Alerts & Conditions

 

Map showing planned road closure and possible detour.

Updated: July 13, 2016

Call for updates 760 252-6108 (Thursday - Monday); 760 252-6101 (weekdays only).

 

Construction, Delays, and Closures

The eastbound Essex Road exit from Interstate 40 may be CLOSED due to ongoing road work. The westbound exit remains open. A detour is available and directs visitors to travel to the next exit to the east and then get back on Interstate 40 westbound to exit at Essex Road.

A 13.8 mile section of Mojave Road is CLOSED due to recent storm damage. A 29 mile bypass route is available.

 

Road Conditions

Paved Roads

Warning: Watch for potholes on all paved roads.

• Black Canyon Road - Open. All vehicles can access paved portion. High clearance and 4 wheel drive is recommended for dirt portion.
• Essex Road - Open
• Ivanpah Road - Open
• Kelbaker Road - CLOSED from Baker to Kelso. Open from Kelso to Interstate 40 during construction - expect delays.
• Kelso-Cima Road - Open
• Cima Road - Open
• Zzyzx Road - Open

Dirt Roads

Warning: Most dirt roads in the park require high clearance and 4-wheel drive and some knowledge of driving on rough dirt, gravel and 4-wheel drive roads. Road conditions can can quickly and cell phones do not work throughout most of the park, so do not rely on them. Check with a Ranger on vehicle requirements and conditions on the specific roads you plan to travel before you leave the pavement!

• Kelso Dunes Road - Open to all vehicles
• Black Canyon Road - Open, high clearance and 4-wheel drive recommended due to recent rains.
• Cedar Canyon Road - Open; high clearance and 4-wheel drive recommended due to recent rains.
• Lanfair Road - Open; high clearance and 4-wheel drive recommended due to recent rains.
• Ivanpah Road - Open; rough road, high clearance and 4-wheel drive recommended due to recent rains.
• Aiken Mine Road - Open; high clearance recommended
• Wildhorse Canyon Road - Open; high clearance and 4-wheel drive recommended
• Macedonia Canyon Road - Open; high clearance and 4-wheel drive recommended
• Mojave Road - Open; high clearance and 4-wheel drive recommended
• • Soda Lake may be impassable after rains - even to 4-wheel drive vehicles. Call Kelso Depot at [phone] for the latest conditions.
  • A 13.8 mile section of Mojave Road between Ivanpah Road and Fort Piute has been CLOSED due to storm damage. A 29 mile bypass route is available.

When traveling to the park via I-15 or I-40 check the Caltrans Highway Information Service for up-to-the-minute conditions at 1-800-427-7623.

 

Weather

National Weather Service

Current weather and forecasts:

Cima, California (Elevation 4,195')

Kelso, California (Elevation 2,194')

Precipitation and Climate Data

 

Information Centers

Kelso Depot Visitor Center is open Thursday - Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed Christmas Day.

Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center: Winter (October - April) - open Friday - Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Summer (May - September) - open Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; closed Christmas and New Year's Day.

Mitchell Caverns, in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area remains CLOSED until further notice.

Campgrounds
Mid-Hills Campground - Open. First-come, first-served only.

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground - Open. The campground may fill on weekends in October - November and March - April, which are the busiest periods. First-come, first-served only.

Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground - Open. Reservations required; call [phone] for more information.