Mojave National Preserve
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Mojave National Preserve - by Mike Smith on Google
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.
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
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:3h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo