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.
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, a bookstore 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.
- Auto and ATV
- Auto Off-Roading
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Food
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horse Camping (see also camping)
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting and Gathering
- Hunting
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Architecture and Building
- Archeology
- Ruins
- Commerce
- Trade
- Farming and Agriculture
- Ranches
- Industry
- Mining
- Military
- US Army
- Monuments and Memorials
- Native American Heritage
- Transportation
- Trains and Railroads
- Westward Expansion
- Homesteading
- Animals
- Birds
- Cats (wild)
- Fish
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Dunes
- Fire
- Geology
- Groundwater
- Freshwater Springs
- Mountains
- Night Sky
- Astronomy
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Buttes
- Scenic Views
- Unique Species
- Endangered
- Volcanoes
- Wilderness
Kelso Dunes
Kelso Dunes is the most popular hike at Mojave National Preserve.
A desert road surrounded by spring wildflowers
Many people visit Mojave in the spring season to view stunning wildflower displays.
Desert Wildlife
Mojave has a great diversity of wildlife. In spring and fall, the elusive desert tortoise can be seen foraging food.
Hiking Opportunities Abound
Mojave has endless options for hikers. Kelso Sand Dunes are a popular trail in cooler months.
Stunning Vistas
Mojave is a hiker's paradise. With no less than 9 named mountain ranges int he park, there's no shortage of amazing views to be had.
Rich Human History
Visitors can still hear the echos of history here. Evidence of days long past still persist in Mojave. Native American petroglyphs, long-abandoned mines, and cattle ranches still dot the landscape.
Kelso Dunes
Kelso Dunes is the most popular hike at Mojave National Preserve.