Near Baker in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

A Lost Lake

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 19, 2015

1. A Lost Lake Marker

Inscription. The dry lake bed before you was once part of ancient Lake Mojave. During the last ice age, a cooler and wetter climate produced the Mojave River. It flowed inland about 150 miles from the San Bernardino Mountains, until its waters became trapped here in this basin. An abundant animal and plant community thrived in and around the ancient lake.

As the climate became warmer and drier, the rivers and lakes eventually dried up, exposing the remaining sediments to the wind. Sand and dust began to blow across the landscape, leaving behind this lost lake.

Erected by Mojave National Preserve, National Park Service, and U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Paleontology.

Location. 35° 8.596′ N, 116° 6.195′ W. Marker is near Baker, California, in San Bernardino County. Marker is on Zzyzx Road, 5 miles south of Interstate 15, on the left when traveling south. Located along the trail by the small lake. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baker CA 92309, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Traveler's Rest (within shouting distance of this marker); The Desert Studies Center (about 400 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); Soda Springs - Zzyzx Mineral Springs (approx. 0.2 miles away); Zzyzx Mineral Springs Resort (approx. 0.2 miles away); Francis Marion "Borax" Smith (approx. 3.9 miles away); World’s Tallest Thermometer (approx. 8.7 miles away); Marl Springs / Seventeenmile Point (approx. 9.3 miles away).

More about this marker. The public is welcome to walk along the trail around the small lake. The buildings are only open to attendees of events at the center.

Photographed By Craig Baker, April 21, 2023

2. A Lost Lake Marker

The marker has faded (in 2023).

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 19, 2015

3. A Lost Lake Marker

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 19, 2015

4. A Lost Lake Marker

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 19, 2015

5. A Lost Lake Marker

The land around ancient lake Mojave resembled the savannas of modern Africa. Large mammals such as mammoths, ground sloths, and saber-toothed cats thrived along the ancient lakeshore.

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 19, 2015

6. A Lost Lake Marker

Humans arrived to hunt and gather food before the lake disappeared. Piles of discarded clam shells and stone tools dating over 10,000 years old have been found around the shoreline.

View from the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 19, 2015

7. View from the Marker

Photographed By Denise Boose, May 19, 2015

8. View from the Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2015, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 1,536 times since then and 214 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 20, 2015, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 2. submitted on April 22, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on May 20, 2015, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.