Mojave National Preserve, Nature reserve in San Bernardino County, California, US.
Mojave National Preserve is a large protected area in the Mojave Desert spanning over 1.5 million acres of public land. It contains Joshua tree forests, volcanic rock formations, sand dunes, mountains, and canyons scattered across the desert terrain.
The preserve was established in 1994 through the California Desert Protection Act, creating a protected wilderness area between two major interstates. This designation followed efforts to safeguard the region's natural landscape from further development.
The former railroad depot in Kelso ghost town now serves as the Visitor Center, showcasing how people adapted to desert life through exhibits on local customs and survival. You can see artifacts and displays that reflect how residents worked and lived in this harsh environment.
Summer temperatures in the area rise above 41°C (105°F), so bring plenty of water and plan outdoor activities for cooler morning and evening hours. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the landscape.
The Cima Dome area holds the world's largest and most concentrated Joshua tree forest, though a 2020 wildfire destroyed nearly 1.3 million of these trees. Today, visitors can witness how the landscape is recovering from this natural event.
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