The desert areas of the southwestern United States are fascinating areas to visit. Vacationing in the Mojave National Preserve offers a chance to explore one of the most unique of these areas. The preserve is a desert wonderland and allows for a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and backpacking to trail riding with horses, the scenery remains the basis of any enjoyable visit.
The desert presents a number of interesting geological features, all of which can be studied and explored. There are mesas, high mountains, and sandy riverbeds that are usually completely dry. Even sand dunes, perhaps the most representative of all desert features, can be found. The region's active past is very evident here, and for those that love examining the natural history of the Earth itself, volcanic formations (including old lava flows) can be seen.
Though some people may consider desert areas hostile to animal life, quite the opposite is true. The desert actually contains large numbers of creatures supremely adapted to life under the hot sun. Most of these creatures are most active at dawn or dusk, when more moderate temperatures dominate. Many birds may be seen, as well as lizards, owls, foxes, and even mountain lions. Different animals are most at home at different elevations.
Specialized plants thrive beneath the harsh desert sun, including perhaps the most iconic symbol of the West, the Joshua tree. Aside from the desert staples, and with much dependence on the previous winter's rainfall totals, visitors might also see beautiful mats of flowers on the desert floor. Some areas are known to be particularly favorable to wildflower outbreaks, and some travelers arrive specifically to see them.
The area is a real treat for camping enthusiasts. There are amenities available at some family campground areas for those that are mainly touring the landscape through their vehicles. For those that are backpacking, however, there is plenty of opportunity to make temporary campsites and lay out under the stars.
Horseback riders can also use rough trails, which are often used by hikers. Horses allow for quicker travel over the desert landscape and offer fine ways to see the topography, which is often rocky. Any riders should make sure to keep the trails clean and safe for other users.
Those people thinking about vacationing in the Mojave National Preserve should consider the benefits. The area is great for hiking, backpacking, camping, photography, and countless other activities. Anyone who loves the outdoors will enjoy it.
The desert presents a number of interesting geological features, all of which can be studied and explored. There are mesas, high mountains, and sandy riverbeds that are usually completely dry. Even sand dunes, perhaps the most representative of all desert features, can be found. The region's active past is very evident here, and for those that love examining the natural history of the Earth itself, volcanic formations (including old lava flows) can be seen.
Though some people may consider desert areas hostile to animal life, quite the opposite is true. The desert actually contains large numbers of creatures supremely adapted to life under the hot sun. Most of these creatures are most active at dawn or dusk, when more moderate temperatures dominate. Many birds may be seen, as well as lizards, owls, foxes, and even mountain lions. Different animals are most at home at different elevations.
Specialized plants thrive beneath the harsh desert sun, including perhaps the most iconic symbol of the West, the Joshua tree. Aside from the desert staples, and with much dependence on the previous winter's rainfall totals, visitors might also see beautiful mats of flowers on the desert floor. Some areas are known to be particularly favorable to wildflower outbreaks, and some travelers arrive specifically to see them.
The area is a real treat for camping enthusiasts. There are amenities available at some family campground areas for those that are mainly touring the landscape through their vehicles. For those that are backpacking, however, there is plenty of opportunity to make temporary campsites and lay out under the stars.
Horseback riders can also use rough trails, which are often used by hikers. Horses allow for quicker travel over the desert landscape and offer fine ways to see the topography, which is often rocky. Any riders should make sure to keep the trails clean and safe for other users.
Those people thinking about vacationing in the Mojave National Preserve should consider the benefits. The area is great for hiking, backpacking, camping, photography, and countless other activities. Anyone who loves the outdoors will enjoy it.
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Get the low down on the benefits of holidaying in the Mojave National Preserve and fantastic reasons to stay at any of the fab Twentynine Palms hotels now in our overview of services to expect at 29 Palms hotels
