Mojave National Preserve

Kelso Dunes, Mojave National Preserve. March 2008

Description 

This is a large area in the eastern Mojave Desert. Information about the Preserve can be found here: Mojave National Preserve

The largest conglomeration of rock is in the Granite Mountains, with rock similar to Joshua Tree NP, however climbing is prohibited because the area is administered as a research facility. Information can be found at these links:
University of California Natural Reserve System
Sweeny Granite Mountains Desert Research Center

Other rocks can be found in lesser capacities at Teutonia Peak and the Castle Peaks. Keen eyes will find a great deal of boulders in the Providence and New York Mountains.

The Preserve has a visitor center a Kelso in an old railroad depot. Otherwise services are pretty limited so top off your gas tank before entering the park. Fuel can be found along the interstates at Barstow, Baker, Cima Road and Jean.

The Preserve allows primitive car-camping along any dirt road. There are also two campgrounds - one at Hole-in-the-Wall and the other at Mid-Hills.

Mitchell Caverns in the Providence Mountains State Park is within the boundaries of the Preserve and has a worthwhile tour through limestone caverns. There is quite a lot of rock waiting for some scrambling in the hills above the Caverns.

Getting There 

Bounded on the north by Interstate 15 and the south by Interstate 40 access to the edges of the Preserve is not difficult. The interior roads are of mixed quality, being potholed asphalt or dirt.

Add Photo Photos of Mojave National Preserve

Eastern Mojave road sign.	Kelso Depot, Mojave NP.	Granite Mountains-storm. Photo by Blitzo.
Providence Mountains, Mojave NP.	Kelso Depot and approaching train from the Provide...	Kelso Depot, Mojave NP.