Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms - Geography

Geography

Twentynine Palms Base is located within the Morongo Basin and the High Desert region of the Mojave Desert, in Southern California.

MCAGCC Twentynine Palms is approximately 98 miles from the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, which is located in the city of Barstow, California. It is also approximately 111 miles from the Barstow-Daggett Airport located in Daggett, California.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the base has a total area of 1.4 mi² (3.7 km²). This area is all land with none covered by water. This area only applies to the main cantonment which includes the base housing; the entire installation is far larger, with 931.7 mi² (2,413.2 km²) of surface area, all land. There was a resident population of 14,090 on this territory as of the 2000 census.

The terrain is consistent with steeply-sloped mountains and flat valleys running northwest-southeast, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,500 feet (1,400 m) above sea level. The training area is also characterized with ancient lava flows, as well as dry lake beds and arroyos (or wadis) that fill quickly during rain, presenting the danger of powerful floods and washouts that can move armored vehicles. Many abandoned mines dot the terrain, as well as unexploded ordnance and shrapnel, making unauthorized travel in the training areas dangerous.

The climate is described best as arid and upland desert. Summer temperatures can peak at 120° F and bottom at 15°F in the winter, with an annual average of 67°F. Precipitation averages to four inches (102 mm) annually, most often in the fall and winter months. Weather is generally clear and sunny days, with low humidity.