The following precautions are being taken due to the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Kelso Depot Visitor Center Museum, Hole in the Wall Information Center, and Barstow contact station are closed.
- Hole in the Wall, Mid Hills and Black Canyon Group and Equestrian campgrounds are closed.
- Zzyzx Desert Research Facility and day use area is closed to visitors.
- The Lava Tube is closed to visitors.
- Park Rangers and NPS Staff who are working in the Mojave Preserve will maintain social distancing of six feet or more.
- Mojave National Preserve is working to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors as much as possible by following current guidelines from the CDC and California Department of Health.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @MojaPres for updates.
- Normal rules and regulations continue to apply.
NPS Public Health Preparation and Response
Visitor services, other than those of public and resource protection (such as law enforcement and trash removal), will be limited or suspended. The NPS urges visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy. When contemplating a visit to a national park, the NPS asks people to act responsibly with regards to CDC and state and local guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Slowing the spread of novel coronavirus is everyone's responsibility. For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra precautions and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.
Following CDC guidance, NPS Public Health Service officers recommend that everyone should take the following routine precautions:
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Wash with soap and water to destroy the virus. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- While an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol can be used, it’s best to reserve those resources for work locations where soap and water are not readily available.
- If your hands are visibly dirty, soap and water should be used rather than hand sanitizer.
- As always, it is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Regular household cleaners will destroy the virus.
- The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Most importantly, stay home when you are sick in order to avoid exposing others.
Check here for the latest updates:
https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm
Road Conditions - Updated June 18, 2020
Paved Roads
Warning: Watch for potholes on all paved roads.
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Black Canyon Road - Open, rough
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Essex Road - Open
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Ivanpah Road - Open, large potholes. 4WD recommended.
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Kelbaker Road - Open
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Kelso-Cima Road - Open
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Cima Road - Open
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Zzyzx Road - Temporarily Closed
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Morningstar Mine Road - Open
Dirt Roads
Warning: Many dirt roads in the Preserve require high clearance of 8" or more and 4-wheel drive. Road conditions can change quickly. Cell phone service is unreliable throughout most of Mojave National Preserve. Check with a Ranger for vehicle requirements and conditions on the specific roads you plan to travel before you leave the pavement.
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Kelso Dunes Road - Open to all vehicles
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Black Canyon Road - Open, rough
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Cedar Canyon Road - Open, rough
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Lanfair Road - Open, large potholes
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Ivanpah Road - Open, large potholes
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Aiken Mine Road - Open; high clearance recommended
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Wildhorse Canyon Road - Open, 4WD, high clearance required
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Macedonia Canyon Road - Open, 4WD, high clearance required
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Mojave Road - Open through most of route. High clearance of 8" and 4-wheel drive recommended.
When traveling to the preserve via I-15 or I-40 check the Caltrans Highway Information Service for up-to-the-minute conditions at 1-800-427-7623.
