The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Mojave Trails National Monument encompasses more than 1.5 million acres of land in California between Interstate 5 and Interstate 40. Mojave Trails National Monument is federal land that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency. This national monument has some developed campgrounds, but you can also backpack into the more than 350,000 acres of congressionally designated wilderness to be a part of nature that remains mostly untouched. To find a site to visit, search online for "BLM camping near me."
Included in the Mojave Trails National Monument is the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66 along with sites from a World War II training center. Mojave Trails National Monument connects Joshua Tree National Park with Mojave National Preserve, and it allows recreational activities like hunting, off-road vehicle recreation, camping, and more.
Hole-in-the-Wall Nature Trail is located 20 miles north of Interstate 40 on Black Canyon Road. It is one of the easier hiking trails at Mojave Trails National Monument and is only about half of a mile round trip. The trail begins at the "Hole-in-the-Wall" information center, one of the monument's developed campgrounds.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Lava Tube is one of the most popular sites in all of Mojave Trails National Monument. To get to the Lava Tube trailhead, it is highly recommended that you use a high-clearance vehicle to avoid damage to the undercarriage of your car.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Rock Springs Trail starts at the "rock house" and leads to a water hole, the site of an 1860 military post. Rock Springs Trail is a short, easy hike with interesting scenery and historic sites.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Rings Loop is a moderate to difficult hike that is mostly flat until you go up a series of metal rings. On this hike, you will pass beautiful scenery and ancient petroglyphs that make it one of the most popular hiking trails in the monument.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Kelso Dunes are one of the most spectacular sites you will see in the Mojave Trails National Monument. The hike traverses about 600 feet of elevation gain. It is a drive to get to the trailhead, and the roads are rocky and bumpy on the way, but the scenery is incredible when you get to the trail. This site also has Bureau of Land Management campgrounds available.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Hunting is permitted, and a California hunting license is required. You should be prepared to show any needed documentation to park rangers and employees. Firearms are only allowed to be discharged when in the act of hunting, there should be no range shooting or target practice while you are in the park. Some of the wildlife that can be hunted in different seasons include rabbit, dove, deer, quail, coyote, and bighorn sheep.
The mostly undeveloped wilderness of the Mojave Trails National Monument allows for some of the most scenic night skies you will find. Backpacking in the millions of acres of the national monument and sleeping under the stars will give you a great appreciation of the night sky.
There are hundreds of miles of unpaved roads in the Mojave Trails National Monument, and those roads can be explored in a 4WD vehicle. Cellphone coverage is sporadic at best, so a good map is a necessity as is checking conditions before considering a trip. Spring and fall are the best times to go out in your 4WD vehicle to experience the beauty of the national monument.
RV camping is welcome at the Mojave Trails National Monument, and the "Hole-in-the-Wall" campground is equipped with a dump station, water, and trash bins. The road leading up to this campground is fully paved, so the access is easy, but it is also first come, first served.
In addition to the developed campgrounds, Bureau of Land Management free camping includes the Mojave Trails National Monument, which is home to numerous undeveloped campsites where RVs are also welcome. The Kelso Dunes Mine is capable of hosting larger groups of RVs while most of the other campsites are capable of hosting at least one if not a few. All undeveloped campsites are also on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Mojave Trails National Monument contains many areas where the terrain is treacherous, and it is important to note a few guidelines prior to taking a trip. Campsites are limited and they are on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you have a backup plan just in case the sites are full. Also, carry a good map and do not rely on electronic navigation as many cellphones do not have service in the park. You should also make sure to drive a high-clearance vehicle because much of the park is unpaved.
It is vital that you bring water with you, and plenty of it. While water can be found in Mojave Trails National Monument, there will be times when you will be hiking or even camping without access to water, so you need to make sure you have a large supply. You should also protect yourself from the sun through layering, sunscreen, etc. The weather can change very quickly. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM requires visitors to clean up after themselves no matter where they stay to help preserve the national monument's natural qualities. Dispose of your trash, put out your fire, and follow the rules and guidelines of the park so that visitors after you can experience nature just like you did.
To get to Mojave Trails National Monument from Needles, CA, take I-40 west approximately 10 miles to the U.S. Highway 95 north exit. This is the eastern entrance to the monument.
Address: Needles Field Office, Needles, CA 92363
Ready to visit Mojave Trails National Monument? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
