Mojave National Preserve – California, USA has incredible trails to explore and admire unique views that California offers you. From bare landscapes, ridges, labyrinths, to dunes, Mojave National Preserve gives you a unique and completely different experience. Get ready to walk among mountains and canyons and live an unforgettable adventure.
Things to Do
Enjoy endless mountain ridings, eroded landscapes, and hard ash cones. While you drive your car, you can admire through the window the great desert in Southern California full of vast, tables and buttes. However, do not stay with the view from your window. Walk as much as you can, discover the wildlife and what Mother Nature gives you.
In the north of the reserve, dare to make a great excursion of eroded granite. You can see from there the incredible forest of Joshua trees, the largest in the world. In addition, you will also have access to the labyrinth of glens of Mole-in-the-Wall, located in Vica red volcanic rock, also known as rhyolite.
On the other hand, in the southwest, in the Kelso dunes, you can find more than 100 varieties of native plants. It is not unusual that as you make your way, you see roadrunners in the reserve. Also, rising above you will have flying gold eagles and red tail hawks.
Do not forget the wildlife. There are many mammals such as mountain lions, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and black-tailed hares. Most of these species are nocturnal because during the day there are high temperatures. You must be careful with rattlesnakes that you can cross on the way.
If possible, during the night admire the show that gives you the radiance of the Milky Way. Since it is a place so removed from the city, there are no artificial lights nearby, therefore, during the night millions of bright stars will fall on you. An unforgettable show that will leave you a lifetime of memories.
How to get there
The Mojave Reserve is located approximately 120 miles (190 km) northeast of Los Angeles. It can be easily reached via US Highway 15 or 40. UU The two roads constitute the northern and southern borders of the reserve. The nearest airport is the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). From here you must drive an hour and a half along Interstate I-15.
When to go
Spring, when the desert floor is covered with wildflowers, and the end of autumn are the best times. In the middle of summer, temperatures can rise up to 49 ° C.
How long
Plan at least one full day for your visit if you intend to stay in your car and on the roads. Any walk or off-road exploration will extend your stay to two or three days.
Opening and Closing Hours
Mojave National Preserve is open throughout the year. However, the information centers have different schedules, in addition, they are all free
Planning
The entrance to the Mojave national reserve is free. However, national parks do have an entrance fee. Tickets are not sold in the reserve, you must access the respective website.
If you wish to spend the night and camp in the reserve, you must know all the rules and information necessary to do so. There are two well-equipped camps, the Mid Hills Camp and the Hole-in-the-Wall Camp. There are also areas for backpackers and tents, camping is also allowed on the road. It is advisable to book with time, either in the reserve or in its surroundings, since the accommodations tend to run out. Baker, a small town on Interstate 15, has some motels.
Inside Information
It’s important to have a spare tire and know how to change it, due to some a little cloudy roads. Take at least 1 gallon (4.5 liters) of water per person per day. In addition, food and refrigerators are important, as is ice to keep it edible. If you must avoid something from the wildlife, it is the Mojave rattlesnake. This is one of the most poisonous snakes in America: its bite can be fatal, so watch where you put your feet and hands.
History
Mojave National Preserve is on the site of the renovated Kelso Depot. It is an old railway station with an air of Spanish mission, which exists since 1924 and then disappeared. It is currently the visitor center. In this area is the ghost town of Kelso. The California Desert Protection Act approved the establishment of the reserve in 1994.
Websites
- www.nps.gov/moja/index.htm
- digital-desert.com/baker-ca
Other Nearby Attractions
Just one hour from Mojave National Preserve, take Interstate 15 to Las Vegas and head to a completely charming place. Red Rock Canyon owns 195,819 acres of the Mojave Desert. This place is known worldwide for its natural beauty and geological interest. There are walking trails, areas for bicycling or off-road vehicles. You will come across a labyrinth, canyons, peaks, and ravines that will offer you amazing views.
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