Geology

El Paso Mountains Wilderness (Black Mountain)

Kern County, CA

Coordinate verified

BLM wilderness in the northern Mojave anchored by Black Mountain (5,244 ft), an extinct volcanic high point rising above dark mesas, reddish buttes, and narrow canyons. The El Paso range holds some of the oldest nonmarine fossils reported in the West (ancient camel- and horse-like mammals) and classic badland topography of lava-capped mesas eroded into colorful washes east of Red Rock Canyon / Randsburg country.

Field facts

RegionKern County, CA
Coordinates35.4750, -117.8426
ManagerBLM Ridgecrest Field Office
High pointBlack Mountain 5,244 ft
DesignationEl Paso Mountains Wilderness
GeologyVolcanic mesas, badlands, nonmarine fossils

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