• Providence Mountains

    Mojave

    National Preserve California

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Kelso Depot Visitor Center will be closed two days per week

    Effective May 8, 2013, Kelso Depot Visitor Center in Mojave National Preserve will be closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The Visitor Center will remain open Fridays through Tuesdays from 9 am to 5 pm. More »

  • Rabies Alert

    San Bernardino County Public Health Officials are trying to find a man who may have been exposed to Rabies. The bat landed on the man's neck outside Kelso Depot Visitor Center on Tuesday April 30, 2013. More »

Camping and Traveling with Horses

Horses are welcome at Mojave National Preserve!

Horses (and their riders) are welcome at Mojave National Preserve.

Sisto Cordova

Horses and riders are welcome in Mojave National Preserve! Horses and/or other pack animals (llamas and mules) are permitted on all trails, backcountry roads, and open country (including wilderness areas) within the preserve.

Developed camping facilities are available at the Black Canyon Equestrian & Group Campground. Backcountry users should familiarize themselves with guidelines and regulations for backcountry travel and camping, as well as the following:

  • Free-trailing or loose-herding is prohibited throughout the preserve
  • Ranging/grazing is prohibited; Livestock must be fed certified weed-free hay or pelleted food before arrival and during their stay in the preserve.
  • All manure should be raked out and spread over a large area.
  • Horse camps should be at least 200 yards from a water source.
  • Up to 7 animals are allowed per group; othwerwise, a Special Use Permit is required.

Horse rentals are currently unavailable in the preserve. So, bring your own horse (B.Y.O.H.).

  • Recreation Permits Recreation Permits

    Required for groups of more than 7 vehicles or 15 participants Read More

Did You Know?

photo of detail on Kelso Depot.

The railroad town of Kelso in Mojave National Preserve was named in 1905 by railroad construction workers. Two men placed their names in a hat, along with that of a third who had just moved away. The name drawn from the hat was that of John H. Kelso, the man absent from the drawing. More...