Desert Tortoise Natural Area

The Desert Tortoise Natural Area is a protected zone in California's Mojave Desert with trails and an interpretive center for visitors. The landscape includes diverse habitats that support the native tortoise population in their natural environment.

The protected area was established in 1980 through an agreement between the Bureau of Land Management and the Great Western Cities Company. Its designation as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern reflected growing efforts to safeguard the threatened tortoise population.

Native American communities of the western deserts incorporated tortoise shells into their tools, creating artifacts that represented their connection to the land.

Visitors can explore the area along marked paths while keeping distance from the animals to avoid causing them stress. The interpretive center provides guidance on respectful behavior and what to look for during your visit.

Desert tortoises in this protected zone construct burrows extending up to 30 feet underground, where they spend 95 percent of their time.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 35.17028,-117.90028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:41