Mojave National Preserve Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mojave National Preserve with our comprehensive guide. Find information on things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Mojave National Preserve

Mojave National Preserve is a vast protected area located in the Mojave Desert, California, USA. It spans over 1.6 million acres and features stunning geological formations, rich cultural history, and a plethora of flora and fauna. Visitors to this incredible wilderness destination are sure to find adventure, beauty, and serenity.

List of Places to Visit in Mojave National Preserve

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Kelso Depot Visitor Center and Museum: housed in a former train station, this museum showcases the area’s history, from the railroad to the Civilian Conservation Corps. It also has exhibits on the desert’s geology and wildlife.
  • Mitchell Caverns: this attraction features a guided tour of limestone caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating formations.

Natural Attractions of Mojave National Preserve: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Kelso Dunes: towering sand dunes reaching 650 feet high
  • Hole-in-the-Wall: a scenic canyon and natural rock formation area with beautiful hiking trails
  • Teutonia Peak Trail: a moderate 3.5-mile hiking trail leading up to a breathtaking view of the preserve’s mountains and valleys
  • Lava Tube Trail: a unique hiking trail that leads you through a volcanic lava tube that was formed thousands of years ago

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mojave National Preserve

  • Kelso Dunes Trail: a 3-mile located round trip hike where you can climb the “singing” sand dunes.
  • Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Loop Trail: a 2.4-mile hike that features a natural passage through granite formations called the “rings”.
  • Heart of Rocks Trail: a 1.5-mile hike that showcases the intricate rock formations found on the trail.

Best Things to Do in Mojave National Preserve: Activities and Tours

  • Stargazing: Mojave National Preserve is one of the premier stargazing destinations in the country. Visitors can view the stars come alive at night because of the absence of large cities nearby.
  • Backpacking: backcountry camping is allowed in Mojave National Preserve. There are designated campsites and trails accessible to backpackers.
  • Ranger-Led Hikes and Tours: the Park Service provides guided hikes of the Preserve. These programs are led by rangers who provide unique perspectives on the history, geology, and wildlife of the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mojave National Preserve

  • Day 1: start off by visiting the Kelso Depot Visitor Center and Museum and Mitchell Caverns
  • Day 2: day hike the Teutonia Peak Trail
  • Day 3: explore the unique Lava Tube Trail
  • Day 4: go backpacking and camp under the stars
  • Day 5: experience the Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Loop Trail
  • Day 6: relax by stargazing at night
  • Day 7: conclude your trip by taking a ranger-led hike through Mojave National Preserve.

Food and Drink Scene of Mojave National Preserve

Must-Try Dishes

  • Navajo Tacos: a favorite amongst locals and visitors, this meal features a fried-bread base covered in meat, beans, and cheese toppings.
  • Green Chili Stew: a traditional Southwestern dish. Made with pork, chili peppers, and spices. The dish is hearty, spicy, and full of flavor.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: various local breweries make up a thriving craft beer scene in California. Visitors can try brews made from locally sourced ingredients.
  • California Wine: the state of California has a thriving wine industry, producing renowned wines that can be tasted at local wineries.

Where to Stay in Mojave National Preserve: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Kelso Depot: a restored train station become the main visitor center with clean comfortable guest rooms available nearby.
  • Camping: Campgrounds are available as well as backcountry permits.
  • Motels/Hotels: Depending on the familiar hotel names visitors may prefer there are different choices to choose from from upscale to lesser-priced hotels.

What to Buy in Mojave National Preserve: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pressed Flower Jewelry: A unique alternative to traditional jewelry utilizing native desert flowers
  • Books: There are a handful of bookstores throughout the Preserve. They offer local interest and guide books for visitors’ reference.

Local Culture and Customs of Mojave National Preserve

Mojave culture emphasizes respect for the environment and the land, practicing Leave No Trace ethics is essential and helps preserve the land for future generations. Visitors should also pay respect to the Native communities by refraining from taking photographs of them without their permission.

Best Time to Visit Mojave National Preserve

The best months to visit Mojave National Preserve would be between October and April. Temperatures during these months are mild, and visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring the desert landscape safely.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mojave National Preserve

Do:

  • Practice Leave No Trace principles when exploring the area to preserve the beauty of this natural preserve
  • Bring appropriate clothing choices and plenty of water
  • Check weather forecasts before heading out for the day.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the area
  • Pick wildflowers or damage any natural formations
  • Approach wildlife and respect their habitat.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mojave National Preserve

Mojave National Preserve offers endless beauty, but visitors should be prepared for the harsh desert climate. Below are a few safety reminders:

  • Bring plenty of water and prepare for extreme temperatures of desert climate
  • Always inform someone about your itinerary before setting out
  • Prioritize safety over adventure when exploring this remote wilderness
  • Avoid getting lost - the Preserve cell phone coverage is limited.

Health in Mojave National Preserve

Visitors are reminded to be cautious with water usage as it may lead to dehydration or heat stroke. Sun protection and proper clothing should be worn when hiking to prevent sunburn.

Getting to Mojave National Preserve: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mojave National Preserve

  • Las Vegas International Airport (LAS): 128 miles from the Preserve
  • McCarran International Airport (LAS): 65 miles from the Preserve

Bus Stations Near Mojave National Preserve

  • Greyhound: Victorville is the nearest bus station, which is 60 miles from the Preserve.
  • Amtrak: Needles is the closest Amtrak station, located approximately 80 miles from the Preserve.

Other Options

Visitors could also take advantage of a rental car to reach Mojave National Preserve.

How to Get Around in Mojave National Preserve

Visitors can navigate the area by car to accessible points, while backpackers can explore the Preserve’s trails and campgrounds by foot. It is essential to only use authorized park trails and roads

Where to Go Next from Mojave National Preserve: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby attractions to explore after enjoying Mojave National Preserve:

  • Joshua Tree National Park located 3 hours from the Preserve
  • Las Vegas located 2 hours from the Preserve

Conclusion

Mojave National Preserve is an awe-inspiring wilderness that is both beautiful and rugged. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, stargazing, and immersing themselves in the natural beauty and history of the area. We hope this guide provides helpful tips and insights for planning a memorable trip to Mojave National Preserve.

The massive Kelso Dune complex, home of the singing sand dunes The massive Kelso Dune complex, home of the singing sand dunes Clark Mountain, seen from Cima Dome Clark Mountain, seen from Cima Dome Kelso Dunes (Can you spot the hikers partway up?) Kelso Dunes (Can you spot the hikers partway up?)