Chuckwalla National Monument is a protected area in Southern California’s Colorado Desert, encompassing over 624,000 acres across Riverside and Imperial counties. Established on January 14, 2025, it serves to preserve the region’s unique desert ecosystems, providing critical habitats for species such as the Agassiz’s desert tortoise and desert pupfish.
The monument’s landscape includes mountain ranges like the Mecca Hills, Orocopia Mountains, Chuckwalla Mountains, Little Chuckwalla Mountains, Palo Verde Mountains, and Milpitas Wash. These areas are significant both ecologically and culturally, holding importance for Indigenous tribes including the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mojave, Quechan, and Serrano peoples.
However, recent developments have impacted the monument’s status. In March 2025, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order reversing the establishment of Chuckwalla National Monument, along with 18 other environmental policies from the previous administration.
This action has raised concerns among local communities, environmental advocates, and Indigenous groups who view the monument as vital for conservation and cultural preservation.
The debate over the Chuckwalla National Monument highlights the complexities of land conservation, energy development, and cultural heritage in the United States.