Kelso Dunes with rays of light coming through the clouds. Mountains in the background..

Mojave National Preserve

National Preserve ยท California

NPS

๐Ÿ“ StateCalifornia
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Preserve
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities32
Official NPS Website โ†’
Mojave National Preserve

Protected wilderness area in California, United States

Mojave National Preserve is a US National Preserve located in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California, between Interstate 15 and Interstate 40. Established in 1994, it is the third largest unit of the National Park system within the contiguous United States, and the largest national preserve.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Mojave National Preserve

Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year history of human connection with the desert. Offering extensive opportunities to experience desert landscapes, the preserve promotes understanding and appreciation for the increasingly threatened resources of the Mojave Desert. This remote preserve encourages a sense of discovery and a connection to wild places.

Park Photos

Kelso Dunes with rays of light coming through the clouds. Mountains in the background..
Spring wildflowers carpeting the desert floor
A desert tortoise rest in the shade of a bush near some hikers
A lonely desert trail leads to tall sand dunes
A man standing on a mountain peak in front of a wide desert landscape
A Joshua tree seen though the window of an old miner's cabin

Activities

Operating Hours

Park Operating Hours

Outdoor areas of the Mojave National Preserve including trails, roads, campgrounds are OPEN 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Be sure to check Alerts and Conditions for any temporary closures.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Mojave National Preserve?

Mojave National Preserve is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Mojave National Preserve?

Popular activities at Mojave National Preserve include: Auto and ATV, Auto Off-Roading, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, Mountain Biking, Road Biking.

What is the weather like at Mojave National Preserve?

Mojave Desert experiences change with the seasons. In winter, freezing temperatures and strong winds can be expected, with rain and snow in the mountains. With enough moisture, spring wildflowers may carpet the desert floor with vivid colors. Summers are hot, and temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit are typical. In summer, adventurers head for the higher elevations such as Mid-Hills and the New York Mountains. The cooler temperatures of fall mark hunting season.

How do I get to Mojave National Preserve?

Note: There is no fuel inside the Preserve. Please fill up with gas BEFORE you enter. Park headquarters in Barstow, California is 60 miles from the Preserve, and offers maps and information. Our main visitor center, Kelso Depot, is located inside the Preserve, 95 miles east of Barstow and 90 miles west of Las Vegas at the intersection of Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads. Kelso Depot is currently closed for renovations.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

Mojave Desert experiences change with the seasons. In winter, freezing temperatures and strong winds can be expected, with rain and snow in the mountains. With enough moisture, spring wildflowers may carpet the desert floor with vivid colors. Summers are hot, and temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit are typical. In summer, adventurers head for the higher elevations such as Mid-Hills and the New York Mountains. The cooler temperatures of fall mark hunting season.

Directions

Note: There is no fuel inside the Preserve. Please fill up with gas BEFORE you enter. Park headquarters in Barstow, California is 60 miles from the Preserve, and offers maps and information. Our main visitor center, Kelso Depot, is located inside the Preserve, 95 miles east of Barstow and 90 miles west of Las Vegas at the intersection of Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads. Kelso Depot is currently closed for renovations.

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Location

Coordinates35.1249, -115.5168

Official Resources

NPS Official Website