Castle Mountains National Monument was first established as a national monument in February of 2016. The area is nearly 21,000 acres. Three sides of Castle Mountains National Monument are surrounded by the Mojave National Preserve, making it a great space to check out the local wildlife while enjoying some quiet solitude away from civilization. The Castle Peaks are the focal point of the national monument, but the Joshua trees and junipers that can be found on the land are certainly quirky and worth a photo. The best time to visit the area is during the spring so that you can watch the desert come to life when the wildflowers bloom. There are no paved roads leading to Castle Mountains National Monument, so make sure that you come prepared with a 4x4 vehicle that can handle off-road driving.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Castle Mountains National Monument
RVing in a camper is a great way to save some money, especially if you are traveling with a few family members. It will provide you with comfortable accommodations and you will easily be able to move from one location to the next, which makes it ideal for visiting National Park and Monument sites such as this one. If you don't have your own RV or one that is large enough to accommodate your family, rentals can easily be obtained in this area through RVshare.
RV Rentals Near Castle Mountains National Monument
Things To Do Near Castle Mountains National Monument
While exploring the national monument, you can explore the area by hiking on foot or riding a bike or an ATV. If you visit in March or April, you will find a desert that is carpeted with wildflowers, which makes hiking the area even more magnificent. There is a lot of wildlife to watch as well, such as golden eagles, bighorn sheep and bobcats.
Hiking Trails
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Rock Springs Loop Trailhead
Along this trail, you will find the Rock House, which was constructed in 1929. There were two residents who lived in this house over the years. You will also see the milling operations from the 1930s near the trail. Every so often, you will find water on this path, which has made it a popular hiking path for travelers.
Location
Cedar Canyon Road, Mojave National Preserve, CA 92332
Length
1.25 Miles
Intensity
Moderate
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The Heritage Trails Loop
This is an easy walk to make with kids, and the hike will take less than an hour to complete. It follows the shore of the Colorado River, and it can be quite pleasant to hike early in the morning. This trail has very little shade, so be prepared if you hike during the day. Along the route, there are fishing ponds that you can take advantage of for shade and the opportunity to catch some bass or rainbow trout.
Location
Riverwalk Trail, Laughlin, NV 89029
Length
3 Miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Mitchell Caverns
Mitchell Caverns is in a relatively remote location but offers some truly stunning views of the surrounding area as well as unique formations to see in the caves. There are two main caves, named El Pakiva and Tecopa. If you look for wildlife in the caves, you can find pseudoscorpions, bats, and more.
Location
38200 Essex Rd, Essex, CA 92332
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Christmas Tree Pass
Christmas Tree Pass is a scenic drive near Laughlin, Nevada. The route will take you 16 miles through the Newberry Mountains, the Mohave Desert, and along the Colorado River. Make sure to bring a high-clearance vehicle because some of the roadways are not paved.
Location
Highway 163, Laughlin, NV 89029
Museums
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Searchlight Historic Museum
This museum will teach you about the history of the city of Searchlight and how this typical mining town had a larger population than Las Vegas. The museum focuses on the mining of the town's past, but a full walk-through of the museum should only take about 30 minutes to an hour. Self-guided tours are free of charge.
Location
200 Michael Wendell Way, Searchlight, NV 89046
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Bonnie and Clyde's Death Car Museum
This museum has the actual 1934 Ford V-8 that they stole and died in. The car was found in Louisiana with bullet holes in it, as well as both Bonnie's and Clyde's blood. The car is said to be haunted, so it is a display that many RVers who are interested in paranormal activity may like to visit.
Location
100 W. Primm Blvd., Jean, NV 89019
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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The Whistlestop Cafe
This is a cute little café that serves all of your favorite pub food. Try the southwest burger with fries, a cup of chili, or mac and cheese. They even have good beer on tap at all times to go with your food.
Location
107355 Nipton Rd, Nipton, CA 92364
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Megatoppers Pizza Joint
If you want some quick wings, salad, or pizza, Megatoppers Pizza Joint is a great place for the family. Vegan cheeses are available for those who don't eat animal products. Gluten-free crusts are also an option if you would prefer this type of crust.
Location
832 Gemstone Ave, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
How To Get To Castle Mountains National Monument
Since Castle Mountains National Monument is off of the beaten path, you will not want to follow a GPS to the site. Approach the national monument from Walking Box Ranch Road, located right off of I-164, which is also called Nipton Road. From here, there are several dirt roads to follow that will lead to the monument. Castle Mountain National Monument is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
Address
2701 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311
Fee: Entry Fee (Per Person)
There is no entry fee.
Castle Mountains National Monument is a remote location that is ideal for stargazing, hiking, and looking at wildflowers if you have the option of visiting in the spring. You will need a larger vehicle to navigate the dirt roads, which is why visiting this site in an RV is ideal.
