Mojave Trails National Monument
Mojave Trails National Monument, spanning 1.6 million acres of desert landscapes, is between Barstow and Needles in Southern California.
This diverse monument features rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows, and stunning dunes, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area also boasts the longest undeveloped stretch of Route 66 and significant World War II-era sites.
Visitors can explore the rich biodiversity through off-roading, hiking, and rockhounding activities while enjoying the monuments’ natural and cultural treasures.
This area can be extremely hot, particularly in summer, and we don’t recommend visiting during the summer months. No matter what time of year you visit, this area can be hot and very remote, so visitors should take precautions.
Destination Details
| Season | Year-round (but summer can be very hot) |
| Location | Mojave Desert, California |
| General GPS Coordinates | 34.556198, -115.7561307 |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management |
| Size | 1.6 million acres |
| State | California |
| Nearest Major City | Barstow |
Getting Oriented
Mojave Trails National Monument is characterized by its vast and varied terrain, which includes sweeping dunes, expansive desert valleys, and towering mountain ranges. The monument is an ecological bridge between the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park, fostering regional wildlife movement.
The climate is typically arid, with hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination for those seeking adventure in a remote setting. The monument’s rich history and cultural significance enhance its appeal, allowing visitors to explore natural wonders and historical sites.
BLM Georeferenced Maps
The BLM offers georeferenced maps for Mojave Trails National Monument, designed to keep adventurers on track even in areas without cell coverage.
A georeferenced map works with your mobile device’s GPS, displaying your exact location as a colored dot on the map, even when you’re offline. By downloading these maps to a compatible app, like AVENZA, you’ll be able to navigate using the PDF maps.
PDF Map Downloads:
Afton Canyon and North Mojave Trails
Broadwell and Mojave Trails
Getting to Mojave Trails National Monument
To reach Mojave Trails National Monument from Barstow, head east on I-40, then take Exit 107 for Route 66. Follow Route 66 South, where you’ll find several access points to the monument.
If you’re coming from Needles, take I-40 west to Exit 1 for Route 66. From there, you can access various trails and campsites throughout the monument. Be prepared for a drive on unpaved roads, where high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
Where to Camp
Mojave Trails National Monument offers a variety of camping options, from developed campgrounds equipped with essential amenities to the freedom of dispersed camping.
Campgrounds
Afton Canyon Campground is the primary developed camping area within Mojave Trails National Monument. It offers 22 sites and a group campsite with picnic tables, shade structures, and restroom facilities. This campground is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding desert landscapes and is often utilized by travelers along the historic Mojave Road.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the monument, excluding designated areas such as the Afton Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Campers can occupy a single site for up to 14 days but must relocate at least 25 miles away afterward.
Camp in previously disturbed areas to minimize impact on the environment. Always adhere to Leave No Trace principles and be mindful of wildlife water sources when selecting a campsite.
Things to Do
Off-Roading and Overlanding
Mojave Trails National Monument offers many outdoor activities suited for vehicle-based adventures. The expansive network of unpaved roads and trails invites exploration in high-clearance 4×4 vehicles, allowing access to remote landscapes and hidden gems within the monument. Off-roading enthusiasts will find numerous trails that vary in difficulty, providing a thrilling experience across the diverse terrain.
Hiking and Exploring
For those interested in hiking, numerous trails meander through the scenic landscape, offering stunning views and the opportunity to encounter local flora and fauna. The area’s rich geological history can also be explored through rockhounding and fossil collecting, particularly in areas known for trilobite fossils.
Points of Interest
Cadiz Dunes Wilderness
Cadiz Dunes Wilderness offers a unique experience of exploring some of the most remote dunes in the United States. Located about 40 miles east of Twenty-Nine Palms, between Sheephole Valley and Old Woman Mountains, the area offers dune hiking and dispersed camping.
Afton Canyon
Afton Canyon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East Mojave.” Located roughly 37 miles east of Barstow, California, this geological wonder spans approximately 41,500 acres, with dramatic rock formations, year-round water flows from the Mojave River, and a rich diversity of wildlife.
