BLM Research Natural Area and ACEC in the western Mojave protecting high-density desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) habitat at the southwest end of the Rand Mountains northeast of California City. Fenced preserve with interpretive kiosk and public walking routes managed with the Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee—California’s flagship tortoise-protection landscape.
Field facts
| Region | Kern County, CA |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 35.1703, -117.9003 |
| Access | From CA-14 / California City via Randsburg-Mojave Rd dirt access ~4 mi to signed entrance; free |
| Elevation | ~2,400–3,000 ft |
| Size | ~39.5 sq mi Research Natural Area / ACEC |
| Wildlife | Agassiz’s desert tortoise (CA state reptile); Mojave scrub habitat |
Nearby locations
Nearby amenities
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
Map preview
Explore the area
The interactive map and its tiles load only when requested.