Copyright: National Park Service
Mohave National Preserve
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Description
- Mojave National Preserve was created in October, 1994 when Congress passed and the President signed the California Desert Protection Act. Congress acted to protect one of the most diverse desert environments in the world. The area ranges from creosote bush dominated flats in low areas to pinyon pine and juniper woodlands in higher elevations. Everywhere there are surprises. Sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, vast vistas and mile-high mountains help define this amazing area within the Mojave Desert.There are Information Centers, including exhibits, at Baker and Needles. A ranger station at Hole-in-the-Wall Ranger Station is open seasonally as staffing allows. The Preserve is managed out of our central office in Barstow. The Preserve offers interpretive programs in the fall, winter, and spring. Contact the Baker or Needles Information Centers for schedules. Special request programs are available to groups by calling the Baker Information Center. Small stores with limited foodstuffs are located in Cima and Nipton. Plan to obtain supplies before arriving at the Preserve. Groceries and supplies can be obtained in larger surrounding towns including Needles, Baker, Barstow, and Las Vegas.
Recreation - Recreational activities include sightseeing, hiking, camping, hunting, and Four-wheel-drive travel.
There are several areas within the Preserve where mule deer, Gambel's quail, chukar, desert bighorn sheep, and California quail can be hunted. A current California State hunting license, available from the state Fish and Game Commission, is required. There are two maintained hiking trails in the Preserve and two campgrounds, Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid-Hills. Backpackers and hikers can camp within the Preserve by going at least half a mile from any developed area or road and a quarter of a mile from water sources. At this time we have no official registration system, so let someone know where you are. Backcountry camping is limited to a 14-day stay. Few trail signs exist, so take a good map and become familiar with the area you are about to camp in. Do not set up in a drainage or dry wash as flash floods can develop quickly in the desert. Roadside or car camping is permitted within Mojave National Preserve in areas that have been traditionally used for this purpose. Camping tramples vegetation, and by picking sites that have been already been used for camping you help protect the desert from further damage. Do not camp along paved roads or day use areas, and stay at least a quarter mile away from all water sources. Please respect the rights of private property owners. Climate - The Mojave is a hot desert. Days with temperatures in excess of 100 degrees typically begin in May and can last into October, and within the Mojave National Preserve temperatures reach 120 degrees. Winters, however, can bring freezing temperatures. The most pleasant temperatures are in Spring and Fall but these are also the busiest seasons. Location -
Mojave National Preserve is located in Southeastern California. It encompasses 1.6 million acres of the area known as the "Lonesome Triangle", between Interstate 15 and 40. The Preserve begins about 60 miles west of Barstow and borders the Nevada state line in the east.
The Preserve is easily reached via I-15 or 1-40 east of Barstow, CA, and west of Needles, CA and Las Vegas, NV. There are six freeway exits that provide visitor access.
The nearest airports are in Ontario, CA (140 miles from the western boundary Preserve) and Las Vegas, NV (60 miles from the eastern boundary of the Preserve).
LAT: 35.1219327
LONG: -115.527771
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