i believe up there wher the op is talking about is part of the joshua tree nat'l park/forest. one or the other. so they would be protected, but i concur, why would you want to.
that is a beautiful area up there. the apple valley area is pretty also. we like the drive from china lake to bakersfield alog the verde river. cant remember the road but it is about half way back to four corners from china lake then head west and it brings you into the ne. side of bakersfield. very nice drive if you ever have the time.