Joshua Tree in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Tortoise Troubles

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 12, 2025

1. Tortoise Troubles Marker

Inscription. The Mojave Desert is home to one of our most famous reptiles, the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii).

When tortoises were more abundant, they were a desired food among desert dwellers. The remains of desert tortoises have been identified at many archeological sites in the American Southwest. Their shells were used as rattles and bowls.

This species is faced with the threat of extinction for many reasons, such as disease, loss of habitat, and poaching. Consider yourself lucky if you see a tortoise. Take photos, but otherwise please let them be!

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 34° 5.707′ N, 116° 10.223′ W. Marker is in Joshua Tree, California, in San Bernardino County. It can be reached from Indian Cove Nature. Marker can be found along the Indian Cove Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 68451 Indian Cove Nature, Twentynine Palms CA 92277, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this

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marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Coachella Valley,

in the Peninsular Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Are YOU a Packrat? (within shouting distance of this marker); Jojoba - Simmondsia chinensis (within shouting distance of this marker); Desert Almond - Prunus fasciculata (within shouting distance of this marker); Desert Willow (within shouting distance of this marker); Lizards for Lunch! (within shouting distance of this marker); Desert Bighorn Sheep (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hardships and Forced Transitions (about 500 feet away); Welcome to the Indian Cove Trail (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Joshua Tree.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 49 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on January 16, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.