| Chemehuevi Mountains | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Much of the Chemehuevi's showing Chemehuevi Peak and parts of the Chemehuevi Valley (view approx. north-northwest) | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Chemehuevi Peak |
| Elevation | 3,694 ft (1,126 m) |
| Geography | |
  Chemehuevi Mountains Chemehuevi Mountains inCalifornia[1] | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Regions | |
| County | San Bernardino |
| Settlements | |
| Range coordinates | 34°37′30.031″N114°31′32.863″W / 34.62500861°N 114.52579528°W /34.62500861; -114.52579528 |
| Borders on | |
| Topo map | USGS Chemehuevi Peak |
TheChemehuevi Mountains are a mountain range that are found at the southeast border ofSan Bernardino County in southeasternCalifornia and are adjacent theColorado River. Located south ofNeedles, California and northwest of theWhipple Mountains, the mountains are oriented in a north–south direction, and stretch for approximately 15 miles (24 km) in length.
The Chemehuevi Mountains are located betweenU.S. Route 95 and theTopock Gorge of the River, just south ofInterstate 40. Whale Mountain, at 2,774 feet (846 m), is found at the northern end of the range about five miles east of Lobecks Pass. The Chemehuevi range reaches 3,694 feet (1,126 m) at its highpoint, Chemehuevi Peak, located at the range's extreme southwest, borderingChemehuevi Valley andWash, where the valley turns due-east to meet the Colorado River.
.jpg)
The Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness Area encompasses the rugged, granitic Chemehuevi Mountains and surrounding environs. The mountain range is horseshoe-shaped, with the open end facing eastward, toward the Colorado River. Contained within the arms of the horseshoe is a large central valley with low rolling hills covered by dense stands ofcholla and other cacti,ocotillo, and an occasionalagave.
Viewed from the west, the strikingly light, almost white, color of the granite peaks contrast sharply with the rich greencreosote and cactus-coveredbajadas. A few miles from the Colorado River, the mountains change dramatically from light-colored granite to dark red and gray volcanic spires and mesas.[2]
