North of Route 66 from Needles to Barstow, bordered on the north by I-15 and extending
all the way to the California-Nevada state line is a region that offers an often
overlooked opportunity to experience a really unique vacation. Primitive by city
standards, this area can only be seen by venturing off the Interstates. If you want quiet,
open spaces, and an adventure away from the crowds this may be the place for you. If you
get tired of feeling like your the only person, family, or group on the face of the planet
then gambling and entertainment of a sophisticated sort at Laughlin, Stateline and of
course Las Vegas are all within reasonable driving distance from the interior of this
vast, lonely region.
The following information was obtained from a flyer published by the
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. It was supplied to us by the
Desert Information Center in Barstow.
Volcanic cinder cones, slow-paced desert tortoises, wild west cattle operations,
booming sand dunes, historic and modern mines, rock formations etched with messages from
former residents, vast scenic vistas framed by Joshua trees, this is the Mojave National
Preserve.
BACKGROUND
Signed into law by President Clinton on October 31, 1994, the California Desert
Protection Act created the 1.4 Million acre Mojave National Preserve in the heart of the
Mojave Desert. The act transferred the lands known as the East Mojave National Scenic Area
from the Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service. The National Park Service
administers the variety of ecosystems in the Mojave National Preserve to protect the
regions natural and cultural resources.
Congress enacted the California Desert Protection Act to preserve the unrivaled
ecological, geological, cultural, historical, wildlife and recreational values of the
California Desert.
THE DESERT ENVIRONMENT
The desert in the Mojave National Preserve ranges in elevation from less than l ,000
feet to almost 8,000 feet. The best months for visiting are 0ctober through May. Summer
daytime temperatures average more than 100 degrees.
Though not always visible, wildlife is abundant. The Mojave is home to nearly 300
different species of animals, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes and
desert tortoises. A variety of birds live in the desert. Golden eagles, and several
species of hawks can he seen soaring on the desert thermals. Gambel's quail, chukar and
mourning doves, as well as many other smaller species of birds live in the canyons and
washes where they are able to find water, food and vegetation for cover.
Desert plants are especially adapted to living in this arid climate. Many have small
leaves with waxy coverings to minimize moisture loss, while cacti store large volumes of
water. Other plants such as the creosote have developed extensive or deep root systems
that enable them to gather the precious water. Common plants include yucca, creosote and
the Joshua tree. If the winter rains have watered the desert, wildflowers spread across
the desert in a rainbow of colors during April and May.
Evidence of the people who have lived and made a living from the desert and its
resources is scattered across the region. Petroglyphs and pictographs etched and drawn on
the rocks throughout the region are evidence of a long history of the peoples who followed
the natural cycles of plants and animals, gathering and hunting what they needed to live.
Later comers to the desert left their marks too. Old mines, ranches and even the ruts cut
into the desert floor by wagons remind us that this "barren" land has drawn
people to its resources for more than 10,000 years. All historical objects and
archeological features are protected by law. Observe and enjoy them, but do not disturb,
damage or remove them.
EXPLORING THE PRESERVE
The Mojave National Preserve is easily accessible from either Inter-state 15, which
forms most of its northern boundary, or Interstate 40, which creates its southern
boundary. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, a scenic drive, a bike ride, a short hike or views
of spring wildflowers. Visitors can also enjoy camping, stargazing or backpacking.
VISITOR CENTER AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
Additional information and maps are available within the Preserve at the
Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center. The visitor center is open daily from November through
April, as staffing allows. Interpretive programs are offered during the spring. Check at
the visitor center for schedules. Information about the Preserve and interpretive programs
is also available at the California Desert Information Center in Barstow.
National Park Service Rangers patrol the Preserve to provide information and resource
protection.
CAMPING
The National Park Service maintains two campgrounds with water. tables and toilet
facilities. Hole-in-the-Wall campground is located at 4,200 feet near towering volcanic
rocks that have been sculpted by water and wind. The campground, with some pull through
sites, can accommodate motor homes and a dump station is available.
Mid Hills campground is located in a pinon-juniper woodland at 5,600 feet and offers
excellent views of Cima Dome from some of the sites. Motor homes longer than 26 feet may
have difficulty maneuvering in this campground.
Backpackers may camp anywhere in the backcountry. They must be more than 1/2 mile from
a road and more than 1000 feet from a water source. They are encouraged to "Leave No
Trace" and to carry their trash out. Camping is limited to 14 days in one camp.
Please bring your own firewood as none is available in the Preserve.
HIKING
Two developed trails can be found in the Preserve. A 2-mile trail (one Way ) to
Teutonia Peak on Cima Dome begins from a trail head on the Cima Road. An 8-mile (one way)
trail between Mid Hills campground and Hole-in-the-Wall can be reached from either
campground. Many other routes, such as old mining roads, canyons or washes are popular
with hikers. Be sure to carry the appropriate topographical map.
HUNTING
Hunting is permitted in the Preserve in designated areas and according to federal,
state and local regulations. There is no hunting in the safety zones around all recreation
sites and in the Granite Mountain Research Natural Area. Target shooting and
"plinking" are not allowed in Mojave National Preserve.
TOURING
A variety of roads offer visitors access to many of the special features of the
Preserve. Sand dunes, a historic railroad depot, scenic canyons and cinder cones are just
a few of the resources that can be enjoyed. Some of the roads are signed, others will
require a map. Motor vehicles and bicycles must remain on established roads. Driving in
washes or off-road is not allowed. All motor vehicles must be street legal. High clearance
four- wheel drive is recommended on most unpaved roads. Check at the visitor center for
specific information on road conditions.
COME PREPARED
Temperatures can be extreme and water scarce. Limited supplies of water are available
at the camp-grounds, and visitors are advised to bring a supply. When hiking, carry at
least a gallon per person per day, and don't forget to drink it!
Wear clothing that will protect against sun and wind. Although it may be hot during the
day, nights can be cool, so bring extra layers of clothing. Summer temperatures can exceed
100 degrees and winter temperatures can dip well below freezing, especially at higher
elevations.
Be sure that you and your vehicle are prepared for extreme conditions. Watch out for
flash floods. Violent downpours in distant areas may result in flooding where you are. Be
alert when traveling in desert canyons and washes. Gas, water and telephones are only
found in a few widely scattered locations around the Preserve. See the map for locations.
No overnight motel accommodations are found in the Preserve. Motel rooms are available
in Baker and some are found in Nipton. Small stores with limited food stuffs are located
at Cima and Nipton.
Pets are allowed in the Preserve, but must be on a leash, no longer than 6-feet. Do not
allow them to disturb other visitors or wildlife. Do not leave them locked in your vehicle
as high temperatures can be fatal.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center
Black Canyon Road
Mojave National Preserve
(760) 928-2572
California Desert Information Center
831 Barstow Road Barstow, CA 92311
(760) 255-8760
Mojave National Preserve
c/o Lake Mead National Recreation Area
601 Nevada Highway
Boulder City, NV 89005
(702) 293-8918
