Overview
Mojave National Preserve covers approximately 1.6 million acres in the eastern Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California, making it one of the largest units managed by the National Park Service. Unlike a national park, a preserve designation allows certain activities such as hunting with proper licensing. The landscape ranges from sand dunes and lava fields to pinyon-juniper woodland and some of the densest Joshua tree forests in existence.
The preserve sits between Interstate 15 to the north and Interstate 40 to the south, roughly midway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Despite its accessibility from two major highways, the interior feels genuinely remote. Cell service is sparse or absent across most of the preserve, and services within the boundaries are extremely limited.
Key landmarks include the Kelso Dunes (one of the tallest dune systems in the western United States), Hole-in-the-Wall (a volcanic rock formation with ring-trail hiking), Cima Dome (a rare symmetrical granite dome carpeted with Joshua trees), and Lava Tube (a short cave hike). The historic Kelso Depot, a restored 1924 Union Pacific railroad station, now serves as the preserve's main visitor center.
Before You Go
Entry and Fees
Mojave National Preserve does not currently charge an entrance fee, unlike many national parks. However, fees may apply at campgrounds. Verify current fee information on the official NPS website (nps.gov/moja) before your visit, as policies can change.
What to Bring
Water is the most critical item. There are very few water sources inside the preserve, and none that are reliably accessible without advance planning. Carry a minimum of one gallon per person per day, more in summer. Bring extra food, a paper or downloaded offline map, a first-aid kit, and a spare tire — unpaved roads are common and punctures do happen.
Connectivity and Communication
Do not count on cell service inside the preserve. Download offline maps (e.g., Gaia GPS or the NPS app) and let someone outside the preserve know your itinerary. A satellite communicator is worth considering for backcountry travel.
Summer Heat Warning
Summer temperatures routinely exceed 100°F (38°C) and can reach 115°F (46°C) or higher. Hiking and outdoor activity in summer carry genuine heat-illness risk. Most experienced visitors avoid the preserve in June, July, and August or limit activity to early morning and evening.
Getting There
By Car
Private vehicle is essentially the only practical way to visit Mojave National Preserve. From Los Angeles, the most common route is via I-15 north and east to Baker, then south on Kelbaker Road into the preserve — roughly 180 miles. From Las Vegas, travel south on I-15 to the Nipton Road or Cima Road exits. From the south, I-40 provides access via Kelbaker Road (Kelso/Cima exit) or Essex Road toward Hole-in-the-Wall.
Road Conditions
Many interior roads are unpaved and may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when flash flooding can make dirt roads impassable. Always check current road conditions with the Kelso Visitor Center or on the NPS website before heading into the backcountry. Paved routes including Kelbaker Road, Cima Road, and Essex Road provide access to the major sites.
Nearest Airports
The closest major airports are Ontario International Airport (ONT), Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). All are roughly 2–3 hours from the preserve's center depending on traffic. Car rental at the airport is the standard approach.
Getting Around
There is no public transportation within or to Mojave National Preserve. A personal vehicle is required for all travel between sites. Many of the preserve's highlights — Kelso Dunes, Hole-in-the-Wall, and Cima Dome — are reachable by standard passenger vehicles via paved or well-maintained graded roads, though ground clearance helps on unpaved stretches.
A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle significantly expands access to backcountry roads such as Cedar Canyon Road and Black Canyon Road. Bicycling is permitted on roads but the distances between points of interest are long and the terrain exposed; this is best left to well-prepared, experienced cyclists. Horseback riding is permitted in many areas — verify current rules with the visitor center.
Where to Stay
Camping
The preserve has two developed campgrounds: Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid Hills. Both offer basic amenities including pit toilets and fire rings; Hole-in-the-Wall also has water available (verify current availability before relying on it). Sites are reservable through Recreation.gov for portions of the year; check current availability and pricing on that site. A group campsite is also available at Hole-in-the-Wall.
Primitive (dispersed) camping is permitted throughout most of the preserve, at least 500 feet from water sources, roads, and trails, and out of sight of roads. No permit is required for dispersed camping, though a self-registration form may be available at the visitor center. Campfires are subject to seasonal restrictions — check current fire conditions with the NPS.
Lodging Outside the Preserve
There is very little commercial lodging inside preserve boundaries. The small communities of Baker (north, on I-15) and Needles (east, on I-40) have basic motel options — verify availability and current prices directly with properties. Barstow, roughly 60 miles west on I-15, has a broader range of chain hotels. Twentynine Palms and the Joshua Tree area to the southwest also serve as a base for visitors combining trips to both preserves.
