The Mojave National Preserve is an enormous protected area in the Mojave Desert spanning over 1.5 million acres in California. Here you’ll find some of the most fascinating features of California’s natural landscapes, from the world’s largest Joshua Tree forest to the “singing” Kelso Dunes.
It takes less than 3 hours to reach the Mojave National Preserve from Los Angeles by car. Would you make the drive?
Features of the Mojave National Preserve
The Mojave National Preserve was designated in 1994 to preserve the region’s fragile ecosystems and fascinating human history dating back 10,000 years. Despite challenges such as wildfire recovery and endangered species conservation, the Preserve contains an abundant range of landscapes and features.
- Kelso Dunes – Covering 45 square miles and towering at up to 650 feet, the Kelso Dunes are California’s second-largest dune system. When the conditions are just right, the dunes’ sand avalanches produce a booming or “singing” sound.
- Joshua tree forests – The Mojave National Preserve has the largest and densest Joshua tree forest in the world, which is concentrated around the granite Cima Dome.
- Volcanic features – Ancient volcanic processes formed sculptural features throughout the landscape, such as the Hole-in-the-Wall area, a system of caves and volcanic passageways; and the Cinder Cone Lava Beds, a dramatic volcanic landscape.
- Mitchell Caverns – Visitors can take guided tours of these dramatic limestone caves with massive stalactites and stalagmites.
- Wildlife – Three of North America’s four major deserts converge in the preserve, resulting in a range of microhabitats for diverse flora and fauna — including desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, roadrunners, and golden eagles.
Visiting the Mojave National Preserve
Adventurous travelers can reach the Mojave National Preserve from L.A. via I-15 N in about 3 hours, and the park is free to visit all year round. Popular activities include hiking, camping, stargazing, and horseback riding.
The preserve is remote and desolate, so it’s essential to come prepared with plenty of water and supplies. Consider arriving early to avoid extreme midday heat, make sure your car can handle rough or unpaved roads, and fill your gas tank before you go, as there are no gas stations in the park.
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