Mojave National Preserve

One of our favorite parts of our western road trip… we loved walking thru the old lava tubes and climbing thru the trails with the rings. Some of the roads required a high clearance vehicle, which we did not have, so it’s extremely important to navigate carefully.

Beautiful drive in and out but very desolate. Make sure you have good and water. Especially gas. Loved the short rings trail - do it!! Saw gorgeous colorful mountains, sand dunes, flat flat desert floors. Scenery is just spectacular

We drove through Mojave National Preserve, a hidden gem in California, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the stark beauty of the desert. Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife, or simply enjoying the vast, quiet expanses of the desert, this preserve offers an unforgettable experience.

Interesting park with various rock formations, La a flows, wildflowers and vistas. Can be a somewhat desolate drive on the west side but off road sites are worthwhile. Very nice preserve.

The Mojave National Preserve is a stunning expanse of desert landscape that offers a unique and diverse mosaic of ecological habitats. It's a place where you can experience the beauty of the desert and gain an appreciation for the resources of the Mojave Desert, which are increasingly under threat². - It's the **third largest unit** in the US National Park System within the contiguous United States, covering more than **1.5 million acres**⁴. - The preserve is home to the **world's largest and densest population of Joshua Trees**—even more so than the nearby Joshua Tree National Park⁴. - Despite being a desert, the preserve sits at a high elevation, resulting in cooler temperatures than you might expect for southern California. In the summer, average highs are in the low 90s, but it can sometimes get above 110°F on unusually hot days⁴. - The preserve is not just a place for sightseeing; it's also a place for discovery and connection to wild places. You can find numerous activities to do, like hiking the Teutonia Peak Trail, exploring the Kelso Dunes, or visiting the iconic Mojave Memorial Cross⁴.