The Mojave National Preserve is a United States National Preserve located in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California, USA, between Interstate 15 and Interstate 40. The preserve was established October 31, 1994, with the passage of the California Desert Protection Act by the US Congress, which also established Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park as National Parks. Previously, some lands contained within the Preserve were the East Mojave National Scenic Area, under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management.
The preserve was created within the Pacific West Region of the National Park Service and remains within that jurisdiction today. Natural features include the Kelso Dunes, the Marl Mountains and the Cima Dome, as well as volcanic formations such as Hole-in-the-Wall and the Cinder Cone Lava Beds. The preserve surrounds Providence Mountains State Recreation Area and Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve, which are both managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
The Mojave Preserve is a vast and diverse landscape, home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The preserve is also home to a rich human history, dating back thousands of years.
The first people to live in the Mojave Desert were the Mojave people. The Mojave were hunter-gatherers who lived in small bands. They were experts at surviving in the desert, and they developed a complex culture that was adapted to the harsh environment.
The Mojave were not the only people to live in the Mojave Desert. The Paiute, Chemehuevi, and Serrano peoples also lived in the area. These peoples were also hunter-gatherers, and they shared many similarities with the Mojave.
In the 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the Mojave Desert. The settlers brought with them new technologies and ways of life. They built roads, railroads, and towns. They also introduced new plants and animals to the area.
The arrival of the settlers had a major impact on the Mojave Desert. The land was used for farming, mining, and other development. This led to the loss of habitat for many plants and animals. The Mojave people were also displaced from their traditional homelands.
In the 1970s, there was a growing movement to protect the Mojave Desert. In 1976, the East Mojave National Scenic Area was established. This protected a large portion of the desert from development.
In 1994, the California Desert Protection Act was passed. This act established the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park. The act also designated a number of other areas in the Mojave Desert as wilderness areas.
The Mojave National Preserve is a unique and special place. It is a place where you can experience the beauty of the desert and learn about its rich history. The preserve is also a place where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and stargazing.
If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Mojave National Preserve is the perfect place for you. Come and experience the beauty and wonder of the desert.
Here are some of the things you can do in the Mojave National Preserve:
- Hiking: There are over 100 miles of hiking trails in the preserve, ranging from easy to strenuous.
- Camping: There are over 50 campsites in the preserve, ranging from primitive to developed.
- Stargazing: The night sky is incredibly clear in the desert, making it a great place for stargazing.
- Off-roading: There are over 100 miles of off-road trails in the preserve, ranging from easy to difficult.
- Photography: The desert is a beautiful and photogenic place, making it a great place to take pictures.
- Wildlife watching: There are over 500 species of plants and animals in the preserve, making it a great place to see wildlife.
The Mojave National Preserve is a great place to visit for people of all ages and interests. Come and experience the beauty and wonder of the desert.
