Mojave National Preserve
Trailie
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Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Mojave National Preserve plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
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.
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 and Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 1 reservation type on the Permits tab, including Joshua Tree National Park Tours. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
