What is there to do at Castle Mountains National Monument?

Popular activities include Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Group Camping, RV Camping.

Which national parks are within a day's drive of Castle Mountains National Monument?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (2 h 53 min), Mojave National Preserve (3 h 16 min), Lake Mead National Recreation Area (3 h 51 min), Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (5 h 6 min), Pipe Spring National Monument (5 h 15 min), Grand Canyon National Park (5 h 19 min).

Red rocks frame a stand of Joshua trees and sage brush.

NATIONAL MONUMENT

Castle Mountains National Monument

Castle Mountains represents some of the most unique elements of the Mojave Desert.

Photo: NPS Photo / NPS

state

things to do

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

About Castle Mountains National Monument

Castle Mountains represents some of the most unique elements of the Mojave Desert. Nestled between the Nevada state line and Mojave National Preserve, the nearly 21,000 acres of Castle Mountains boasts Joshua tree forests, unbroken natural landscapes, rare desert grasslands, and rich human history. This intriguing area provides serenity and solitude from nearby metropolitan areas.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Castle Mountains National Monument◆◆this park

National Monument · Nevada

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Castle Mountains National Monument◆◆this park

National Preserve · California

Mojave National Preserve

Castle Mountains National Monument◆◆this park

National Recreation Area · Arizona

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Castle Mountains National Monument◆◆this park

National Historic Trail · Arizona

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Castle Mountains National Monument◆◆this park

National Monument · Arizona

Pipe Spring National Monument

Castle Mountains National Monument◆◆this park

National Park · Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park

Driving times from Castle Mountains National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Castle Mountains

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

THINGS TO DO

Activities

CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV Camping

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Weather at Castle Mountains changes with the seasons. Freezing temperatures are expected in winter, with occasional snow. Spring brings mild warm days and cooler nights. With enough rain, wildflowers can carpet the area, making for spectacular displays. Summer months are much hotter, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Strong monsoonal storms in late summer may cause flash-flooding in low-lying areas and can create hazardous road conditions. Fall is a cooler respite after the heat of summer.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Castle Mountains National Monument?: Popular activities include Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Group Camping, RV Camping.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Castle Mountains National Monument?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (2 h 53 min), Mojave National Preserve (3 h 16 min), Lake Mead National Recreation Area (3 h 51 min), Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (5 h 6 min), Pipe Spring National Monument (5 h 15 min), Grand Canyon National Park (5 h 19 min).