Hualapai Mountains

HabitatEdit

The Hualapai Mountains are covered in pine trees, namely pinyon pine. Above 5,500 feet (1,700 m) the ponderosa pine appear. Most pine trees are found on the cooler north facing slopes. The habitat is mainly forest, and has many natural springs.

The ecology of the Hualapai Mountains is comparable to that of the San Bernardino Mountains and San Jacinto Mountains in southern California, with major forests of many conifer species, as well as aspen groves at higher elevations. The higher elevations of the Hualapai Mountains support Madrean Sky Islands habitats.

Bear, elk, mule deer, mountain lion, javelina, and other animals can be found here. Mountain lion and bear have been drawn to civilized areas like Pinion Pines and Atherton Acres due to the large deer population. There are some animals only native to the Hualapai Mountain range, including a breed of ground squirrel, and tarantula.

Hualapai Mountain County ParkEdit

Hualapai Mountain Park is a county park and was first developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The name Hualapai means "Pine Tree Folk" and is derived from the name of the Indian tribe that once lived here. The park encompasses over 2,300 acres (9.3 km²) with elevations ranging from 4,984 feet (1,519 m) to 8417.

The park has cabins, recreation areas, dry camping campsites, hook-up spots for recreational vehicles, and a teepee available for rent.

There are 10 miles (16 km) of hiking trails ranging in difficulty, and an ATV trail head which leads to the trails. There is a designated fire escape route to get down and out of the park during wildfires.

The park is managed by the Mohave County Parks department and the Hualapai Mountain Park staff. There are small signs around the park area telling the history of the park, the types of vegetation, and about other features.

A number of residential communities are located in the mountains and foothills. They are all unincorporated areas and are governed by Mohave County. The Pinion Pine community has two fire stations with one station staffed full-time.

Pine LakeEdit

At the top of the Hualapai Mountain, just past the Hualapai Mountain Park, is a community known as Pine Lake. The community has approximately 140 homes and is a little over 6,000 ft (1,800 m). in elevation. Several amenities are located in Pine lake, including the Hualapai Mountain Resort.

The 'Pine Lake' community has a volunteer fire department, which also holds seasonal events for the neighborhood. There is a lodge, privately owned cabins for rent, and permanent housing. The lake is privately owned by the Pine Lake Inn Bed and Breakfast and not available to the public.

Pine Lake is visited regularly by a local herd of elk, and many mule deer wander around daily.

Off-road trailsEdit

From the Pine Lake Community there are a number of dirt roads that lead out into the mountains. There are primarily two main routes out of the community, Flag Mine Road and the ATV trail head located at Hualapai Mountain Park which alleviates some of the traffic in the neighborhood.

From Flag Mine Road one can access many different routes along the ridges of the Hualapai Mountains and through the various valleys, canyons and washes. Continuing out Flag Mine Road, along the ridges of the mountains, over 7,000 ft (2,100 m) elevation. there are a number of routes going off the road, including the Moss Wash Basin. At the end of Flag Mine Road is the Boreana Mine, and the route to Yucca. On Flag Mine Road there is a private campground.