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Mojave National Preserve

Kelso-Dunes Road, San Bernardino County, California

Description

The Mojave National Preserve covers over 6,200km2 of the Mojave Desert, roughly in the middle of a triangle between Death Valley, Las Vegas and Joshua Tree NP. It is known for the density of Joshua trees, in particular at Cima Dome (a volcanic field), although a wildfire in the summer of 2020 destroyed 1.3m JTs. Other areas of interest include the Kelso Dunes, the Marl Mountains and the ghost town of Kelso with its defunct railroad depot serving as the Visitor Center.

Access & Transport

Kelso, roughly in the middle off the preserve, is 160km (100 miles) east of Barstow and 150km south-west of Las Vegas. Accessibility info: https://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

Instructions & Recommendations

At the time of this review, the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center is open Fri-Mon from 10h to 16h. The Kelso Deposit Visitor Center, however, is closed for system repairs (reopening was scheduled for Spring 2023 but it had not occurred at the time of this update) and the Barstow HQ is closed until further notice. Best to head there early in the day, especially in the summer, and bring plenty of water (and a cooler) with you as well as sun protective equipment.

Meta review

Online reviewers state being very positively surprised by the variety of landscapes and number of things / places to see, with several visitors commenting that it is comparatively better than Joshua Tree NP. The most popular hike is without doubt the 1.5miles (2.4k) Rings Loop Trail starting from the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center parking area.

Environmental & Social

Infrastructure has been kept to a minimum so this is a green activity (besides the transport to get there) + some economic activity linked to tourism for the surrounding towns / communities.

Conclusion

Clearly worth a detour for outdoor enthusiasts when in SoCal or as a stop between LA and Vegas. There is a good blend of natural features and landscapes with some hikes and a dash of history around Kelso.

Key positive

Some photogenic natural features such as the Kelso Dunes

Plenty of Joshua Trees

Key negative

Can get very hot

Time consuming to get to

Suitability

Visitors with reduced mobility can enjoy the views from the roadside but the trails are not suitable.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:3h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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