Red rocks frame a stand of Joshua trees and sage brush.

Castle Mountains National Monument

National Monument ยท California

NPS Photo

๐Ÿ“ StateCalifornia
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Monument
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities4
Official NPS Website โ†’
Castle Mountains National Monument

Protected area in Mojave Desert, California

Castle Mountains National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located in the eastern Mojave Desert and northeastern San Bernardino County, in the state of California.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Castle Mountains National Monument

Castle Mountains represents some of the most unique elements of the Mojave Desert. Nestled between the Nevada state line and Mojave National Preserve, the nearly 21,000 acres of Castle Mountains boasts Joshua tree forests, unbroken natural landscapes, rare desert grasslands, and rich human history. This intriguing area provides serenity and solitude from nearby metropolitan areas.

Park Photos

Red rocks frame a stand of Joshua trees and sage brush.
Foreground is desert greenery. The isolated spires of the Castle Peaks rise up in the background

Activities

Operating Hours

Castle Mountains

Castle Mountains National Monument is open year-round. There are no facilities in the Monument. Visitor Centers in neighboring Mojave National Preserve provide information and orientation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Castle Mountains National Monument?

Castle Mountains National Monument is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Castle Mountains National Monument?

Popular activities at Castle Mountains National Monument include: Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Group Camping, RV Camping.

What is the weather like at Castle Mountains National Monument?

Weather at Castle Mountains changes with the seasons. Freezing temperatures are expected in winter, with occasional snow. Spring brings mild warm days and cooler nights. With enough rain, wildflowers can carpet the area, making for spectacular displays. Summer months are much hotter, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Strong monsoonal storms in late summer may cause flash-flooding in low-lying areas and can create hazardous road conditions. Fall is a cooler respite after the heat of summer.

How do I get to Castle Mountains National Monument?

You can approach Castle Mountains from Walking Box Ranch Road off of Nevada State Rd 164 (Nipton Road) or from several unnamed dirt roads off of Lanfair Road in Mojave National Preserve.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

Weather at Castle Mountains changes with the seasons. Freezing temperatures are expected in winter, with occasional snow. Spring brings mild warm days and cooler nights. With enough rain, wildflowers can carpet the area, making for spectacular displays. Summer months are much hotter, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Strong monsoonal storms in late summer may cause flash-flooding in low-lying areas and can create hazardous road conditions. Fall is a cooler respite after the heat of summer.

Directions

You can approach Castle Mountains from Walking Box Ranch Road off of Nevada State Rd 164 (Nipton Road) or from several unnamed dirt roads off of Lanfair Road in Mojave National Preserve.

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Location

Coordinates35.2916, -115.0936

Official Resources

NPS Official Website