The Mojave National Preserve covers some 1.6 million acres (640,000 hectares) of southeastern California. The national preserve is fairly new. It was established in October 1994, after Congress passed the California Desert Protection Act, a law that is designed to safeguard this delicate desert environment.

Petroglyphs, ancient drawings carved into the rocks throughout Mojave National
Preserve, tell the story of the prehistoric people who once lived there. Through their art, we learn how they hunted animals and gathered plants to survive in the desert.

Named for the Mojave, a people that once inhabited the region, the Mojave National Preserve is a natural wonderland. Within its boundaries, you can see many different geographic features. There are desert sands, volcanic cinder cones, canyons, caves, forests, tall mountains, and placid valleys. Large dunes of windblown sand dominate the landscape.

Kelso Dunes is one of the preserve's most fascinating highlights. Many of the dunes in this 45 square-mile (117 square-kilometer) area rise to more than 600 feet (183 meters).

Climbing the dunes is a rigorous experience. It takes about two hours to reach the top. On your way up, remember to keep an eye out for wildlife. You might catch a glimpse of jack rabbits, kangaroo rats, tortoises, rattlesnakes, and lizards that make their homes among the dunes. At the very least, you might spy their tracks in the sand.

Visit also Cima Dome, a 10-mile (17-meter-) wide batholith, a mass of melted rock. You might also want to explore Mitchell Caverns. Created by the action of rainwater, these limestone caves house rock formations called stalactites (icicle-like mineral deposits that hang from the roof of a cave) and stalagmites (cone-like mineral deposits that sit on the floor of a cave).

The New York Mountains are a popular destination in the park. The New York Mountains get their name because from a distance the crenelated outline of these mountains resembles the Manhattan skyline. From peaks of these mountains, you have an impressive view of the valley below. Several other mountain ranges, including the Granite Mountains, Providence Mountains, and the Ivanpah Mountains, are also located in the preserve.

California
guide, hotels

Los Angeles
guide, hotels

Los Angeles travel guide

Los Angeles
The City
Arriving
Information
City transport
Public transportation
Major bus routes
Cycling
Eating
Eating Downtown
West LA eating
Hollywood eating
Disneyland eating
San Gabriel, San Fernando eating
Nightlife
Bars, pubs

More at
Los Angeles travel guide

San Diego
Getting around and info
Cafes, restaurants
Nightlife

Anza-Borrego Desert
Balboa Park

Downtown and Coronado
Hillcrest, Ocean Beach, Point Loma
Mission bay, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla

More at
San Diego travel  guide