Mojave River

Lenwood Bridge

The Mojave River is an intermittent river that flows through the Mojave Desert in Southern California. Its length is about 120 miles (190 km). Originating from the San Bernardino Mountains, it flows north across the desert, eventually draining into the Soda Lake. This lake can be considered the Mojave Sink, because it doesn’t consistently reach the sea but instead disappears in desert sinks.

The river flows through the Mojave Basin and is crucial for supporting local ecosystems, though it's mostly dry or has very little water during much of the year. The river’s flow is heavily influenced by the region's arid climate and rainfall patterns. It has a seasonal flow, meaning it's only active during heavy rains or in the snowmelt season. The Mojave River Aquifer (Basins) is a crucial underground water source that feeds into the river and continues to supply drinking water to surrounding communities.

Between the 1800-1900’s the river was a vital source for the Mojave Tribe, which is where the river gets its name. They lived along the banks of the river for agriculture and daily needs. In the mid-1800’s, settlers traveled west along the river what is now known as the Old Spanish Trail and the Mormon Trail. The river helped facilitate the movement between California and the rest of the United States.

 Upstream near Oro Grande, what is called the “Transition Zone”, the river flow is above surface due to the bed rock uplift shaped by tectonic activity over millions of years ago creating a natural barrier for the river. Further upstream in Victorville, the Mojave River has two well recognized bedrock formations constricting the flow forcing the river through narrower gaps. Those formations are called the “Upper and Lower Narrows”.

At this location, one may hardly see any surface water. Only through those heavy rain events and snowmelt with the saturation of the riverbed will you find water flow on the surface. In late 2010, a major storm pounded the region, and the river swelled to its banks. The floods destroyed the Lenwood Road culvert river crossing shutting down access for over a year before the new bridge was constructed.  

The cache container is located at the southeast end of the bridge. Parking is available within a few feet of GZ. Traffic through here is sparce but be cautious of passing vehicles as they zoom by over the bridge.

Cache placed to keep the San Bernardino County Thomas Guide Challenge alive (GCRGNP)

(reference for page 3678)

12/12/2005