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| Afton Canyon Preserve - Site # 16 | |||
| While one desert canyon may seem like the next, this desert wildland is unique. The Mojave River normally runs underground as it flows east from the San Bernardino Mountains. But in this rare stretch of desert, the river surfaces year-round and courses over the colorful soils and rocks that form this steep-sided, 600 foot deep canyon. The 8-mile-long gorge with its caves, old mines, and side canyons is a premier site for viewing more than 150 species of wildlife. | |||
| Background: | During evenings or early mornings, desert bighorn sheep and coyotes come to water at the riverbanks. Golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and other birds of prey fly aloft, watching for small mammals. They also roost in the rock formations. The wild grapes, willows, cottonwoods, and other riverside vegetation are an anomaly in this desert landscape and serve as perches for vermilion flycatchers, summer tanagers, yellow warblers, yellow-breasted chats, and other migrants. Great blue herons, snowy egrets, white-faced ibises, and other birds fish in the shallows. Western pond turtles, frogs, and fish live in its waters. The surrounding desert is home to many snakes and lizards, such as sidewinders, side-blothced lizards and desert iguanas. | ||
| Afton Canyon Natural Area is located 37 miles northeast of Barstow along Interstate 15 between the Afton Road and Basin Road exits. Afton Canyon is designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern to protect plant and wildlife habitat, and to preserve scenic values of the riparian area within the canyon. Early western explorers passing through this area included Jedediah Smith, Kit Carson and John Charles Fremont. The route following this road, known as the Mojave Road, is a rugged 4-wheel-drive scenic tour running from Fort Mojave on the Colorado River near Needles to Camp Cady near Harvard Road east of Barstow. | |||
| The Habitat: | The Afton Canyon area is characterized by three vegetation assemblages; Creosote Bush Scrub, Big Galleta Scrub Steppe, and Riparian. Creosote Bush Scrub is the most prevalent, covering approximately 90% of the area. Dominant riparian species include catclaw, saltbush, desert willow, saltgrass, cottonwood, mesquite, black willow, athel and salt-cedar. | ||
| The Experience: | This is one of only three places where the Mojave River flows on the surface in the Mojave Desert. The river, ponds and marshes support a variety of riparian plants. Because of the water and vegetation the canyon provides a home for diverse wildlife, a way station for migratory birds, and a refuge for riparian plants in the desert. | ||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | The campground is accessible by vehicle, and the Mojave Road parallels the river through the canyon. There are no improved or maintained trails, however the gentle terrain along the canyon floor allows foot access to nearly all points. | ||
| Viewing Tips: | Excellent viewing during fall and spring. Typically hot temperatures in summer. Keep distance from water so wildlife can drink. Watch children and pets; railroad is active. | ||
| Site Notes: | The canyon floor averages about a ? mile in width, with near vertical side walls. The river meanders through the canyon in back to back oxbows. The campground sits at the west end of the canyon, with the Mojave Road continuing on through the canyon with several water crossings. On-going work removing tamarisk shows signs of success, with healthy stands of native vegetation inter-mixed among areas scoured by river flows and persistent patches of tamarisk. | ||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | None | ||
| Visitor Information: | Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce - (760) 256-8617 - www.barstowchamber.com | ||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | No | ||
| Open: | Everday | ||
| Hours: | Daylight | ||
| Year Round: | Yes | ||
| Road Information: |  Gravel.  Dirt. | ||
| Roads available year-round. | |||
| Road Hazards: | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 30 | |||
| Parking Fee: No | |||
| Proximity to viewing area:Immediate | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: Yes | |||
| Parking Danger: Deep water crossings. | |||
| How to Get There: | From Barstow, take Interstate 15 east for 35 miles. Take Afton exit south. Drive 3 miles on graded, dirt road to campground parking area. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | Bureau of Land Management | ||
| Agency Site URL: | http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow.html | ||
| Physical Address: | 2601 Barstow Road Barstow, CA 92311 |
Agency 2: | 2601 Barstow Road Barstow, CA 92311 |
| Manager Phone: | (760) 252-6000 | Contact Us: | by Email |
| Site Phone: | (760)-252-6000 | ||
| County: | San Bernerdino | ||
| Addition Website: | |||