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Kelso Dunes with rays of light coming through the clouds. Mountains in the background..
Destinations › North America › United States › California

Mojave National Preserve

Since: 1994 Open: Open year-round, visitor centers have limited hours Price: Free
campaign Park Closure: Cima Road closed · +7 expand_more

Cima Road closed — Due to storm damage, Cima Road is closed. Please find alternative routes.

Hart Mine Road Closed — Hart Mine Road Closed.

Kelso Depot Visitor Center closed — Kelso Depot Visitor Center is closed for rehabilitation of the heating and cooling system. We expect to reopen the depot in 2026. The restrooms beside the depot are open.

Do not pick up hitchhikers — Do not pick up hitchhikers. Please report their locations to law enforcement by calling 911.

Fire restrictions in place — Fire restrictions are in place at Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted. Most camp stoves are. See fire restriction order for additional details. Details ↗

Road damage possible throughout park — Use caution when driving through Mojave National Preserve. Widespread storms have potentially flooded or damaged roads throughout the preserve.

NPS Visitor Wifi — Visitor wifi and wifi calling is now available in The Kelso Depot parking lot for calls including emergencies. Go to the bulletin board at the Kelso Depot restrooms for instructions.

Delays up to 1 hour are possible at Kelbaker Road Railroad Crossing near Kelso Depot — In the event there are train siding operations at the crossing near Kelso Depot, delays may be up to one hour. Please plan accordingly for this possibility with extra fuel and drinking water. Union Pacific Contact: 1 800 848-8715

park Source: US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Introduction

Mojave National Preserve is a vast area in California that encompasses parts of three major North American deserts. It features diverse landscapes, including old mountain ranges, sand dunes, and volcanic formations. Many travelers come to explore its unique geology and rich ecology, which includes ancient rocks dating back 2.5 billion years.

Visitors can hike trails like the Cima Dome and Hole-in-the-Wall Nature Trail, or enjoy mountain biking and four-wheel driving. However, the preserve lacks commercial lodging and dining options, so planning ahead is essential for a comfortable visit.

In pictures

Spring wildflowers carpeting the desert floor
Spring wildflowers carpeting the desert floor

Things to know

No restaurants within the preserve, nearest options in Baker, California
Camping is allowed only in designated areas, avoid paved roads
Firewood collection is prohibited, bring your own
Road conditions vary, some areas require 4-wheel drive

Good to know

Accessibility: Limited accessibility, some trails are steep
Opening hours: Open year-round, visitor centers have limited hours
Price: Free

Photo: NPS