Elephant Tree
Posted by: 
TerryDad2
N 33° 04.039 W 116° 07.391
11S E 581847 N 3659091
The Elephant Tree is the last of its grove in the area. This rare tree is a desert adapted tree and is difficult to locate anywhere else.
Waymark Code: WMW8F
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 10/23/2006
Views: 97
Legends of the Elephant Tree were told by prospectors in the early 1900s. It wasn't until 1937 that scientists actually found one. More weren't found until the 1980s in the Santa Rosa Mountains to the north.
Due to how rare the tree is, the location of the other groves are not publicized. This is the only easily accessable one.
There is a sign for the trail as you leave the paved highway. The road up to the parking area is a single lane dirt/rock road up an alluvial fan. Most cars will make it, just slowly and carefully.
The tree is along a 1-mile numbered nature trail that explains the adapatations of desert plants.
Info from nature trail handout and park signs.
Genus/Species: Bursera microphylla
Height: 8
Girth: 1
Method of obtaining height: Sighting along a 45 degree angle
Method of obtaining girth: Arm reaching
Location type: Park
Website reference: [Web Link]
Parking coordinates: N 33° 04.094 W 116° 06.990
Walk time: 15
Age: Not Listed
Historical significance: Not listed
Planter: Not listed
Photograpy coordinates: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
A closeup picture of your GPS receiver in your hand, with the tree in the background, is required. If the tree is on private property, this closeup photograph with the tree in the background may be taken from the nearest public vantage point without actually going to the tree.
The required photograph does not need to show the entire tree, but the individual tree must be recognizable.