Map of Mojave National Preserve in California

Largely untouched by modern development, this 1.6-million-acre  preserve is the meeting place of the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran  deserts, and it has a remarkable scenic diversity. In the southern  section of the preserve are Joshua trees, cinder cones, and the huge,  shimmering Kelso Dunes. In the Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve you can  see all three kinds of cave formations: dripstone, flowstone, and  erratics. Hole in the Wall, meanwhile, is an aptly named geologic  formation, which offers a challenging climb down a vertical chute (with  metal handholds) into the pock-marked Banshee Canyon. There's one small  settlement, Cima, within the preserve boundaries. A visitor center in  the Kelso Depot is due to open in fall 2004. The preserve was  established on October 1, 1994.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Auto and four-wheel-drive touring (rentals, Barstow, CA, and Las  Vegas, NV), hiking, hunting. Facilities: 2 information centers: Baker  (72157 Baker Rd.), Hole-in-the-Wall (intersection of Essex and Black  Canyon Rds.). Zzyzx Desert Studies Consortium, a California State  University field center within the park. Book and map sales areas.  Hole-in-the-Wall: picnic tables. Programs & Events: Interpretive  talks (on request). Campfire programs (Oct.-Apr.). Tips & Hints:  Carry and drink plenty of water, at least one gallon per person per day.  Fill gas tank and check fluids and tires before entering preserve.  There are privately owned lands within the preserve; respect no  trespassing signs. Be cautious of cattle in the road because of  open-range grazing: approach slowly and pass quietly. Watch out for  snakes, including rattlesnakes, and tarantulas (most commonly seen in  fall mating season). Be prepared for strong winds in fall and late  winter-early spring. Best times to visit are winter and spring, when  temperatures are moderate. Go Mar-May for wildflower blooms.    

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES    

Camping: In the park: Black Canyon (equestrian/group site; $25;  pit toilets), Hole-in-the-Wall (35 sites; $12; pit toilets), Mid Hills  (26 sites; $12; pit toilets). Backcountry camping allowed.  Hotels: None  in park. In Baker: Wills Fargo Motel (72252 Baker Blvd., tel.  760/733-4477; 31 rooms; $37-$68). X Restaurants: None in preserve. In  Baker: The Mad Greek (Baker Blvd. at 1-15, tel. 760/733-4354; $5-$ll).   Groceries & Gear: None in park. In Nipton: Nipton Trading Post  (107-355 Nipton Rd., tel. 760/856-2335).    

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Free. California state hunting license required. No target  shooting. Confined or leashed pets only. Don't leave pets unattended or  in closed vehicles or trailers in extreme heat. No bicycles or motorized  vehicles allowed in wilderness areas. No collecting firewood. Preserve  open daily. Baker information center open daily 9-5. Hole-in-the-Wall  information center weekends 10-2, as staffing permits.    

HOW TO GET THERE    

60 mi southwest of Las Vegas, NV, and 60 mi northeast of  Barstow, CA, between 1-15 and 1-40. Closest airports: Las Vegas, NV and  Ontario, CA(150 mi).    

CONTACTS    

Headquarters, Mojave National Preserve (222 E. Main St., Suite  202, Barstow, CA 92311, tel. 760/255-8801, fax 760/255-8809,). Baker  Information Center (Box 241, Baker, CA 92309, tel. 760/733-4040, fax  760/733-4027). Baker Area Chamber of Commerce (Box 131, Baker, CA 92309,  tel. 760/733-4469). Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce (222 E. Main St.,  Suite 216, Barstow, CA 92312, tel. 760/ 256-8617,). Needles Area Chamber  of Commerce (Box 705, Needles, CA 92363, tel. 760/326-2050). Zzyzx  Desert Studies Consortium (write c/o California State University, Box  6850, Fullerton, CA 92834-6850, tel. 741/278-2428).    

Mojave National Preserve. How to get by car to  the Mojave National Preserve. How to book a room and its price in the  Mojave National Preserve