MOJAVE DESERT
Help us preserve and protect our desert for future generations. Follow the “Leave No Trace Seven Principles” :
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
MAP
Follow these rules for safe travel in the desert:
- Visit the Bureau of Land Management Field Offices in Needles and Barstow for maps and information on current road conditions in the desert. Be aware that some areas may require a 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle.
- Many desert areas do not have phone coverage. Carry a GPS, compass, maps and satellite phone.
- Let people know where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Prepare for extreme desert temperatures. Layer clothing so you can be comfortable in both hot and cold temperatures.
- Make sure that you vehicle is in good condition and full of fuel.
- Carry adequate food, plenty of water, first aid kit, sunscreen and flashlight.
- Watch out for snakes, spiders and scorpions.
DETAILED LIST
Mojave Trails National Monument
More than 100 miles of Route 66 cross the Mojave Trails National Monument. There are historical sites and many recreational opportunities including hiking, rock hounding, and camping.
Five Mile Road Route 66 Kiosk
A nice rest stop as you enter California Route 66
BLM Needles Field Office
Stop in for maps and information on current road conditions
1303 S. Highway 95, Needles CA 92363 phone: 760.326.7000
Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness Area
Over 14,000 acres of beautiful desert full of cholla cactus
https://www.blm.gov/visit/bigelow-cholla-garden-wilderness
Piute Mountains Wilderness Area
With elevations ranging from 2000 to 4132 feet, this area is home to a variety of desert vegetation and wildlife.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/piute-mountains-wilderness
Desert Training Center
Route 66 played an important part in World War II as the road for transporting troops and supplies to the Desert Training Center. You can visit remains of Camp Ibis and Camp Clipper.
Download a brochure on the Desert Training Center.
Watch this 42 minute video to learn more about the Desert Training Center
Bonanza Springs Watchable Wildlife Area
A great place to have a picnic and look for desert wildlife.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/bonanza-springs
Mitchell Caverns
Part of the Providence Mountains State Recreational Area, Mitchell Caverns recently reopened after a seven year closure. Tours are available.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=615
Kelso Dunes Wilderness Area
The Kelso Dunes Wilderness Area is home to the largest sand deposit in the Mojave Desert. Listen carefully and you may hear the “singing dunes”.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/kelso-dunes-wilderness
Kelso Depot Visitor Center
While you are in the area, drive north about 22 miles on Kelbaker Road to visit the beautifully restored deport.
Download a pdf brochure with the Depot’s history
Amboy Crater
A National Natural Landmark, Amboy Crater last erupted 10,000 years ago. During cooler weather, take a 3mile round trip hike to the Crater.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/amboy-crater
Afton Canyon
From the Route 66 town of Ludlow, head north on Crucero Road to reach Afton Canyon, “The Grand Canyon of the Mojave”.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/afton-canyon
Pisgah Crater
Between the Route 66 towns of Ludlow and Newberry Springs, you will find a large field of lava rocks that erupted from the Pisgah Crater. The Crater and much of the land is privately owned but easily viewed from Route 66.
BLM Barstow Field Office
Stop in for maps and information about recreational opportunities in the area.
2601 Barstow Road, Barstow CA 92311 phone: 760.252.6000
Rainbow Basin
Rainbow Basin is 8 miles north of Barstow and lives up to its name with multi-colored rock formations and beautiful vistas. Check with the BLM Barstow Field Office for road conditions as the access road is not paved and may be impassible if there has been recent rain.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/rainbow-basin-owl-canyon-campground