When taking a trip internationally, get protection from one of the top travel insurance carriers. You can get a 5% discounton Heymondo, the sole insurer that pays doctor bills up front for you,HERE!
The Mojave Desert is generally overlooked when traveling the 280-mile journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas by road through Interstate 15. Each year, millions of tourists try to get through the drive as quickly as possible, skipping this amazing destination.
However, you must not overlook the Mojave Desert on your automobile excursion along the Western coast of the United States. It is one of the country’s most expansive regions designated by the US National Parks service and includes four national parks: Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Mead Lake National Recreational Area, and Mojave National Preserve.
While planning our 10-day itinerary along the West Coast of America, we initially considered exploring Joshua Tree National Park after seeing magnificent shots of the park`s iconic vegetation. However, after analyzing its location on a map, we opted not to include it since it was too far removed from our other chosen destinations.
Our surprise came later when we found out that Mojave National Preserve has the highest number of Joshua trees in the whole world, despite being much closer to other areas we intended to visit.
Table of Contents
VISITING JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK OR MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE?
A common question is whether to visit Joshua Tree or the Mojave Desert, so let us try to help you decide which would fulfill your expectations.
if you wish to see Joshua trees, both Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park would be suitable options, but keeping in mind that there are more trees present in the former location.
If seeing stunning rock formations from an alien world intrigues you more, Joshua Tree National Park may be a better fit. However, if learning about Mojave Desert wildlife piques your interest instead, Mojave National Park is the ideal destination.
That led us to opt for visiting Mojave National Park and Death Valley on our route from the Grand Canyon to Yosemite National Park.
In this article, you will find all of the information about Mojave National Preserve. On the main blog site, you can also find our guidance to Death Valley.
MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE GUIDE
The Mojave Desert encompasses portions of four US states: mostly southern California, parts of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona, and a small section of southwestern Utah. Mojave National Preserve is situated in California, and this article will discuss it.
You will find helpful guidance about attractions like the dark night skies and national scenic features in our guide to Mojave National Preserve.
- Means of access to Mojave
- Top Attractions in Mojave National Preserve
- Animals that may be found in the Mojave Desert
- Accommodation options in Mojave
- Notable facts about the Mojave Desert
- Map of the Mojave
HOW TO GET TO MOJAVE
Keep in mind you will need to utilize some mode of transportation to reach Mojave whether it serves as a stopover along Route 66 or Interstate 15 linking Las Vegas to Los Angeles. Or via motorhome or recreational vehicle, if you are intending to travel around the USA living in an RV.
In our case, we chose to rent a car in Las Vegas.
The temperatures in Mojave are extremely high, and if you drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, you may find information panels proposing you switch off the air conditioning because the road will be uphill until you reach the California Sierra Nevada mountain range.
If wondering if it`s necessary to carry a gas canister to cross the Mojave Desert, we had no trouble with a full tank. It should suffice unless planning to spend several days in the locale.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE
The Mojave Desert landscape will not leave you feeling indifferent. Some extraordinary experiences possible in Mojave include exploring the roads (some only accessible by 4×4 vehicle) and discovering its unique wildlife.
Summing up, THESE ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE:
- The Cima Road: Drive across one of the most spectacular roads in the Mojave Desert.
- Joshua trees: See the largest concentration of Joshua trees in the world.
- Cima Village: Visit the Cima ghost town and its abandoned railway line.
- Kelso: Visit the striking Kelso dunes and its historic ghost town.
- Mojave Desert Lava tube: Visit the ancient Mojave volcanic region containing this cave where unique light halos can be seen.
- Hiking routes: Take the “Rings Trail” or the “Hole in the Wall” trail.
- Mitchell Caverns: Photograph the limestone caverns on a guided tour.
- Zzyzx: Tour the last town alphabetically worldwide; another abandoned town with an intriguing history.
- Star-dotted heavens: Experience a few of the clearest night views in the country away from artificial light pollution.
In this section, we will plunge deeper into the finest things to see and to do in Mojave National Preserve.
CIMA ROAD
On both sides of this thoroughfare, the largest concentration of Joshua trees globally can be found. Attempting to visit this location when the sun is visible is advised to fully appreciate its sheer natural beauty.