Things to See & Do
Kelso Dunes
Rising approximately 650 feet above the desert floor, the Kelso Dunes are the highest dune system in the Mojave. A roughly 3-mile round-trip hike from the parking area reaches the summit. The dunes are known for a phenomenon called 'booming' — a low rumbling sound sometimes produced when sand avalanches on dry days. Early morning and late afternoon light make for the most dramatic photography.
Hole-in-the-Wall
This formation of rhyolite volcanic rock features a network of holes and cavities formed by gas bubbles in ancient lava. The Rings Trail (approximately 1.5 miles) descends through a narrow canyon using iron rings bolted into the rock — manageable for most reasonably fit visitors but requires some upper-body effort. The surrounding area has additional easy loop trails suitable for families.
Cima Dome and Joshua Tree Forest
Cima Dome is a gently rounded granite intrusion rising about 1,500 feet above the surrounding desert. The slopes support what many botanists consider the densest and most symmetrical Joshua tree forest in the world. The area is accessible via Cima Road. There are no formal maintained trails on the dome itself; visitors explore cross-country.
Lava Tube
A short, easy trail (about 0.75 miles round trip) leads to a lava tube — a cave formed when the outer surface of a lava flow cooled and the molten interior drained away. Bring a reliable flashlight or headlamp; the interior is unlit and the floor is uneven. The tube maintains a cool temperature year-round.
Stargazing
The preserve is one of the least light-polluted areas within reasonable reach of Los Angeles and Las Vegas. On clear moonless nights, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. The Kelso Dunes and Mid Hills campground areas are popular for astronomy. There are no organized ranger-led stargazing programs on a fixed schedule — verify with the visitor center.
Wildlife Observation
The preserve supports desert tortoise (a threatened species — do not handle them), bighorn sheep, coyote, golden eagle, and a variety of lizard species. Wildflower blooms after wet winters can be spectacular, typically peaking in March and April.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants, cafes, or food vendors inside Mojave National Preserve. The Kelso Depot visitor center does not operate a food concession. Self-sufficiency is essential.
Before entering the preserve, stock up on food and water in Baker (on I-15) or Needles (on I-40). Baker has a small number of fast-food options and a gas station convenience store. For a wider grocery selection, Barstow to the west or Victorville further west are better-stocked. Bring a cooler with ice for multi-day stays, and factor in that temperatures can spoil perishables rapidly in warmer months.
Practical Information
Visitor Center
The Kelso Depot Visitor Center is located in the historic Kelso railroad station near the center of the preserve. Rangers are available here for current conditions, maps, and permits. Hours vary by season — confirm current hours on nps.gov/moja before planning your arrival around a stop here.
Fuel
There is no fuel available inside the preserve. Fill your tank before entering. Baker to the north and Needles to the east are the most convenient fuel stops depending on your route. Given the distances involved, do not enter with less than a half tank.
Emergencies
Call 911 where cell service permits. For preserve-specific emergencies, contact the NPS at the number listed on the official preserve website. In many interior areas, cell service is absent; a satellite communicator is the safest backup. The nearest hospitals are in Barstow (via I-15) and Needles — verify current facility capabilities before your trip.
Leave No Trace
The desert ecosystem is fragile and slow to recover. Stay on established trails or roads where possible, pack out all waste, and avoid disturbing biological soil crust (the dark, bumpy crust on desert ground) which can take decades to regenerate after being trampled.
Safety
Heat and Dehydration
Heat illness is the primary risk for most visitors. Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly in high temperatures. Rest in shade during midday in warm months, drink water before you feel thirsty, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a broad-brimmed hat.
Flash Flooding
Despite the aridity, thunderstorms — particularly in the July–September monsoon season — can produce rapid and dangerous flash floods in canyons and washes with little warning. If storms are forecast, avoid camping or hiking in low-lying drainages.
Navigation
GPS devices and downloaded offline maps are strongly recommended. Paper maps from the visitor center are a reliable backup. Do not rely solely on in-car navigation systems, which may have outdated or inaccurate road data for backcountry routes.
Wildlife
Rattlesnakes are present throughout the preserve. Watch where you step and place your hands, particularly around rocks and in brush. Desert tortoises are a protected species — observe from a distance and never move or handle them. If a tortoise urinates when handled, it can lose critical fluid reserves and die.
