Visible to drivers along I-15 to and from Las Vegas, Cima Dome is a 70-squre-mile granitic mass that rises almost imperceptibly out of the Mojave Desert to an elevation of 5700'. Located within the Mojave National Preserve (formerly East Mojave Scenic Area), it is famous among naturalists for its vast expanse of Joshua Tree woodland, the largest in the world, and its spectacular wildflower displays after wet winters.

Cima Dome supports nearly all of California's Gilded Flickers, as well as strong populations of three scarce desert thrashers (see above), all of which appear to be very sensitive to habitat encroachment, requiring large areas of undisturbed scrubland. Characteristic high desert birds (e.g. Scott's Oriole) are abundant here.

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Grazing, a relict of old BLM leases prior to its designation as a National Preserve, remains an issue in this fragile environment, though many conservation groups (notably Sierra Club) are currently battling to eliminate cattle from the preserve.