If you want to view this comprehensive forest from an elevated position, I suggest the Teutonia Peak hiking route which is located at 5754 feet, the highest point of the Cima Dome.
Also, when you cross this road, you will pass through Mojave Cross, a memorial dedicated to the deceased of the First World War that rises over the Sunrise Rock. We camped here the night we spent in the Mojave Desert.
At the end of the road, we will arrive at Cima, an abandoned town called a ghost town after its mining resources were exhausted. Today, you can see various demolished structures and abandoned railway cars that led Cima to be viewed as a ghost town.
MOJAVE DESERT LAVA TUBE
Mojave National Preserve is situated on an extinct volcanic belt. In addition to lava depositions and slag cones, we can find up to 32 extinct volcanoes. One of the most striking formations is a 1312 feet deep lava passage called the Mojave Desert Lava Tube, where there is a hole that generates illumination beams during the afternoon.
KELSO DUNES
Another essential experience to have in Mojave National Preserve is watching the sunrise or sunset at the Kelso Dunes. The second largest sand dune system in California, it extends over 44 square miles and climbs approximately 600 feet to the summit. From this location, incredible panoramic views of the desert landscape can be enjoyed.
During the wetter spring season, the shapes formed by sand in the dunes are covered with wildflowers, coloring the sand and forming a distinctive pattern also seen in other parts of the Mojave Desert.
If you want more information, I recommend stopping at the Kelso Depot Visitor Center, named after the city that is now a ghost town. The building is an abandoned train station that was reopened as a visitor center and cultural oasis for its visitors.
RINGS TRAIL
We explored one of the most exceptional routes within Mojave National Preserve close to the Hall-in-the-Wall Visitor Center locale. The Rings Trail earned its name from the metallic rings that visitors are needed to use to ascend a portion of this path.
According to a 19th-century legend, the American Indians climbed up and down the Banshee Canyon to hide from the cowboys. A fixed-rope climbing route was set up for visitors to follow in the footsteps and have the experience.
As it is a circular path, if you do not feel comfortable hiking the metal ring section, you are able to simply return by the route you came from. This road connects the Mid-Hills area to the Hole-in-the-Wall trail, where signs help recognize the Mojave plants along the way.
MITCHELL CAVERNS
The limestone caverns of Mitchell Caverns provide another excellent attraction within Mojave National Preserve. Situated on a slope in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, they have reopened to the public following a seven year closure. Visitation necessitates scheduling a guided tour by calling 760 928-2586 on Mondays between 8 am and 5 pm.
The one hour, 1.24 mile roundtrip guided tour takes place twice per day at 11 am and 2 pm from Friday to Monday. The outing costs $10 per person with up to 15 participants per session.
The caverns include two primary caves known as El Pakiva ( The Devil’s House) and Tecopa.
Interesting and random formations can be seen throughout the cave. We will find spectacular stalagmites, stalactites, and helictites that are remarkably sharp and well-defined.
ZZYZX
ZZYZX (the last town in the world when sorted alphabetically), also known as “Soda Springs,” is located in Mojave National Preserve, San Bernardino County.
The origin of this town began when a US military garrison abandoned it in the 19th century. It later became a resupply stop for provisions and fuel for people crossing the Mojave Desert.
However, as other means of transportation developed, traffic passing through this town became less frequent. It ultimately turned into an abandoned place similar to other Mojave ghost-towns.
The uniquely named town originated from an American radio evangelist who chose the final letters of the alphabet (pronounced as zi-six). At one point, he secured permission and constructed a health spa in the area to cultivate the alleged healing properties of its local water. After a few years, the US government investigated the healer for permit inconsistencies and closed the spa. However, the town and the road leading to Zzyzx, maintained its peculiar name.
MOJAVE WILDLIFE
With just one night in the desert, the assortment of animals in Mojave that we got to see was fascinating.
As soon as we entered Cima Road, there were signs warning us to watch out for desert tortoises native to the Mojave Desert region.
