Mojave National Preserve
CA

Mojave National Preserve

Hours

Open 24 hours

Entrance Fee

Free

Trailie

Trailie

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Mojave at a glance

Best time
March–May, October–November
Trip length
2–4 days
Don't miss
Hike the Kelso Dunes
Nearby city
Kelso, CA

Explore this park

About Mojave National Preserve

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.

5 current NPS alerts

  • Caution: Road Damage/Debris on Road
  • Information: NPS Visitor Wi-Fi
  • Caution: Do not pick up hitchhikers
  • +2 more in the Alerts tab

Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 11, 2026). Official Mojave National Preserve page on nps.gov

Weather Information

Mojave Desert experiences change with the seasons. In winter, freezing temperatures and strong winds can be expected, with rain and snow in the mountains. With enough moisture, spring wildflowers may carpet the desert floor with vivid colors.

  • Summer

    are hot, and temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit are typical.

In summer, adventurers head for the higher elevations such as Mid-Hills and the New York Mountains. The cooler temperatures of fall mark hunting season.

Operating Hours

Park Operating Hours

Outdoor areas of the Mojave National Preserve including trails, roads, campgrounds are OPEN 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Be sure to check Alerts and Conditions for any temporary closures.

  • MondayAll Day
  • TuesdayAll Day
  • WednesdayAll Day
  • ThursdayAll Day
  • FridayAll Day
  • SaturdayAll Day
  • SundayAll Day

Common questions

Planning Mojave National Preserve

The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.

Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Mojave. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.