National Preserves - California

Mojave National Preserve

5/27/2006 Heavy winds today, hitting 55 in the Mojave. South from I-15 into the Mojave National Preserve. Passed a huge range of Joshua trees with surrounding mountains. Swung west along the railroad tracks and stopped at the Kelso Depot, just recently restored. Saw some railroad and preserve exhibits, then continued south and on a dirt road to the Kelso Dunes. These huge dunes were formed by vertically circulating currents against the nearby mountains. Took a nice walk out to the dunes, checking out plant and animal (lizard) life.

The park sign

A view across the desert

Kelso Depot outside ...

... and inside

Kelso Dunes

Me near the dunes

4/9/2019 soon after the start of the Mojave National Preserve we exited a short distance at two spots Ken scoped out for some views and photos. The first had the main entrance sign from the NPS and some good views of the mountains. The second was in a cool grove of Joshua Trees that had the spring flowers on them. Castle Mountains National Monument

The park sign ...

... with Ken

A panoramic view

Mountain view

Some interpretive signage

A wide view of ...

... the Joshua Tree area

Me and Ken

Big tree ...

... and closeup