Mojave Trails National Monument

Mojave Trails National Monument is a large nature reserve in California that combines mountain ranges, lava flows, and expansive sand dunes. The protected area stretches between two desert cities and features diverse geological formations across open desert terrain.

The monument received protected status in 2016 following the transfer of large land holdings to federal protection. This action resulted from efforts to conserve the desert landscape and its natural resources for long-term preservation.

The monument contains preserved sections of Route 66 and ancient Native American trading routes that are still visible in the landscape. These paths show how people have moved through and used this land over many generations.

Visitors should bring a high-clearance vehicle since many roads are rough and require four-wheel drive for access. Water is essential to carry in abundance, as reliable water sources are scarce throughout the monument.

The monument contains trilobite fossils over 500 million years old, offering glimpses of how different life was on ancient Earth. These remains help explain the early stages of evolution before creatures moved onto land.

Operator: BLM

GPS coordinates: 34.65817,-115.93584

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55