Shadow Mountains (western San Bernardino County)

The Shadow Mountains are a small, rugged mountain range located in the western portion of San Bernardino County, California. They are situated in the Mojave Desert, north of Interstate 15 and the town of Baker, and east of the Soda Mountains. The range runs in a roughly north-south direction.

The Shadow Mountains are primarily composed of volcanic rock, with a characteristically dark appearance that lends the range its name. Vegetation is sparse, typical of the Mojave Desert environment, consisting mainly of creosote bush scrub and desert wildflowers during wetter periods.

The area is sparsely populated, with limited human activity. The primary land use is open space and potential grazing. The mountains provide habitat for a variety of desert wildlife, including reptiles, birds, and small mammals. Due to their remote location, the Shadow Mountains offer opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor recreational activities, though access can be challenging and water is scarce. The region is subject to extreme temperatures, particularly during the summer months.