California State Parks

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area (Mitchell Caverns)
Stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, shields, and draperies are but a few of the formations that decorate the interior of Mitchell Caverns at Providence Mountains State Recreation Area. Located within Mojave National Preserve, just south of Hole-in-the-Wall on Essex Road, this 5,900-acre state park offers cave tours, camping, and hiking in the spectacular Providence Mountains.

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area (Mitchell Caverns) is closed indefinately
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, home to Mitchell Caverns, is a California State Park located within the boundaries of Mojave National Preserve. State park officials shut down operations in January 2011 due to serious problems with the water system.

Meanwhile, shortfalls in the California state budget caused lawmakers in Sacramento to ask that state agencies identify possible budget cuts. In May 2011, California State Parks released its closure list, and Providence Mountians was among the 70 parks included. Although closures for most parks on the list won't go into effect until July 2012, California State Parks officials decided not to invest in repairs to the park's infrastructure during a time of skrinking budgets, so Providence Mountains State Recreation Area remains closed.

With continuing weakness in the economy and ongoing fiscal issues for California State Parks, the future of Mitchell Caverns remains uncertain.

Bureau of Land Management

Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark
Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973, Amboy Crater was recognized for its visual and geological significance. Although Amboy Crater is not unique, it is an excellent example of a very symmetrical volcanic cinder cone. The inside of the 250' high crater contains two lava dams behind which has formed small lava lakes. These are now flat in general appearance, covered with light colored clay, creating the impression of miniature "dry lakes." There is a breach on the west side of the crater where basaltic lava poured out over a vast area. Beyond the crater lies 24 square miles of lava flow containing such features as lava lakes, collapsed lava tubes and sinks, spatter cones and massive flows of basalt.

Afton Canyon Natural Area
Located along the Mojave Road, a popular 4-wheel drive route, Afton Canyon includes a campground along the Mojave River. Afton Canyon is one of few places where the Mojave River flows above ground making Afton an ideal location for bird and wildlife viewing. The area is ideal for hiking, hunting, camping, nature study, rock hounding, horseback riding, and vehicle touring.The area lies outside of Mojave National Preserve west of Baker, California, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management's Barstow Field Office. Call 760 252-6000 for information.

San Bernardino County Parks

Calico Ghost Town
1881 marked the beginning of one of the largest silver strikes in California history and the birth of Calico. This authentic silver mining town lives on as one of the few original mining camps of the Old West. Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Parks System.