A dirt path through the mountains in Mojave National Preserve

The Mojave Desert is the driest desert in North America. Furthermore, Mojave National Preserve is the third-largest National Park Service site outside of Alaska! The preserve includes the world’s largest Joshua tree forest, the Kelso Dunes, and volcanic formations including cinder cones and lava tubes.

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Mojave National Preserve Information

Park Size: 1,542,776 acres

Established: October 31, 1994

Entrance Fee: None

Nearby Communities: Barstow, Baker

Visitor Centers: Kelso Railroad Depot Visitor Center and Museum, Hole-in-the-Wall Ranger Station

Campgrounds: Midhills, Hole-in-the-Wall, Black Canyon Equestrian and Group Camp

How to Get There: The preserve is located between interstates 15 and 40 allowing easy access. Remember that within the preserve there are many unpaved roads; 4-wheel drive high clearance vehicles are recommended and may be required.

Best Time to Visit: Winter for cooler temperatures

Unique Things to Do: Hike through Hole-in-the-Wall Canyon on the Ring Loop Trail to scale canyon walls via iron rungs.

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