Quail Mountain

Quail Mountain is the highest summit in the Little San Bernardino Mountains, rising to 1773 meters above the southern Mojave Desert. The landscape features rocky terrain and desert vegetation that spans across the surrounding region.

The mountain experienced severe damage from two consecutive wildfires in 1999 and 2001, resulting in major changes to its vegetation structure. These fires permanently shaped the landscape appearance and affected the ecosystem for years afterward.

The mountain serves as a natural laboratory for scientists studying desert ecology, geological formations, and the regeneration patterns of native California plants.

Visitors should carry plenty of water since there is little shade on the way up and the sun is intense throughout the route. The ascent follows unmarked paths through desert terrain and requires roughly 7.2 kilometers of walking.

Wreckage from two T-28 aircraft that collided in 1999 and crashed into the western slope remains visible on the mountainside. This debris serves as a quiet reminder of the accident that occurred during low visibility conditions.

Location: Riverside County

Elevation above the sea: 1,772 m

GPS coordinates: 34.00723,-116.24140

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:47