Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

 

Most Primary and Secondary Roads are OPEN

Cima Road Closed through late June 2024. Some navigation apps on smartphones will show closed roads that are now open. Please consult the Road Conditions page for the latest information.

 
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The rustic Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center (Information Center) is the primary place to stop by to learn more about the preserve and get your passport stamp.

Image Courtesy of Ironhorse Overland

Facility Status

Effective April 9th, 2024

CLOSED:

  • Kelso Depot Visitor Center Indoor Areas
  • Cima Road between Kelso Cima and Interstate 15. (See Road Conditions for details)
  • No access to Teutonia Peak Trailhead or White Cross World War I Memorial due to construction closure on Cima Road (Expected Reopening in May 2024).

OPEN:

  • Kelso Cima, Kelbaker, Morning Star Mine, Ivanpah, Lanfair, and most primary paved roads.
  • Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center (Water available)
  • Hole-in-the-Wall Campground and Midhills Campground
  • Hole-in-the-Wall Picnic Area
  • Kelso Depot outdoor areas, restrooms, parking lot, water filling
  • Kelso Dunes Road and Trails
  • Most 4WD roads (use at your own risk)
 
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Road Conditions

Check here first to see what road conditions could affect your visit to Mojave.

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Weather

In winter, expect freezing temperatures and strong winds with occasional snow. Summer brings very high temperatures & strong thunderstorms

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Camping and Campgrounds

Camping is in tents, RVs, vans, and more but prepare for possible crowds on weekends.

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Fire Restrictions

Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. Know before you go where fires are allowed. All fires are prohibited during windy conditions.

 

Some Questions You Might Have

  • All passport stamps for Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument are available at the Hole-In-The-Wall Information Center. You can even download a PDF form and put in your desired date for the stamp remotely. Even after hours, you can use the self service passport stamp station located on the front porch of the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center.
  • Junior Ranger Programs can be downloaded and printed at home. Junior Ranger badges and books can also be obtained in person at Hole-In-The-Wall Information Center. This is subject to ranger staffing. In person materials are subject to change without notice.
  • You can write Mojave National Preserve e-mail us or call us at (760)252-6100 to obtain cancelation stamps, junior ranger books, and Junior Ranger Badges. Please leave us a postal mail address in your email or voicemail message to send the requested materials.

Mojave National Preserve cooperates with internal and external emergency services, which can be contacted dialing 911.

As of February 2023, the Lava Tube requires a heavy duty four-wheel-drive vehicle to enter the lava tube area from Valley View Ranch Road or the Mojave Road. Motorists are not allowed to drive on the Kelbaker Road. Be prepared to enter and exit the area on a long rough dirt road. Use of Kelbaker Road between Kelso and Baker is subject to safety hazards related to an active construction zone, and could result in a traffic citation. 

What do we mean by heavy duty four-wheel drive? 
For the trip on the mojave Road and Valley View Ranch Road, you will need off road rated tires that have heavy duty sidewalls. Most all wheel drive SUV vehicles come with highway rated tires with thin sidewalls. You will need a vehcile equiped with skid plates and other drive train protection. you will also need a vehicle that has a low range transfer case. Most SUVs and All Wheel Drive Vehicles are not properly equiped to visit the Lava Tube at this time. 

The Mojave National Preserve bookstore is run by our nonprofit partner, the Western National Parks Association. The bookstore is currently located at Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center. An online store is also available for virtual visitors to the preserve. Search for "Mojave National Preserve" in the online bookstore.

 

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Last updated: April 9, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2701 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311

Phone:

(760) 252-6100
For emergencies including vehicle breakdowns, dial 911

Contact Us