Safety

Emergency Contacts

• 24-hour Dispatch for Mojave National Preserve: [phone]
• California Highway Patrol: 911

 

Helpful Safety Tips

Being prepared is the key to a safe and fun desert adventure:

• Always keep an ample supply of water with you while traveling through the park, whether driving or hiking. We recommend a minimum of one gallon of water per person, per day; hikers and cyclists should carry two gallons per person, per day.
• Avoid strenuous activity during times of extreme heat.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Be prepared for extreme heat in the summer and snow and ice in the winter.

 

Hikers checklist:

• Wear a hat and sturdy shoes.
• Plan your route and carry a good map
• Use sunscreen
• Carry plenty of water, a gallon or more per person per day in hot weather.
• Bring extra clothing and a flashlight for after sunset.

 

Off-Pavement Travel

Travelers should take extra precautions when driving through the desert, especially if you plan to travel on dirt roads:

• Let someone know your trip route, destination, and return date, vehicle make and license plate. Cell phone coverage is sporatic.
• Take a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day (two gallons if you are hiking during hot weather), and drink it freely. Carry extra drinking water for emergencies.
• Carry plenty of food, sunscreen, proper clothing, and a first aid kit with you at all times.
• Carry emergency tools inlcluding spare tires, a tire inflator, and a tire preasure gage to release air from your tires.
• Lower tire preasure to 20 PSI or less when stuck in the sand.

Click here to learn more off-pavement travel safety tips.