Mojave National Preserve Custom Search Rose-colored sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and mile-high mountains are all part of the scene at Mojave National Preserve. Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, this new park was established in 1994 through the California Desert Protection Act. The Preserve encompasses 1.6 million acres of mountains, jumble rocks, desert washes, and dry lakes; outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity for solitude here not easily found at other southern California parks. Plant and animal life varies by elevation. Desert tortoises burrow in creosote bush flats, while the black and yellow Scott’s oriole nests in Joshua trees higher up the slopes. Mule deer and bighorn sheep roam among pinyon pine and juniper in the Preserve’s many mountain ranges. Mojave Desert experiences change with the seasons. Infrequent winter snows sparkle on the mountains. With enough moisture, spring wildflowers carpet the desert with vivid colors. Summers are hot; hikers and campers explore the higher elevations such as Mid-Hills and the New York Mountains. The cooler temperatures of fall mark hunting season. A network of dirt roads offer year round opportunities to explore by 4-wheel drive vehicle.     CONTACTS Email - MOJA_Superintendent@nps.gov Fax- 760-255-8809 Write to Superintendent, Mojave National Preserve 222 E. Main St., Suite 202 Barstow, CA 92311 Phone Headquarters - (760)255-8800 Information-Baker - (760)733-4040 Information & Group Camp Reservations-Needles - (760)326-6322 Information-Hole-in-the-Wall - (760) 928-2572 TRAVEL BASICS Operating Hours, Seasons The Preserve is always open. The Baker Desert Information Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Needles Desert Information Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Mondays. Hole-in-the-Wall Ranger Station is generally open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Getting There PLANE - The nearest airports are in Ontario, CA (140 miles from the western boundary of the Preserve) and Las Vegas, NV (60 miles from the eastern boundary of the Preserve). CAR - The Preserve is easily reached via I-15 or I-40 east of Barstow, CA, and west of Needles, CA and Las Vegas, NV. There are six freeway exits that provide visitor access. Weather & Climate The weather is generally most comfortable in the spring and fall. Temperatures vary greatly by elevation. At low elevations, daytime highs are in the 70s in March; lows are in the 40s. Highs over 100 typically begin in May and can last into October. In the mountains, daytime highs are in the 70s in May; lows are in the 50s. Winters can bring freezing temperatures and occasional snows, with daytime highs in the 50s and 60s. Annual precipitation ranges from 3.5 inches at lower elevations to nearly 10 inches in the mountains. Most rain falls between November and April; summer thunderstorms may bring sudden, heavy rainfall. The driest months are May and June. Winds are a prominent feature of Mojave Desert weather. Strong winds occur in fall, late winter, and early spring months. Accessibility All of the Preserve’s information centers and ranger stations are accessible to all visitors. Getting Around Road conditions vary from paved, two-lane highways to rugged 4-wheel drive roads; see map for major routes. Maps showing all dirt roads are available at park information centers. CAMPING Black Canyon Equestrian & Group Campground Open All Year Located directly across the road from Hole-in-the-Wall Ranger Station and Campground. Facilities include pit toilets, water, and a picnic shelter with tables. For reservations please call 760 326-6322. Hole-in-the-Wall Campground Open All Year Surrounded by sculptured volcanic rock walls, the Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is at 4,400 feet elevation. The 35 campsites are large enough for motorhomes and trailers. Two walk-in tent sites are also available. Facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, trashcans, and drinkable water. There are no utility hookups but there is a dump station. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For More Information on this campground please call 760-733-4040,760-326-6322 Mid Hills Campground Open All Year Nestled in pinyon pine and juniper trees at 5,600 feet, Mid Hills Campground is much cooler than the desert floor below. The road to the campground is not paved and is not recommended for motorhomes or trailers. There are 26 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Pit toilets, trashcans, and drinkable water are provided. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For More Information on this campground please call 760-733-4040,760-326-6322 FACILITIES BAKER DESERT INFORMATION CENTER Open All Year 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone - 760-733-4040 Location - 72157 Baker Blvd./ PO Box 241 Baker, CA 92309 Exhibits - limited Available Facilities - bookstore NEEDLES DESERT INFORMATION CENTER Open All Year 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phone - (760) 326-6322 Location - 707 W. Broadway, Needles, CA 92363 Closures - Mondays Exhibits - limited Available Facilities - bookstore Ranger Stations HOLE-IN-THE-WALL RANGER STATION weekends as staffing permits 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Phone - (760) 928-2572 Location - 20 miles north of I-40 on Essex and Black Canyon Roads. Special Programs - Friday evening Ranger talks and Saturday morning guided hikes, spring only. Exhibits - basic orientation Available Facilities - bookstore, picnic area   Map Detailed Map Contact Info Phone, Email, Address, GPS coordinates Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Mojave National Preserve.   Campgrounds Near Mojave National Preserve: Red Top Trailer Park, Barstow, 0 miles away Desert Moon Mobile Home Park, Barstow, 2 miles away Elm Grove Trailer Park, Barstow, 2 miles away Shady Lane RV Camp, Barstow, 4 miles away Owl Canyon Campground, San Bernardino County, 8 miles away Desert Springs RV Park, Daggett, 11 miles away Kirkpatrick's Pianos and Svc, Yermo, 14 miles away   Hotels Near Mojave National Preserve: Americas Best Value Inn, Barstow , 0 miles away Holiday Inn Express BARSTOW-HISTORIC ROUTE 66, Barstow , 1 miles away Econo Lodge Barstow, Barstow , 2 miles away Rodeway Inn Barstow, Barstow , 2 miles away California Inn, Barstow , 2 miles away Super 8 Barstow, Barstow , 2 miles away Days Inn Barstow, Barstow , 3 miles away   Ski Areas Near Mojave National Preserve: Snow Valley, California , 38 miles away, 1041 foot drop, 11 lifts, 30 runs Snow Summit, California , 39 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 14 lifts, 31 runs Bear Mountain, California , 39 miles away, 1665 foot drop, 12 lifts, 34 runs Mt. Baldy, California , 53 miles away, 2100 foot drop, 4 lifts, 28 runs Mountain High, California , 54 miles away, 1600 foot drop, 16 lifts, 62 runs Ski Sunrise, California , 54 miles away, 816 foot drop, 4 lifts, 24 runs Mt Waterman, California , 58 miles away, 1300 foot drop, 3 lifts, 10 runs   Public Lands Near Mojave National Preserve: San Bernardino National Forest, California , 34 miles away Silverwood Lake State Park, California , 39 miles away   Golf Courses Near Mojave National Preserve: Barstow Golf Club, Barstow , 7 miles away