News Releases

Mojave National Preserve, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, invites the public to comment on the draft environmental assessment of a project that will address the deteriorating conditions of Kelso-Cima and South Kelbaker roads.

Mojave National Preserve will implement increased fees for developed campgrounds starting January 1, 2025, utilizing the Recreation.gov online reservation system.

KELSO, Calif. – Cima Road to reopen November 6th 2024 at 10 a.m.

KELSO, Calif. – Over 500 utility poles spanning 15 miles removed and 5 miles of fencing installed will help protect the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), an iconic and beloved reptile.

SAN FRANCISCO – The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Ray McPadden to serve as the superintendent of Mojave National Preserve in Kelso, Calif., starting July 28, 2024.

The National Park Service is proposing to rehabilitate Kelso Cima Road and South Kelbaker Road in the Preserve. Rehabilitation of the roads will include demolition and removal of the existing asphalt road surface, installation of new stable road base, and reapplication of the asphalt road surface. Additionally, the NPS will construct fencing to facilitate safe passage and reduce population decline of the desert tortoise, a federally threatened species.

KELSO, Calif. – Mojave National Preserve will be closing the public restrooms and parking area at the Kelso Depot beginning Monday November 13th for renovations. Alternate restroom facilities include the trailhead to Kelso Dunes, Hole-in-the-Wall Picnic area, and nearby gateway communities of Baker, Primm, and Amboy.  

Mojave National Preserve will partially reopen by 7 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1. Areas that will open include South Kelbaker Road, Kelso Cima Road, Morning Star Road and a portion of Ivanpah Road between Morning Star Mine and Nipton Roads.

Mojave National Preserve will close to all visitor access beginning Friday, Aug. 18 at 2p.m. to provide for visitor and motorist safety on park roads and other facilities due to anticipated flooding and other hazards from Hurricane Hilary.

To maintain the safety of park visitors and allow fire management operations to continue unimpeded, the Superintendent of Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument is designating the following area(s) as closed to public use until further notice is given.