Mojave National Preserve

National Preserve · California

Closure Caution Information See 7 current alerts

Kelso Dunes with rays of light coming through the clouds. Mountains in the background..
Photo: NPS

Current alerts (7)

  • Closure

    Hart Mine Road Closed

    Hart Mine Road Closed.

  • Closure

    Kelso Depot Visitor Center closed

    Kelso Depot Visitor Center is closed for rehabilitation of the heating and cooling system. We expect to reopen the depot in 2026. The restrooms beside the depot are open.

  • Caution

    Road Damage/Debris on Road

    Use caution when driving through Mojave National Preserve. Widespread storms have flooded, damaged and deposited debris on roads throughout the preserve.

  • Caution

    Do not pick up hitchhikers

    Do not pick up hitchhikers. Please report their locations to law enforcement by calling 911.

  • Caution

    Fire restrictions in place

    Fire restrictions are in place at Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted. Most camp stoves are. See fire restriction order for additional details.

    More from the park: Fire restrictions in place

  • Information

    NPS Visitor Wi-Fi

    Visitor Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi calling is now available in the Kelso Depot parking lot for calls including emergencies. Go to the bulletin board at the Kelso Depot restrooms for instructions.

  • Information

    Delays up to 1 hour are possible at Kelbaker Road Railroad Crossing near Kelso Depot

    In the event there are train siding operations at the crossing near Kelso Depot, delays may be up to one hour. Please plan accordingly for this possibility with extra fuel and drinking water. Union Pacific Contact: 1 800 848-8715

Hours

Park Operating Hours

Standard hours: Park Operating Hours
Every dayAll Day

Outdoor areas of the Mojave National Preserve including trails, roads, campgrounds are OPEN 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Be sure to check Alerts and Conditions for any temporary closures.

Visitor centers

Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center

Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center

Standard hours: Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center
Monday10:00AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday – ThursdayClosed
Friday – Sunday10:00AM - 4:00PM

Hole in the Wall Visitor Center is Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. Please verify that the access roads and/or visitor center are open at our conditions page at go.nps.gov/MojaveConditions

Visitor center page on nps.gov: Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center

Kelso Depot Visitor Center

Kelso Depot Visitor Center

Standard hours: Kelso Depot Visitor Center
Monday – SundayClosed

Kelso Depot is temporarily closed for rehabilitation. The contract is underway, and work is being performed according to schedule. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and visit us at the Hole-In-The-Wall Information Center.

Visitor center page on nps.gov: Kelso Depot Visitor Center

Barstow Headquarters Information Desk

Barstow Headquarters Information Desk

Standard hours: Barstow Headquarters Information Desk
Monday – Friday9:00AM - 3:00PM
Saturday – SundayClosed

Coming up:

  • Oct 1 – Apr 26: Winter Hours
  • Nov 11: Veterans Day (closed)
  • Nov 26: Thanksgiving (closed)

Enter through the doors facing the main road.

About this park

Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year history of human connection with the desert. Offering extensive opportunities to experience desert landscapes, the preserve promotes understanding and appreciation for the increasingly threatened resources of the Mojave Desert. This remote preserve encourages a sense of discovery and a connection to wild places.