Once we established camp and the full moon illuminated the Joshua trees, the howls of coyotes began to sound increasingly closer. Though somewhat frightening, it was the most magical soundtrack to hear under the Mojave Milky Way.
Learn how to capture an image of the Milky Way galaxy
The following morning, we witnessed a sizable mob of busy wild black-tailed jackrabbit just before reaching Cima the ghost town. We had never viewed rabbits with such oversized ears (much longer than common jackrabbits)!
However, they all disappeared suddenly when a wild cat was seen crossing the abandoned train rails. Sadly, our presence made him uncomfortable, and he left as quickly as possible to hunt elsewhere.
There are many animals that live in Mojave, however not all of them are harmless. The Mojave Desert snake, also known as the Mojave Rattlesnake, requires caution especially when exploring rocky areas as it is one of the most poisonous snakes globally. Even though the probability of being bitten by a snake in Mojave is not very high, please do not enter the desert without being aware of the necessary safety measures to avoid encounters and having proper travel insurance.
When traveling internationally, specifically to the US, I always advise carefully choosing a travel insurer of the highest quality. Should you be looking for insurance protection for visitors touring America (solely for sightseeing purposes), you can obtain coverage of superb value and pricing through Heymondo.
We purchased annual travel coverage for frequent travelers because we travel frequently and so far, the coverage has benefitted us.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN MOJAVE
Camping is your best lodging option since there are no hotels within the Mojave National Preserve. For hotels, consider cities like Barstow,Needles, and Twentynine Palms in California, or Primm and Searchlight in Nevada, located outside the preserve.
For a small group with less than eight individuals, the two campsites inside the reserve offer Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid-Hills. They provide water and bathrooms, but no showers or electrical connections.
The cost is $12 per area or $6 if you own an annual pass, and they operate on a initial-arrived, first-served basis. In addition, the road leading to Mid-Hills is an unpaved road in poor condition. However, the one guiding to Hole-in-the-Wall is much better as the campsite is alongside the visitor center.
For bigger gatherings or travelers on steed, there is a third campsite called Black Canyon Campground, which must be reserved ahead by calling 760-928-2572 or 760-252-6104.
Zion Canyon Lodgeis a perfect option to reside in Zion if you like the idea of being surrounded by rocky, red mountains and having an incredible view. It has one of the highest scores according to previous guests’ opinions.
MOJAVE DESERT FACTS
As we previously observed, Mojave is a unique place with regards to geology, botany and wildlife, but there are several other facts about Mojave in terms of history and nature that can be intriguing if you visit this desert.
- Mojave army base: The Fort Irwin National Training Center is an area for United States military training, situated in the center of the Mojave Desert. This center is colloquially known as an “Artificial Afghanistan” where soldiers simulate battlefields under similar conditions to the those experienced in the middle east.
- Annual rainfall in Mojave: Mojave Desert is also one of the driest places in the US. Similar to Death Valley, it is located in the rain shadow of the California Coast Ranges, which gets just 5 inches of precipitation per year on average. Conversely, temperatures in Mojave fluctuate drastically between day and night depending on the seasons.
- Mojave night skies: As Mojave is located far from any population or settlement, there is no light contamination. With this and clear skies, Mojave Desert makes for a perfect night photography location as we enjoy some of the best stargazing.
- Mojave earthquake: Mojave spans an energetic tectonic plate, which causes uncommon formations for this area of the US like the Mojave volcanic cones. A powerful Mojave earthquake occurred in 1999.
- Mojave plants: In addition to animals, we can also find a wide variety of plants growing in the Mojave Desert like the endemic Joshua tree. The primary plants in Mojave are the Brittlebush, Common Saltbush, Mojave Aster, and Creosote bush.
MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE MAP
To conclude this article, below you can find a Mojave map where I noted down the primary places of interest to see in Mojave National Park.
If you want to use this map of Mojave National Park offline on your mobile device:
- Download the Mapswithme app on your mobile phone.
- Acquire and safely stash the accompanying KML record in your Dropbox.
- Access the file through the cloud storage platform Dropbox using your mobile device. You will receive a prompt to select opening the file with the Mapswithme app (Maps.me) in order to view the file contents.
Ready, you have all that is required to start your trip.
