Kelso Dunes with rays of light coming through the clouds. Mountains in the background..
Kelso Dunes is the most popular hike at Mojave National Preserve. NPS

Mojave National Preserve

National Preserve / Reserve · California · National Park Service

Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year history of human connection with the desert. Offering extensive opportunities to experience desert landscapes, the preserve promotes understanding and appreciation for the increasingly threatened resources of the Mojave Desert. This remote preserve encourages a sense of discovery and a connection to wild places.

Plan your visit

Trails & hiking

Biking · Mountain Biking · Hiking · Horseback Riding

Camping

Camping · Backcountry Camping · Group Camping · RV Camping

Site types & reservations: see the official site.

Know before you go

Phone
(760) 252-6100
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

Things to do

Highlights: Architecture and Building · Archeology · Ruins · Commerce · Trade · Farming and Agriculture · Ranches · Industry · Mining · Military · US Army · Monuments and Memorials · Native American Heritage · Transportation · Trains and Railroads · Westward Expansion · Homesteading · Animals · Birds · Cats (wild) · Fish · Tortoises and Turtles · Dunes · Fire · Geology · Groundwater · Freshwater Springs · Mountains · Night Sky · Astronomy · Rock Landscapes and Features · Buttes · Scenic Views · Unique Species · Endangered · Volcanoes · Wilderness

Activities & features: Auto and ATV · Auto Off-Roading · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Road Biking · Car or Front Country Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Food · Picnicking · Backcountry Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Off-Trail Permitted Hiking · Horse Trekking · Horse Camping (see also camping) · Hunting and Gathering · Hunting · Junior Ranger Program · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Park Film · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Photos

  • Spring wildflowers carpeting the desert floor
    NPS Photo
  • A desert tortoise rest in the shade of a bush near some hikers
    NPS Photo
  • A lonely desert trail leads to tall sand dunes
    NPS Photo
  • A man standing on a mountain peak in front of a wide desert landscape
    NPS Photo
  • A Joshua tree seen though the window of an old miner's cabin
    NPS Photo
  • Kelso Dunes with rays of light coming through the clouds. Mountains in the background..
    NPS

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12