Mojave National Preserve • California

Kelso Dunes with rays of light coming through the clouds. Mountains in the background..

Spring wildflowers carpeting the desert floor

A desert tortoise rest in the shade of a bush near some hikers

A lonely desert trail leads to tall sand dunes

A man standing on a mountain peak in front of a wide desert landscape

A Joshua tree seen though the window of an old miner's cabin

Kelso Dunes with rays of light coming through the clouds. Mountains in the background..

Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year history of human connection with the desert. Offering extensive opportunities to experience desert landscapes, the preserve promotes understanding and appreciation for the increasingly threatened resources of the Mojave Desert. This remote preserve encourages a sense of discovery and a connection to wild places.

Kelso Dunes is the most popular hike at Mojave National Preserve.
NPS

Many people visit Mojave in the spring season to view stunning wildflower displays.
NPS Photo

Mojave has a great diversity of wildlife. In spring and fall, the elusive desert tortoise can be seen foraging food.
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Mojave has endless options for hikers. Kelso Sand Dunes are a popular trail in cooler months.
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Mojave is a hiker's paradise. With no less than 9 named mountain ranges int he park, there's no shortage of amazing views to be had.
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Visitors can still hear the echos of history here. Evidence of days long past still persist in Mojave. Native American petroglyphs, long-abandoned mines, and cattle ranches still dot the landscape.
NPS Photo

Kelso Dunes is the most popular hike at Mojave National Preserve.
NPS

A Joshua tree at sunset

Basic Information

Basic information about Mojave National Preserve

Mountains in the desert with a reddish glow from the sunset.

Current Conditions

Road and weather conditions, closures and important notices.

A bluff in the background with RVs. A campfire pit and picnic table in the foreground.

Camping in developed and undeveloped campsites

A map of Mojave National Preserve

Maps and Downloadable Brochures

Do not rely on inaccurate third-party apps. Get current up to date preserve maps here.

A desert tortoise

The Iconic Desert Tortoise

Keep an eye out, slow your roll and learn more about how you can help protect this iconic, threatened species here at Mojave.

A beam of light in the underground lava tube.

Discover what to do in Mojave National Preserve

A beam of light and a park ranger in an underground lava tube

Group Size, UTV Use & Other Regulations

Find out what activities are permitted, need a permit, or are prohibited at Mojave. Max group size is 7 vehicles and or 25 people.

Mountains with orange clouds.

Plan Your Visit

Trip ideas

Last updated: June 5, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2701 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311

Phone:

(760) 252-6100
For emergencies including vehicle breakdowns, dial 911

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Abandoned Mineral Lands

Erosion: Water, Wind & Weather

Cultural Landscapes