Mojave Wilderness: An Enduring Legacy
In 1994 with the passage of the California Desert Protection Act, Congress designated 695,200 acres of Mojave National Preserve - nearly half of all preserve lands - as wilderness. In Wilderness, human impacts into natural systems are restrained, giving rise to the rich biodiversity so critical to the health of the global environment. A sample of the diverse landscapes of Mojave Wilderness includes:
- The Zyzyx area and Soda Dry Lake-the vast, desiccated playa of a once great Ice Age lake;
- Kelso Dunes and the sandblasted topography of Devils Playground;
- Cinder Cones Lava Beds, home to at least 32 dormant volcanoes;
- The broad, granitic Cima Dome;
- The limestone crags of Clark Mountain - the tallest mountain in the Mojave Desert - and an isolated white fir forest, remnant of the Pleistocene;
- The biotic diversity, rugged topography, and stunning scenery of Piute Range and Granite, Providence, and New York Mountains.
Visitors will indeed find unparalleled opportunities for self-reliant, challenging recreational experiences. But the natural quiet and clear night skies also provide a refuge from fast-paced, developed society; a haven from increasing urbanization; a place to reconnect with oneself and with the land. The National Park Service invites you to experience Mojave Wilderness.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Mojave Wilderness.
