222 East Main St, Suite 202, Superintendent Mojave National Preserve, Barstow, CA 92311
Phone: 760-255-8800 or 877-444-6777
Fax: 760-255-8809
Open All Year
Overview. Mojave National Preserve was established to protect over 1.4 million acres of desert land and ecosystems in southern California. The preserve is located along the California-Nevada border between I-40 and I-15. It is the only site in the National Park Service which includes parts of the Mojave, Great Basin and Sonoran deserts, and comprises a spectacular array of flora and fauna in a variety of connected ecosystems.What to see and do. You will find two campgrounds located in Mojave National Preserve. Mojave also has an equestrian camp complete with corrals if you're interested in riding in the preserve. The Providence Mountains State Recreation Area also lies within the boundaries of the preserve and offers campsites. Backcountry camping is permitted as long as you set up camp more than a half-mile from any roads and water sources. Mojave National Preserve is home to bighorn sheep, coyotes, tortoises, hawks and mule deer. Desert plants such as yucca, creosote bushes and Joshua trees grow here in the seemingly waterless land, and wildflowers sometimes bloom in abundance in springtime, depending on the amount of winter rain. Three information centers will provide you with any information you'll need during your visit: the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center, located within the preserve, Needles Visitor Center in Needles, and the Mojave Desert Information Center in Baker, along I-15. There you will find trail maps, campground information and information about the various interpretive programs offered by the preserve. The best way to explore Mojave National Preserve is to hike through it. Be careful though -- this is one hot region of the country, and in the summer months especially, the desert bakes like a potter's kiln in daytime. Visitors should bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to go hiking. Developed trails lead through the preserve, and one runs between the preserve's two campgrounds. Hiking off the trails is allowed; keep your eyes open for the region's unique and hearty vegetation. Native American peoples once made Mojave National Preserve their home, and evidence of their residence can be seen in petroglyphs carved on rock faces. Sand dunes and scenic canyons make the landscape here stunning. Call the Mojave National Preserve for information about campsite availability and other information. Reservations are recommended for all campsites, and can be made by calling 877-444-6777. Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center is open seasonally; Mojave Desert Information Center is open daily year-round, as is the Needles Visitor Center in Needles off I-40.
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