We have managed to change altitudes from below sea level while birding along the Salton Sea, the largest lake (and smelliest) here in California, to 8500' on the Palm Springs Tramway a 2.5 mile ride which takes one up 6000' feet above the Coachella Valley.
What looks like a beach at the Salton Sea, is the build up of fish debris, walking on scales and bones, oh my what one does for birding, did enjoy watching a phalarope spin though….
What is remarkable when going up in the revolving Palm Springs tramcar is the temperature change from mid 30's in the valley to 10 degrees up on the mountain, a challenge to lug clothing. Vegetation is another surprise from cactus and palms, to huge pines in the alpine meadow. It is the equivalent of traveling from the southern deserts to Alaska!
Today we hiked in the Joshua Tree National Park, a 3 mile walk that rises 1000' up Ryan Mountain with glorious views across the Park.
The deserts of Joshua Tree are also all about elevation and how altitude shapes the landscape and it fauna and flora.
"Two deserts, two large ecosystems primarily determined by elevation, come together in the park. Few areas more vividly illustrate the contrast between “high” and “low” desert. Below 3,000 feet (910 m), the Colorado Desert (part of the Sonoran Desert), occupying the eastern half of the park, is dominated by the abundant . Adding interest to this arid land are small stands of spidery ocotillo and cholla cactus,
creosote bush
The higher, slightly cooler, and wetter
Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the undisciplined
Joshua tree, extensive stands of which occur throughout the western half of the park.
