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East Mojave National Scenic Area Guide

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E6ST MOJAUE NATIONEL SCENIC AREE GUIDE U.S. Department of the lnterior Bureau of Land Management "a: r'.S ' ' Oairb ?eala THE EAST MOJAVE lion acres are federal public lands locate critical services such as NATIONAL SCENIC AREA . managed by BLM, with the remain- gasoline, drinking water, and tele- a unique desert region fullof der under state or private owner- phones. It would also be a good scenic, historic, and natural ship. idea to consult the mileage chart on wonders. awaits your visit! Here the map page in the center of this you can explore magnificent sand The information and map provided guide. dunes, intriguing geologic fea- in this guide will help you prepare tures, unique plant communities, for a safe and rewarding trip to one You will also want to be prepared old Army "forts," and historic of the most exciting desert areas in with the proper clothing and equip- Indian and explorer routes through our Nation. Before you start, you ment to make sure your trip will the desert. You can camp under should study the map carefully and provide many pleasant memories. trillions of stars, enjoy the antics of a jackrabbit, and discover the beauty of a beavertail cactus in fulI Oar,*errto bloom. Or you can just relax in the peace and serenity of the world ealr,liae Rezoqrr&l l3 of nature. *talartq l4 Administered by the Bureau of Tlhp 8&? Land Management (BLM), the ?hrata l2 East Mojave was designated as a ?a*rto al ?c4te/*/f 5 National Scenic Area in 1980 and Reovalata,l Op.l*ztcutlt;a, is an integral part of the Califomia Desert Conservation Area created Reotan*a, tt by Congress in 1976. Eighty per- ?/,/ZW l2 cent of the Scenic Area's 1.5 mil- Items you should consider Weather bringing include a wide-brimmed hat, sun screen, sunglasses, Nothing is as certain as the Winters are cool and damp with hiking boots, first aid kit, some unpredictability of the weather. subfreezing temperatures com- food, at least a gallon of water Be prepared for extreme vari- mon at night at all elevations, and per day for each person in your ations in temperature, particu- occasional snow flurries above party, toilet paper, flashlight, at larly in winter. Summer can 3,000 feet. Daytime highs can least one long-sleeved shirt, and bring violent thunderstorms and fall anywhere between 40o and a jacket. Have your car and tires the threat of flash floods, even if 70o F. Many experienced desert checked leaving before home, it isn't raining where you are. visitors prefer summer's longer and make you have sure enough days and pleasant evenings over gas to get the next to service Summers are hot, with lower winter's long freezing nights. station. elevation daytime highs usually above 110" F. Many popular Spring and fall can Services be variable, destinations are above 4,500 feet, with a greater chance of strong where temperatures are 10-20 winds, but offer a chance to see Gasoline, drinking water, and degrees cooler lhan on the desert the Scenic Area at its best. telephones are found widely floor. Always plan on cool October to November and March dispersed around the East evenings while visiting the through mid-May are the most Mojave. Gas can be found at desert' s pinyon/juniper wood- popular periods. three locations along the perime- lands, and bring insect repellant ter of the Scenic Area with mini- or netting to protect against mal food supplies and/or cafes at biting insects and flies. Goffs, Cima, Nipton, and the I-l5/Cima Road junction. All services are available at Baker. For more details, see map insert and consult mileage chart. Spnlr,tg Sta'u,r.to ar Ke/4D Dqzzo "arzagt/,Flo RECREATIONAL OPPORTU N ITI ES EXPLORING THE SCENIC AREA A wide variety of recreational oppornmities exist within the Scenic Area, meeting almost everyone's interests and desires. The Scenic Area also provides excellent oppornrnities for motor vehicle, bicycle, or horseback riding enthusiasts. While much of the area is accessible by two- wheel-drive vehicles, high- clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are advisable for back country travel. Two four-wheel drive interpretive trails cross the region. The Mojave Road-a 130-mile historic Native American trade route, later developed into a wagon trail---+rosses east-west through the heart of the East t4lnaaa7 a/&4" ?Aeld/roup eazqa.o Mojave. The East Mojave gaQ Heritage Trail-a TOGmile loop Oarrr4rn / 3?zr4t/ trail beginning and ending in Needles-runs through much of the East Mojave region. For safety, visitors using these routes Access - Desert soils and vegeta- With the use of good maps, this should travel in groups. lnterpre- tion are fragile and slow to recover can be a very exciting experi- tive guidebooks