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Mojave National Preserve

, California

NPCA REGION: Pacific Regional Office

Acreage: 1,534,819.31

Category: National Preserve

Date Established: 10/31/1994

More Info: http://www.nps.gov/moja

Mojave National Preserve's vast expanse of desert lands includes one of the most diverse desert environments in the world, representing three of the four major North American deserts: the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran. The Preserve is a land of old mountain ranges, sand dunes, great mesas and volcanic features such as cinder cones, domes, and lava flows. The most ancient rocks in the preserve, found in the Clark Mountains, are 2.5 billion years old.

The Preserve's remarkable geology and geography contributes to its unique ecology. Changes in elevation and soil type, combined with dozens of seeps and springs, create a wide range of microhabitats that support a rich diversity of plants and animals. This diverse ecology has produced 35 wildlife habitat types that support over 800 plant species, including the world's largest and densest Joshua tree forest, and nearly 300 wildlife species, including the gila monster, Mohave tui chub, Mojave fringe-toed lizard, prairie falcon, golden eagle, mule deer, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. Nearly half of the Preserve is critical habitat for the endangered desert tortoise.

NPCA Recommends

Before your next visit, read NPCA's California desert guidebook, "Variety and Adventure in the California Desert: A Guide to Responsible Recreation." In the guide you will find highlights of the varied activities visitors can enjoy in the desert, suggestions on how you can pursue recreation responsibly, and some challenges for the future.

Threats

While this region won important protections in 1994 with the passage of the California Desert Protection Act, the desert parks are increasingly endangered by the sprawling growth of southern California and Nevada, environmentally-threatening policies, and lack of funding for the parks' protection and management.

NPCA's California Desert Field Office seeks to inform the public about issues concerning California's desert parks, involve the public in solution to these issues, and encourage enjoyment and protection of park lands.

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Comments

Mojave doesn't roll out the welcome mat like many parks (it's a preserve, actually), but if you know what you're looking for, it's a fascinating place. Visit the Kelso Depot Visitor Center (which DOES now serve basic meals), hike up the Kelso Dunes, and check out the cinder cones--you can climb to the top of them, or explore the gaps beneath them. Definitely bring food and water. On your way out, check out the Mad Greek, a kitschy little restaurant in Baker, Cali, near the northwest entrance.

Submitted by scottkdc at: April 15, 2009

Hungry? Thirsty? Better come prepared. And don't expect the "towns" you see on the map to be able to provide supplies. We planned to stock up at the "town" of Cima. It turned out to be a teeny-tiny post office and an even smaller store. And I did I mention, NOTHING else!!! All I can say is don't come out to Mojave expecting to pick up your supplies in or around the park, unless your idea of a good lunch is a soda and a bag of ships! When we visited in April 2007 the park concession stand was not open yet and the bookstore did not sell any food. So please bring water. If you are prepared this park is amazing. I have never seen such beautiful blue skies in my life. And there is lots of neat evidence of volcanic activity. The climb to the top of Kelso Dunes and watching storm clouds roll in was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Well worth the effort.

Submitted by Lee at: May 6, 2008