Translate
Overview
Mojave Air and Space Port sits on the edge of the Mojave Desert in Kern County, California, roughly 100 miles north of Los Angeles. It holds a significant place in aviation and spaceflight history as the first facility in the United States to be licensed by the FAA for horizontal launches of reusable spacecraft — a designation it received in 2004.
The airport is best known to the general public as the site where Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne made history in 2004, winning the Ansari X Prize by completing two privately funded suborbital spaceflights within two weeks. That milestone essentially launched the modern commercial spaceflight industry, and Mojave has remained a working hub for aerospace testing and development ever since.
Beyond spacecraft, the facility functions as a busy civilian test-flight center. Scaled Composites, Virgin Galactic (formerly), The Spaceship Company, Stratolaunch, and numerous other aerospace firms have operated here. Dozens of commercial airliners are stored and processed in the surrounding desert hardpan, a common sight that gives the area a distinctive, otherworldly feel.
For travelers, Mojave is less a conventional tourist destination than a pilgrimage site for aviation enthusiasts and space buffs. The town of Mojave itself is small and utilitarian, but the airport offers genuine, accessible history for those willing to make the drive.
Before You Go
Mojave Air and Space Port is an active airfield and a working industrial campus. Most of the ramp and hangar areas are not open to the public on a walk-in basis. Visitors who simply show up expecting guided tours of test facilities are likely to be turned away at the gate.
What you can access without special arrangements
- The Voyager Restaurant on the airport property is open to the public and is a genuine gathering spot for pilots and aerospace workers.
- The Civilian Flight Test Museum (verify current hours and status locally before visiting) is located on the airport grounds and covers the facility's test-flight heritage.
- The exterior of the airport and the aircraft storage fields visible from public roads can be photographed freely.
Visas
Mojave is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov). Do not rely on third-party summaries for entry rules.
Practical prep
- Summer temperatures in the Mojave Desert routinely exceed 100°F (38°C). Carry substantial water if you plan to spend time outdoors.
- The desert sun is intense year-round. Sunscreen, a hat, and UV-protective clothing are advisable in any season.
- Cell coverage is generally available but can be spotty in more remote areas around town. Download offline maps before you arrive.
Getting There
By car
Driving is the most practical way to reach Mojave. From Los Angeles, take Interstate 14 north through the Antelope Valley to the town of Mojave — the drive is approximately 90–100 miles and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, which can be heavy leaving the LA basin. From Bakersfield, take Highway 58 east; the drive is roughly 60 miles.
By bus
Kern Transit operates bus routes connecting Mojave to Bakersfield and other Kern County communities. Schedules and fares change; verify current service at the Kern Transit official website before planning travel around bus connections.
By air
Mojave Air and Space Port (IATA: MHV) does not have scheduled commercial airline service. The nearest commercial airports are Bakersfield Meadows Field (BFL) and, further away, Los Angeles International (LAX) and Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR). Renting a car from one of these airports and driving is the standard approach.
By rail
Amtrak's San Joaquin line serves Bakersfield, from which a connecting bus or rental car would be needed to reach Mojave. There is no direct rail service to the town of Mojave itself.
Getting Around
The town of Mojave is small and most points of interest are concentrated near the airport or along California City Boulevard and Sierra Highway. A personal vehicle is essentially required — there is no local transit system within the town, and ride-share availability is limited and unreliable.
The airport property is accessed via Airport Boulevard. Parking is generally available near the restaurant and museum areas. Do not enter restricted or posted areas; active test flight operations mean security is genuine, not ceremonial.
If you are combining Mojave with wider desert exploration — Edwards Air Force Base (a short drive away), Red Rock Canyon State Park, or the broader Antelope Valley — a full tank of gas before leaving a larger city is advisable, as fuel options thin out quickly in the high desert.
Things to See & Do
Civilian Flight Test Museum
This small on-site museum commemorates Mojave's role in aviation test history, including exhibits related to SpaceShipOne and other milestone aircraft. Verify current opening hours and admission details locally or via the airport's official site before visiting, as hours can be limited.
Aircraft bone yard viewing
Hundreds of commercial jets — wide-bodies, narrowbodies, and regional aircraft — are stored in the desert around the airport perimeter. These are visible from public roads and are a favorite subject for aviation photographers. The dry desert air and hardpan surfaces make Mojave an ideal aircraft storage environment.
Air shows and special events
Mojave periodically hosts aviation events and open-house days that allow greater public access to the facility. The Mojave Air and Space Port Open House (held irregularly — verify dates and status via the official airport website) is the best opportunity for non-credentialed visitors to see test aircraft and meet people from the aerospace industry.
Scenic driving and desert landscape
The surrounding Mojave Desert offers compelling high-desert scenery. Red Rock Canyon State Park, about 25 miles north on Highway 14, has striking geological formations and is popular for hiking and photography. The drive along Highway 14 through the Antelope Valley is itself scenic, particularly in spring wildflower season.
Food & Drink
Voyager Restaurant
The Voyager Restaurant, located on the airport grounds, is the most well-known dining option in the immediate area and has genuine local character — it has long been a hangout for test pilots, engineers, and aviation workers. The menu is American diner-style. Verify current hours before making it the centerpiece of your visit, as hours may vary.
Town of Mojave
The town has a small selection of fast-food chains and local diners along Sierra Highway and surrounding streets. Options are limited and utilitarian — this is a working desert community, not a dining destination. Stock up on supplies in Bakersfield, Lancaster, or Palmdale if you have particular dietary requirements or preferences.
Water
In any season, carry significantly more water than you think you need. Dehydration risk is real in the desert, especially in summer. Refill opportunities in remote areas are scarce.
Practical Information
Emergency services
For any emergency in California, dial 911. The nearest full-service hospital is in a larger regional center; verify the closest emergency medical facility before your visit, as desert distances can make medical response times longer than in urban areas.
Weather and clothing
- Summer (June–August): Extremely hot. Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C). Lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing; hat; sunscreen essential.
- Winter (December–February): Cold nights, occasionally below freezing. Daytime temperatures are moderate and pleasant. Layering is recommended.
- Spring and Fall: Most comfortable for outdoor activity.
Connectivity and services
Mojave has basic services — fuel stations, a small grocery, and chain fast food. For anything beyond basics, plan to resupply in a larger city. ATMs are available but limited; carry some cash.
Photography
Photographing aircraft visible from public roads is generally permitted. Do not photograph restricted areas, active ramps, or anything behind security fencing. When in doubt, ask airport staff.
Safety
Mojave is a working industrial airfield with active flight test operations. Respect all posted boundaries, fencing, and signage — not as a legal formality but because test aircraft operations present genuine hazards.
The desert environment itself carries risks: extreme heat, UV exposure, dehydration, and limited emergency services relative to urban areas. Solo hikers or explorers in remote desert areas should inform someone of their plans and carry adequate water, a charged phone, and ideally a paper map.
The town of Mojave is a small working-class community with no particular safety concerns for travelers exercising ordinary awareness. Standard precautions — securing valuables in your vehicle, being aware of your surroundings — apply as anywhere.
