Spectacular Landscape in Absolute Solitude

Mojave National Preserve

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Experience the tranquility of being at one with nature in this dramatic terrain. Let the vastness of the open land transport you far away from civilization and into a world of tranquility.

About

Mojave Information

Mojave National Preserve is one of the largest national preserves within the continental U.S. Experience the great outdoors in its most untamed, unfiltered form.

“Polish comes from the cities; wisdom from the desert.” — Frank Herbert

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Park Information

Mojave National Preserve is nature's playground. It features canyons and mountains, former military mines and outposts, and opportunities to explore year-round.

Rose-colored sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers are all found at this 1.6-million-acre park. A visit to its canyons, mountains, and mesas will reveal long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts. For visitors looking for a break from nearby major metropolitan areas, the Mojave offers true peace and quiet.

Making an Impact

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Visiting the Park

Weather at Mojave National Preserve

Expect weather to be dependent on elevation and therefore will vary drastically throughout the park–you’ll experience higher rainfall and cooler temperatures as you travel higher in the mountains. Mojave is a desert so prepare yourself for over 100°F days consistently from May through September. Spring and fall months are most accommodating for outdoor activity, avoiding the heat of the summer and the higher precipitation of the winter. Strong and unpredictable winds may occur throughout the year causing sudden sandstorms. You’ll want to pack proper clothing for full protection from the elements.

Tours and Camping

Stop by the Kelso Depot visitor center, a renovated 1920’s Spanish-style railroad station, to obtain information on current exhibits, guided tours, local art galleries, park orientation film, and updated maps. Hiking trails are established throughout the park and vary in distance. Trails starting at just a quarter mile and going up to 8 miles provide challenges for all physical fitness abilities.

Check out Teutonia Peak trail and see the world’s largest concentration of Joshua trees. This 3-mile roundtrip hike summits at the highest point on Cima Dome. At nearly 6,000 feet in elevation, Teutonia Peak offers spectacular, panoramic views of the national preserve. Hike the Kelso Dunes at sunrise or sunset and catch the rose-colored glow of a 50-mile sea of sand. This 3-mile roundtrip trail is a trek around the sand dunes; please allow more time than anticipated due to the slow trudge through soft sand and take plenty of water.

There are various forms of camping offered at Mojave for all interests and skill levels. Mid Hills and Hole-in-the-Wall campgrounds offer the best family-friendly experience with restrooms, water stations, picnic tables, and firepits. These campsites have a small fee operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Backpacking is free and requires no permit, but it’s always a good idea to let others know your intended route in the event of an emergency. If you are looking for added excitement or have a larger group, check out the Black Canyon Equestrian Campground for the opportunity to both horseback ride and camp around the national preserve.

Wildlife in the Park

This diverse desert habitat contains a pinyon-juniper forest, desert grasslands, and high-altitude mountain ranges, which provides a rich ecosystem to wildlife in the national preserve. The regal bighorn sheep can be seen climbing the rugged mountain terrain, likely avoiding predators. Listen to the distinct howl of desert coyote off in the distance. It’s difficult to go for a hike without crossing paths with the black-tailed jackrabbit darting into the bushes. The preserve is home to a variety of birds as well so be sure to look to the sky for ravens, golden eagles, and red-tailed hawks in flight. If you are lucky, you may even spot a roadrunner, running up to 15 mph to catch a lizard for lunch.

Map of Mojave

Address

Mojave National Preserve

2701 Barstow Road

Barstow , CA

Park Info on NPS

Nearby Parks

Mojave National Preserve

Anchors

Mojave Information

Park Information

NPF's Impact in the Parks

Open Outdoors for Kids

Discovering Gems in Southern California’s Deserts

National Park Service Mellon Humanities Fellowships

Blooms and Buds: Where to Find the Best National Park Flowers

Weather at Mojave National Preserve

Tours and Camping

Wildlife in the Park

Map of Mojave

Address

Nearby Parks

Joshua Tree National Park

César E. Chávez National Monument

Death Valley National Park