for these trails are when impacted by human use. In ence. Old mining roads in the available for purchase or on loan response to this, all motor vehicles New York, Castle, Clark, and from the Califomia Desert lnfor- are required to stay on approved Providence Mountains also make mation Center in Barstow, the routes. (See BLM's New York and good hiking routes. Looking for Needles Resource Area, or from Providence Mountains Desert a developed trail? Trails can be the Califomia Desert District Access Guides for detailed informa- found in the Piute Range, Provi- office in Riverside. tion.) Equestrian and bicycle users dence Mountains, and between should minimize any travel off Hole-in-the-Wall and Midhills As part of the Scenic Byways existing roads and trails. You may campgrounds. Short hikes within program, BLM is designating encounter barriers or signs used to the Scenic Area can be found at several roads as "Back Country limit access into sensitive areas; Hole-in-the-Wall and Teutonia Byways" within the East Mojave please respect their message. Peak. Although there are no National Scenic Area. Several Cross-country travel is not allowed designated trails, Kelso Dunes incorporating Interstates 40 or 15 in the Scenic Area. lf you are and the Cinder Cones can be will provide a loop to look at the looking for a place to enjoy cross- easily explored. features of most interest to you. country motor vehicle activities, we Sand dunes, a historic railroad suggest you try one of the off- Photography - Most desert pho- depot, scenic canyons, and short highway vehicle areas available in tographers prefer working in the hiking trails are only some of the the surrounding desert region, such early moming or late aftemoon opportunities awaiting you along as Dumont Dunes,located north of sun when shadows and soft light the byways. Exploring these Back Baker, and Rasor, southwest of enhance the desert landscape. Country Byways will provide you Baker. During mid-day, use a polarizing with an unusual look at the desert filter to add nice contrasts to your environment. Look for signs Hiking - Most of the Scenic Area photos. marking these scenic routes while lends itself well to off-trail hiking. you are exploring the area. 3 Camping - BLM provides two de- REMEMBER: from April to dumped at dump stations, which are veloped campgrounds in the East October, ground fires outside the available in Needles, Barstow, and Mojave for your use. Hole-in-the- campgrounds are not permitted Las Vegas. Wall and Midhills have several without a fire permit. Fire permits campsites; some sites at both areas are available from Hole-in-the- Please respect other users as many are suitab,le for small groups. Both WalIfire station, BLM Rangers, people go camping to experience campgrounds have picnic tables, and Califomia BLM offices. the peace and quiet found in a fire pits, grills, water, and vault desert. Please don't intrude with toilets. Motorhomes more than26 Holding tanks on campers, trailers, excessive noise, and keep all pets feet in length may have difficulty and motorhomes may only be restrained. using Midhills camp- ground. A daily fee of $4 per camping unit is charged. All camp- sites are first come, first served, and no reservations are accepted. Primitive camping in the Scenic Area is available for those wanting a more secluded or backcoun- try experience. Re- member to keep your vehicle alongside roads or trails (within tl 25 fee$ preferably in existing camping sites. 'l Cross-country travel is not allowed. Set up 5ril your camp at least 600 1 ilrlIi feet away from any water sources such as ffi,.W springs or tanks. Wildlife and cattle need these waters for A 72/c:dte4o survival. Do not set up camp in Odrltf"brir4d washes! Flash floods are always possible, and it's the rain falling out of your sight that can be dan- gerous. Hunting & Shooting When camping at any location in The East Mojave region offers For the safety of visitors and the pro- the Scenic Area, remember that hunting opportunities for game such tection of resources, selected areas camping on public lands is limited as dove, quail, deer, and rabbits. A1- in the Scenic Area are closed to to 14 days in any 28-day period. though hunting dates may vary, deer firearm use, including hunting. You must move at least 25 miles season generally runs for three These areas arc the Piute Creek Area from your previous site to set up weeks starting the second week of of Critical Environmental Concem, camp again. October. Quail season begins the Granite Mountain Research Natural third week of October and lasts Area, Providence Mountain State Campers should pack out all trash, through January. Califomia hunting Recreation Area, half mile zones leaving campsites in better condi- licenses are required.
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