Utah, and boasts plant communities as diverse as alkali sinks, dune systems, Joshua tree woodland, pinyon juniper woodland, mixed mojave scrub, and even riparian woodland. This fully updated and revised edition will be appreciated not only by amateur wildflower enthusiasts, but experts will also find the detailed photographs and charts useful in distinguishing among similar species in difficult groups. Species are arranged by color and plant family for easy identification. This guide features 300 of the common species, full-color photographs (many brand new to this edition), detailed descriptions, information on bloom season, and interesting facts about each plant.

The desert is a difficult place in which to live. Yet, 13 percent of the world's people live in desert habitats. Spectacular photography highlights this series about the world's major desert systems. Each title focuses on one desert, describing its topography, climate, plant and animal life, unique geographical features, human cultures, and the problems facing the region. The Mojave Desert Located in the states of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, there are several national parks in the Mojave Desert, including Death Valley-the hottest place in North America. Settlers gave Death Valley its-name after enduring extreme suffering while trying to cross the unforgiving valley in 1849. Petroglyphs made by Paleo-Indians, the earliest known people in North America, are a reminder of the many indigenous peoples, including the Mojave people, who have made the Mojave Desert their home. Today, urbanization and pollution are threatening desert wildlife, such as the bighorn sheep. As the populations of Los Angeles and Las Vegas grow, more space is needed for homes, roads, and food crops, and there is an increasing demand for landfill space. Book jacket.