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Mojave National Preservephoto of Zzyzx at sunset
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Mojave National Preserve
Zzyzx Road
Six miles southwest of Baker, Calif. on I-15, Zzyzx Road (gravel—be sure to check the latest road conditions) leads 5 miles south into Mojave National Preserve along the western shore of Soda Lake (dry).
 
Lake Tuendae at Zzyzx.

Rob Fulton

Lake Tuendae at Zzyzx, developed by Curtis Howe Springer in the 1940s.

Zzyzx/Soda Springs
Self-guiding trail, wayside exhibits, vault toilets, non-potable water, picnic area.

Historically known as Soda Springs and later renamed Zzyzx (pronounced Zye-Zix), this oasis is home to the California State University Desert Studies Center. The buildings and pond were developed in the 1940s by Curtis Springer, who operated a health resort at the site.

Zzyzx is open to the public—stroll around Lake Tuendae and along the shore of Soda Dry Lake. If classes are in session, be courteous and do not disturb participants.

photo of mojave mound cactus bloom  

Did You Know?
Mojave National Preserve was established in 1994 through the California Desert Protection Act. Now managed by the National Park Service, the area was known as the East Mojave Scenic Area, under the Bureau of Land Management.

Last Updated: November 18, 2008 at 19:39 EST