Natural Features and Formations:

By definition, natural is existing in or produced by nature; not produced by man or artificial.

Geologically, a formation is a natural body of earth, such as an outcrop or deposit with distinctive and characteristic properties allowing study and mapping of the structure or strata on or below the surface.

A feature is typically defined as related to archaeology and consists of man-made or altered items that are not portable and must otherwise be recorded.

For the purposes of this section the archaeological component of 'feature' is ignored and redefined as an easier way of describing formations not so apparent to the typical definition.

Rock Formations
Outcroppings and above surface deposits in the classic sense.

Sand Dunes < photo tours
In physical geography, a dune is a hill of sand built by eolian (wind-related) processes. Bare dunes are subject to shifting location and size based on their interaction with the wind. The "valley" or trough between dunes is called a slack. Three things are required for dune formation to occur: a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving it, and an ideal location for its accumulation. ...
For more information about sand dune development see:
Sand Dunes & Dust in the Mojave Desert &
Sand Dune Geology

Playas (Dry Lakes) < photo tours
A dried-up, flat-floored area consisting of thin, evenly layered sheets of fine clay, silt, or sand, and representing the bottom of a shallow, undrained desert lake basin in which water accumulates and is quickly evaporated, usually leaving deposits of soluble salts.
For more information about playa formation see:
Playa Formation in the Mojave Desert

Arches & Natural Bridges < photo tours
Arches are arch-shaped landforms produced by weathering and differential erosion. Natural bridges are a naturally created arch formation resembling a bridge. Most occur in massive, horizontally bedded sandstone or limestone. Some bridges are formed by the collapse of a cavern's roof that may leave remnant portions as bridges.

Caverns, Caves and Karsts

Craters & Volcanic Formations < photo tours

Water Sources
Springs, seeps, creeks, rivers and lakes.

Canyons, Faults and Misc.


-- This page is in revision - The previous version follows --

Last Chance Canyon - El Paso Mountains - North Mojave Desert

Vasquez Rocks - Antelope Valley - West Mojave Desert

Trona Pinnacles - Searles Valley - North Mojave Desert

Rainbow Basin - Barstow - West Mojave Desert

Devil's Punchbowl - Antelope Valley - West Mojave Desert

Natural Arches - Devil's Punchbowl - Antelope Valley

Mormon Rocks - Cajon Pass - West Mojave Desert

Mojave Narrows - Victor Valley - West Mojave Desert

Pisgah Crater - Ludlow - West Mojave Desert

Cougar Buttes - Lucerne Valley - West Mojave Desert

Red Rock Canyon NCA - Las Vegas - Northeast Mojave Desert

Alabama Hills - Owens Valley - North Mojave Desert

White Tank Arch - Joshua Tree National Park - South Mojave Desert

Arrowhead Pinnacles - Lake Arrowhead - San Bernardino National Forest

Hole in the Wall - Mojave Preserve - East Mojave Desert

Mitchell Caverns - Mojave Preserve - East Mojave Desert

Grand Canyon Caverns - Route 66 - East Mojave Desert - Arizona