Argus Range >> Map #55
Argus Range Wilderness
SIZE:74,890 acres
LOCATION: Inyo County; 5 miles east of Darwin, California and 25 miles northeast of Ridgecrest, California
NATURAL RESOURCES: This wilderness contains a 28 mile stretch of the Argus range, a long and narrow mountain chain along the west side of Panamint Valley. Elevations range from 2,800 feet on the east side to more than 7,500 feet on the west side of the wilderness, which is adjacent to the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. Steep mountain slopes and highly dissected canyons characterize the Argus Range. Several springs are located within this arid mountain range, providing water for a small population of desert bighorn sheep. Remains of historic mining activity and a few prehistoric sites are scattered throughout the area. Vegetation types include creosote scrub plant community on the lower slopes, scattered pinyon-juniper plant communities on the high slopes and relatively little vegetation on the steep mountain slopes and canyon walls.
| GLOSSARY | > arid, canyon, spring, |
ACCESS: Access this wilderness via State Highways 190 or 178 to Panamint Valley Road through Panamint Valley. Numerous four wheel drive routes turn off Nadeau Trail providing access to canyons on the east side. On the south side, access is via Homewood Canyon off State Highway 178.
Geomorphic Province : Great Basin
Ecosection : Southeastern Great Basin
Ecosubsection : Coso - Argus Ranges
Mining History : Argus-Slate Ranges
Native Culture : Shoshone; Timbisha, Koso/Panamint
Also see: Kawaiisu
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Photography by Walter Feller |
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Mojave River Valley Museum |