The Mojave Desert National Park is truly a national treasure. Easily traveled via paved and dirt roads visitors will surely want to take their time. Bring your camera, lots of water and binoculars for an unforgettable look at a beautiful desert. The Mojave Desert covers over 25,000 square miles of territory that includes areas of Arizona, California, and Nevada. Death Valley is located within the Mojave Desert.

Basic Information

There are several key Visitor Centers set up for those traveling to the Mojave, including the Mojave National Preserve Baker Information Center. The closest airports are located in Las Vegas, Nevada and Ontario, Canada. The majority of travelers arrive in their own vehicle. Be prepared when traveling through the Mojave. Make sure you have plenty of water for each person, a full tank of gas and a cooler with snacks. Sunscreen, hats and protective clothing are a must. The sun is hot and there are long stretches between gas stations and convenience stores.

Places to Stay and Dine

There are plenty of places to choose from when deciding where to stay. Typical hotels, like Best Western and the like, are available and specialty places, such as ranches, offer unique accommodations.

Restaurants are available in almost all the hotels, but if you prefer to go out and eat you can find many different cuisines from which to choose. There is everything from a Scandinavian bakery to down-home Cowboy fare.

Things to See and Do

Visitors will want to spend several hours exploring Ivanpah Valley. Desert tortoises are everywhere in this fantastic desert habitat. When you are done counting tortoises check out Cima Dome. Teutonia Peak, located at the top of Cima Dome, is a great place to hike. There are extinct volcanoes and magnificent Joshua tree woodlands to explore, as well.

The mountain ranges in the Mojave are beautiful. You can hike over Clark Mountain where you can see rare white fir forest stands, enjoy Granite Mountains or spend the day in the New York Mountains with its interesting landscape and plant life. Traveler’s can hike, camp or drive through the Mojave. Almost the entire park is enjoyable by car if you have no interest in footing it across the desert and mountain ranges.