NEEDLES – (INT) – The last 100-acres of one of the most stunning desert wilderness areas in Southern California is now under public domain.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust has acquired the private property in the Whipple Mountains Wilderness, 50-miles south of Needles in extreme southeast San Bernardino County.

Rising from the Colorado River, sharp brick-red and deep brown peaks are dotted with saguaro and foxtail cacti and surrounded by washes filled with palo verde, ironwood and smoke trees. Bighorn sheep wander the steep cliffs that are also home to prairie falcons and golden eagles.

Opportunities in the area include camping, hiking and vehicle access up to the Wilderness boundary.

It will be overseen by the Bureau of Land Management.

Story Date: May 18, 2016