The 29 Palms Inn is pleased to offer the following information about the East Mojave Preserve as an aid for tourists and travelers to the area. It is not meant to represent every aspect of the preserve because that would be impossible (and you are encouraged to see it for yourself), but if we didn't tell you something, we'd be remiss in our duty as hosts.

For excellent photo galleries of Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve, visit our Galleries, Museums, and Murals page.

View from a cave in the East Mojave © Paul Weir Click image to see larger photo

The Mojave National Preserve protects more than 1.4 million acres of outstanding desert habitat. The Preserve is the only National Park Service site where the Mojave, Great Basin and Sonoran deserts meet and so contains an immense diversity of plant and animal life. The Preserve offers visitors the chance to enjoy outstanding natural and historical features. It is an area of great mesas, mountain ranges, sand dunes and extinct volcanoes.

In 1980 Congress set aside 1.5 million acres and designated the East Mojave National Scenic Area, thus making it the nation's first such designated scenic area.

Among the many places of interest is the Calico Early Man Site. Primitive tools estimated to be up to 200,000 years old have been found on the shores of Lake Manix. The site is open for guided tours Wednesday thru Sunday - times vary, closed Sun/Mon.

Afton Canyon is an another noteworthy spot. An essential component of the Mojave ecosystem, the canyon features a steep walled gorge that was cut out by the once mighty Mojave River. Afton Canyon is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Mojave.

Dunes at Devil's Playground © Ellie Tyler Click image to see larger photo

Camping is limited to the previously disturbed areas of the East Mojave, but there are several campgrounds available. For a list of these camp sites, phone numbers, and addresses... click here.

The former town of Bagdad - of the movie 'Bagdad Cafe' fame - has the longest recorded period without rain... 767 days without even the slights drop of precipitation between 1909 and 1912. Bagdad is now a ghost town, and was in fact reconstructed especially for the movie.

For more information, please write or call to the 'Superintendent,' Mojave National Preserve, 222 East Main St., Suite 202, Barstow, CA 92311. Telephone: (760) 255-8800. Or try the 'Hole-in-the -Wall' Information Center on (760) 928-2572

Mojave Rocks and Mountains © Ellie Tyler Click image to see larger photo

Directions: The Preserve is bounded by I-40 to the south and I-15 to the north, with its western boundary 60 miles (97 km) east of Barstow. Access to the Preserve is possible from either interstate, but most notably Essex Road from I-40 and Kelbaker or Cima roads from I-15. The roads from I-40 to Hole-in-the-Wall Campground are paved. Routes from the north are not. The closest airport is in Ontario, CA, 80 miles (130km) away.

There is no entrance fee to the Preserve and California hunting licenses are available from the State Fish and Game Commission - required.

Collecting firewood is not permitted and open fires are only permitted in established campgrounds.

Numerous visitor Activities are possible, including: Hiking, camping (backcountry and established campgrounds), sightseeing, hunting (in season), 4-wheel drive off-road travel. Facilities include information centers (at Hole-in-the- Wall and along I-15 at Baker, CA), campgrounds, equestrian camp with corrals and interpretive programs. The Preserve never closes.

You should allow one gallon of water per person (per day) as the minimum requirement during your stay, and remember that the nights can get often quite cold.

You should also be aware that there are privately owned lands within the Preserve and observe any posted 'No Trespassing' signs.

Grazing is common in the Preserve, so please be cautious of cattle in the road. Approach slowly and pass quietly.

For more information, there are several books available about the East Mojave in our library for guests to read, and also for sale through the Park Association Book Center.