RoadRangeROADRANGE
Kelso Dunes with rays of light coming through the clouds. Mountains in the background..
NATIONAL PRESERVE

Mojave National Preserve

Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year history of human connection with the desert.

Photo: NPS / NPS

CA
state
32
things to do
6
parks within a day
OVERVIEW

About 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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

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

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Park Operating Hours

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

AstronomyAuto Off-RoadingAuto and ATVBackcountry CampingBackcountry HikingBikingBirdwatchingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCar or Front Country CampingFoodFront-Country HikingGroup CampingHikingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Horse Camping (see also camping)Horse TrekkingHorseback RidingHuntingHunting and GatheringJunior Ranger ProgramMountain BikingMuseum ExhibitsOff-Trail Permitted HikingPark FilmPicnickingRV CampingRoad BikingScenic DrivingShoppingStargazingWildlife Watching
PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Mojave Desert experiences change with the seasons. In winter, freezing temperatures and strong winds can be expected, with rain and snow in the mountains. With enough moisture, spring wildflowers may carpet the desert floor with vivid colors. Summers are hot, and temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit are typical. In summer, adventurers head for the higher elevations such as Mid-Hills and the New York Mountains. The cooler temperatures of fall mark hunting season.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Mojave National Preserve?
Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto Off-Roading, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Mojave National Preserve?
Within about a day's drive you can reach Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (2 h 53 min), Castle Mountains National Monument (3 h 16 min), Joshua Tree National Park (4 h 23 min), Lake Mead National Recreation Area (4 h 30 min), Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (4 h 33 min), César E. Chávez National Monument (4 h 42 min).