Alerts & Conditions

 

Map showing planned road closure and possible detour.

_{Updated: October 16, 2018}

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

 

Construction, Delays, and Closures

State route 164/Nipton Road is currently CLOSED from milepost 2 to milepost 6 due to storm damage. This project may last until early November. Check nvroads.com for more information.

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 Updated: September 11, 2018

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.