Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There's no camping along paved roads, in day-use areas or within 200yd of any water
source.
Information
Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center
TOURIST INFORMATION
Seasonal ranger programs, backcountry information and road-condition updates. It's about
20 miles north of I-40 via Essex Rd.
Kelso Depot Visitor Center
TOURIST INFORMATION
The preserve's main visitors center is in a gracefully restored, 1920s Spanish-Mission-re-
vival railway depot. It is staffed with knowledgeable rangers who can help you plan your
day. There are also excellent natural and cultural history exhibits, as well as an old-fash-
ioned
lunch counter
(dishes $3.50 to $8.50).
Getting There & Away
Mojave National Preserve is hemmed in by I-15 in the north and I-40 in the south. The
main entrance off I-15 is at Baker, from where it's about 30 miles south to the central Kel-
so Depot visitors center via Kelbaker Rd, which links up with I-40 after another 23 miles.
Cima Rd and Morning Star Mine Rd near Nipton are two other northern access roads.
From I-40, Essex Rd leads to the Black Canyon Rd and Hole-in-the-Wall.
AROUND MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE
Nipton
On the northeastern edge of the preserve, the teensy, remote outpost of
Nipton
(
www.nipton.com
)
got its start in 1900 as a camp for workers in a nearby gold mine. The
railway has passed through here since 1905 en route from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles.
