General Regulation

All plants, animals, rocks, historical objects, buildings, archeological artifacts, and other natural and cultural objects are protected by law. Please do not disturb them in any way, leaving them intact for all visitors to enjoy.

Private property inholdings are found throughout the Preserve. Please respect the property rights of our neighbors. Receive permission before hunting, hiking or entering private property. Cattle graze on Preserve lands. These lands are open to public use, but please don’t disturb cattle, fences, or water tanks.

Vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles, are permitted on roadways only. The Preserve contains hundreds of miles of established dirt roads, perfect for motorists and mountain bikes.Please respect all wilderness boundaries markers while driving. All motorized vehicles must be "street legal" with valid license plates and highway registration.

Hunting is allowed in Mojave National Preserve. The discharge of weapons is only allowed while legally hunting. No "plinking" or target shooting is permitted. The California Department of Fish and Game regulates hunting throughout the state, so please refer to their current regulation publications. A current California State hunting license is required. Please be prepared to present your hunting license and tags to federal or state officials if requested to do so.

Hiking and backpacking are encouraged; no permit is required for groups of fewer than 15 people. Backcountry camping is limited to a 14-day stay; choose a site at least one half mile away from any developed area or road and one quarter mile from any water source. Few trail signs exist, so take a map and become familiar with it before you hike. Be careful not to set up in a drainage or dry wash. Flash floods can develop quickly in the desert.

Roadside camping is allowed. Select sites that have been traditionally used for camping, not along paved roads or day use areas, and stay at least one quarter mile from all water sources. Please be careful not to damage fragile desert habitat.

Wood is very scarce in the desert; the collecting or cutting of any wood is not permitted. Campfires are allowed in fire rings in developed campgrounds and other established sites. Firewood, including kindling, must be brought in. If you are backpacking or roadside camping, you are encouraged to use a camp stove or build a pan fire to avoid scarring the open desert.

Native Americans have lived in the area for thousands of years, and evidence from these civilizations can be found throughout the desert. In 1976 Congress passed the Archeological Resource Protection Act. This act gives protection to archeological resources and carries heavy penalties for violators. Help us protect this important part of our past. The possession of metal detectors is not permitted in Mojave National Preserve

Pets are allowed but must be leashed, with the exception of using dogs for hunting.

Wilderness
In 1964 the U.S. Congress passed the Wilderness Protection Act. This measure established that some federal lands would managed and preserved as large, undeveloped roadless areas "where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." It was the first act of its kind in the world, and has served as a model for other nations establishing wilderness preservation systems.

Nearly 50% of Mojave National Preserve is federally designated wilderness. Exploration on foot or horseback is encouraged to experience the solitude and scenic beauty of these special places. Cars, bicycles, and other mechanized vehicles are not allowed. Wheelchairs, however, can be used in wilderness areas.