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Protected wilderness area in California, United States
Photo: Eric Polk, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mojave National Preserve is an area of stark, quiet desert landscapes in the southeastern desert of California. Protected as a United States national preserve, it is part of the National Park System.
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A broad sloping upland dome, the erosional remnant of granite plutons that formed deep under the Earth's surface. Best viewed from Teutonia Peak Trail that leads through the what was once the densest concentration of Joshua Trees in the world (severely damaged in a 2020 fire).
Ivanpah Windsailing Special Recreation Management Area
A dry lake bed used for land sailing located just outside of the preserve boundaries on BLM managed land
The massive Kelso Dunes are easily accessible by car (no four-wheel-drive needed). Second highest sand dunes in California, up to . They are created from wind that carries dust and is reflected off a mountain. The top of the highest dune has beautiful views of the surrounding desert. Beyond their large size, these dunes also have a phenomenon called "singing" or "booming" dunes. When the moisture content is right in the sands, they emit a low thrumming sound as sand slides down the slope. Try running down the slope of a dune to trigger the sound. From the parking area, the dunes do not appear to be very far away or very large. This is an optical illusion. The hike is about 3 miles (5 km) round trip with a roughly 600-foot (180-meter) elevation gain, and hiking in sand is a lot more work than on solid ground. Allow 2–3 hours to climb to the top of the dunes and back, bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take off your shoes or prepare to get sand in them.
Formed by lava 27,000 years ago. Bring a flashlight.
Available only by guided tours at 11AM and 2PM. Cave tours at the Mitchell Caverns in the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area (administratively not part of the preserve, but entirely surrounded by it).
6 miles.
An easy hike, 0.5 miles.
8 miles one way. The trail may be difficult to navigate; bring a map and pay attention to it.
A loop trail, 1.5 miles, which goes through Banshee Canyon and past ancient rock art; you climb out of the canyon using metal rings attached to the rock.
1 mile. Trail with information about the area's mining and military history.
3 miles, about 2–3 hours. Goes through an area that was once home to a Joshua tree forest, but it was severely affected by the 2020 Dome Fire. The landscape is expected to change significantly as the fire-damaged trees die and grasses colonize the area.
(year round) Facilities include pit toilets, water, and a picnic shelter with tables.
(year round) First-come first-serve; reservations not accepted. Surrounded by sculptured volcanic rock walls, the Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is at 4,400 feet elevation. The 35 campsites are large enough for motorhomes and trailers. Two walk-in tent sites are also available. Facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and trashcans. There are no utility hookups but there is a dump station.
No water. First-come first-serve; reservations not accepted. Nestled in pinyon pine and juniper trees at 5,600 feet, Mid Hills Campground is much cooler than the desert floor below. The road to the campground is not paved and is not recommended for motorhomes or trailers. There are 26 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Pit toilets, trashcans, fire rings, picnic tables.
Offers six campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Cave tours of the Mitchell Caverns attract many people. This is a small campground that is entirely surrounded by the preserve, though administratively not part of it. The location is on an east-facing mountain ledge with beautiful views and sunrises, where the wind can sometimes be quite fierce.
By train and bus
Baker, the northwest entrance to the preserve, is served by Amtrak's bus service, providing connections to Amtrak trains.
By plane
A little further away to the southwest is:
Road conditions vary from paved, two-lane highways to rugged 4-wheel drive roads. Access is possible on foot, by bike, by horse, or by car.
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