Little San Bernardino Mountains
Mountains Low mountain range in Southern California desert
Low desert range east of Palm Springs forming the western edge of Joshua Tree National Park; hikers, cyclists and scenic‑drive visitors use its canyons and desert trails.
The Little San Bernardino Mountains are a low mountain range in southern California that form part of the eastern margin of the Transverse Ranges and the northeastern boundary of the Coachella Valley. The range comprises granitic peaks and desert slopes that rise from surrounding lowlands.
The mountains include desert shrubland and Joshua tree woodlands and extend into the northern reaches of Joshua Tree National Park, providing hiking terrain, scenic viewpoints and habitat transitions between the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. Trails and backcountry routes cross the range within the national park.
Geologically the range is part of the complex faulted and uplifted terrain of southern California and has been shaped by regional tectonics and erosion. Vegetation and wildlife reflect the arid, high-desert environment typical of the area.
The range sits east of the San Bernardino Mountains and forms part of the eastern flank of the Coachella Valley region in Southern California.
- Access via Joshua Tree NP: Access to the range is commonly via routes and trailheads within Joshua Tree National Park for the southern sections, with desert hiking and peak viewing opportunities.
How to Get to Little San Bernardino Mountains #
Access depends on which flank is of interest. From Palm Springs, take CA-111 or I-10 east toward Joshua Tree and use local roads or park entrances to reach trailheads. Parts of the range lie within or adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, so consult the park map for permitted access and any entrance fees.
Tips for Visiting Little San Bernardino Mountains #
- If exploring the eastern flanks, check whether routes pass through Joshua Tree National Park and pay the park fee if required.
- Morning light off the ridges is excellent for desert photography; afternoons can be bitterly hot in summer.
- Carry a paper map: cell signal can be unreliable in the mountain gaps.
Best Time to Visit Little San Bernardino Mountains #
Spring and fall are the best times for comfortable temperatures and access; summers can be dangerously hot.
Weather & Climate near Little San Bernardino Mountains #
Little San Bernardino Mountains's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 39 mm of rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is mild with highs of 34°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
