Explore This Park

Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Caution

• Section of Mojave Road Temporarily Closed

  Alert 1 , Severity ,caution ,, Section of Mojave Road Temporarily Closed A 13.8 mile section of Mojave Road between Ivanpah Rd and Fort Piute have been temporarily closed due to severe storm damage and unsafe conditions. A suggested detour is in place.
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Map showing planned road closure and possible detour.

Updated: September 6, 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 between Ivanpah Road and Fort Piute has been temporarily CLOSED due to unsafe conditions resulting from recent storm damage. A 29 mile bypass route is recommended.

 

Road Conditions

Paved Roads

Warning: Watch for potholes on all paved roads.

• Black Canyon Road - Open
• Essex Road - Open
• Ivanpah Road - Open
• Kelbaker Road - Open
• 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 recommended
• Cedar Canyon Road - Open, high clearance recommended
• Lanfair Road - Open; high clearance recommended
• Ivanpah Road - Open; rough road, high clearance recommended
• Aiken Mine Road - Open; high clearance recommended
• Wildhorse Canyon Road - Open; high clearance and 4-wheel drive recommended
• Macedonia Canyon Road - Open; high clearance recommended
• Mojave Road - Open through most of route. Barricaded portion near Fort Piute; 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 is temporarily closed due to significant damage from recent storms. A 29 mile detour is suggested.

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 daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed Christmas Day.

Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center: Through June - open Friday - Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Beginning in July - 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.