In the Mojave and Colorado deserts, tortoises are generally found below 4,000 feet in Joshua tree-Mohave yucca communities, creosote bush-saltbush scrub habitats, and some ocotillo-creosote habitats.

The rocky shelf road leading to the mine winds through every layer of the Mojave. Desert tortoise habitat gives way to yucca- and cholla-studded hills, followed by stands of pinyon pine, juniper and ...

Desert sage, Mojave yucca, silver cholla and New Mexico thistle are just some the plants you might spot. Recent visitors appreciated how close to the road the trail is and enjoyed the easy walk.