Two of the four oases in the park are in the Colorado Desert section; the southeast area. The other two reside in the Mojave Desert section; in the northeast of the park. The Cahuillas established their villages near these water and food sources. Mesquite seed pods, cactus fruit, acorns , pinyon nuts, and other seeds and berries were collected. Water attracted animals; bighorn sheep, deer, rabbits, birds, and other creatures were hunted. Palm fronds became baskets.