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Mojave Trails National Monument – Image Gallery

On February 12, 2016, President Obama signed a proclamation declaring the Mojave Trails National Monument east of Los Angeles in Southern California. Mojave Trails National Monument: Spanning 1.6 million acres, more than 350,000 acres of previously congressionally-designated Wilderness, the Mojave Trails National Monument is comprised of a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows, and spectacular sand dunes. The monument will protect irreplaceable historic resources including ancient Native American trading routes, World War II-era training camps, and the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66. Additionally, the area has been a focus of study and research for decades, including geological research and ecological studies on the effects of climate change and land management practices on ecological communities and wildlife.
Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.
Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.
Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.
Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.
Spanning 1.6 million acres, more than 350,000 acres of previously congressionally-designated Wilderness, the Mojave Trails National Monument is comprised of a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and spectacular sand dunes. Mojave Trails National Monument protects irreplaceable historic resources including ancient Native American trading routes, World War II-era training camps, and the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66. Additionally, the area has been a focus of study and research for decades, including geological research and ecological studies on the effects of climate change and land management practices on ecological communities and wildlife. Photo by Kyle Sullivan, BLM.
Spanning 1.6 million acres, more than 350,000 acres of previously congressionally-designated Wilderness, the Mojave Trails National Monument is comprised of a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and spectacular sand dunes. Mojave Trails National Monument protects irreplaceable historic resources including ancient Native American trading routes, World War II-era training camps, and the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66. Additionally, the area has been a focus of study and research for decades, including geological research and ecological studies on the effects of climate change and land management practices on ecological communities and wildlife. Photo by Kyle Sullivan, BLM.
Map of Mojave Trails National Monument published by the United States Bureau of Land Management in 2019.
An Invaluable Treasure—Mojave Trails National Monument Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations.
Sand to Snow shares a common boundary with Joshua Tree National Park, which in turn connects to Mojave Trails National Monument—the largest new addition at 1.6 million acres. Lava flows and mountains spread across this tract of the Mojave Desert. The focal point is the sand dunes; in particular, the remote and nearly pristine Cadiz Dunes that formed from the sand of dry lake beds. The second photograph above shows the ground-based view of dunes within the monument. Despite the remoteness of this monument, the area is well traveled. The corridor connects the deserts of the southwest to the Pacific Coast and has been travelled by people for thousands of years. The Southern Pacific railroad and Route 66 are the most famous byways through this desert landscape.


Mojave Trails National Monument

Mojave Trails National Monument in California is a vast expanse of desert wilderness preserving historic Route 66 and important wildlife habitats.

Details

Mojave Trails National Monument

The Mojave Trails National Monument is a protected area located in southeastern California, covering approximately 1.6 million acres of desert landscape. It was designated as a national monument in 2016 by President Barack Obama to preserve the unique ecosystems and cultural resources found in the Mojave Desert.

Features:

  • Joshua Tree forests
  • Basin and Range topography
  • Ancient lava flows
  • Historic Route 66
  • Wilderness areas
  • Native American petroglyphs
  • Riparian areas

Ecological Significance:

The Mojave Trails National Monument is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species that have adapted to the harsh desert environment. Some of the notable species found in the monument include desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and a variety of bird species. The monument also serves as an important corridor for wildlife migration and provides critical habitat for endangered species.

In addition to its biological diversity, the Mojave Trails National Monument contains significant cultural resources, including ancient petroglyphs, historic homesteads, and remnants of the iconic Route 6
6. These cultural sites provide insight into the rich history of the area and are important for understanding the human interaction with the desert landscape over time.

Overall, the Mojave Trails National Monument is a valuable conservation area that preserves the natural and cultural heritage of the Mojave Desert for future generations to enjoy and learn from.



Mojave Trails National Monument

Points of Interest

Points of Interest in Mojave Trails National Monument

  • Amboy Crater: A dormant volcano that is a popular hiking destination with a well-preserved lava field surrounding it.
  • Route 66: The historic highway runs through the monument, offering visitors a glimpse into the past with its iconic roadside attractions and landmarks.
  • Cadiz Dunes: A stunning sand dune field that is perfect for photography and hiking, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
  • Pisgah Crater: Another volcanic feature in the monument, Pisgah Crater is a popular spot for hiking and exploring the unique geology of the area.
  • Clipper Mountains: These rugged mountains offer opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, including bighorn sheep and desert tortoises.
  • Afton Canyon: Known as the "Grand Canyon of the Mojave," Afton Canyon is a scenic gorge carved by the Mojave River, offering opportunities for camping, hiking, and birdwatching.



Mojave Trails National Monument – Images

On February 12, 2016, President Obama signed a proclamation declaring the Mojave Trails National Monument east of Los Angeles in Southern California. Mojave Trails National Monument: Spanning 1.6 million acres, more than 350,000 acres of previously congressionally-designated Wilderness, the Mojave Trails National Monument is comprised of a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows, and spectacular sand dunes. The monument will protect irreplaceable historic resources including ancient Native American trading routes, World War II-era training camps, and the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66. Additionally, the area has been a focus of study and research for decades, including geological research and ecological studies on the effects of climate change and land management practices on ecological communities and wildlife.

Description: On February 12, 2016, President Obama signed a proclamation declaring the Mojave Trails National Monument east of Los Angeles in Southern California. Mojave Trails National Monument: Spanning 1.6 million acres, more than 350,000 acres of previously congressionally-designated Wilderness, the Mojave Trails National Monument is comprised of a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows, and spectacular sand dunes. The monument will protect irreplaceable historic resources including ancient Native American trading routes, World War II-era training camps, and the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66. Additionally, the area has been a focus of study and research for decades, including geological research and ecological studies on the effects of climate change and land management practices on ecological communities and wildlife.

Image by blmcalifornia – Public domain – Wikimedia

Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.

Description: Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.

Image by blmcalifornia – Public domain – Wikimedia

Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.

Description: Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.

Image by blmcalifornia – Public domain – Wikimedia

Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.

Description: Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.

Image by blmcalifornia – Public domain – Wikimedia

Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.

Description: Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo by John Ciccarelli, BLM.

Image by blmcalifornia – Public domain – Wikimedia

Spanning 1.6 million acres, more than 350,000 acres of previously congressionally-designated Wilderness, the Mojave Trails National Monument is comprised of a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and spectacular sand dunes. Mojave Trails National Monument protects irreplaceable historic resources including ancient Native American trading routes, World War II-era training camps, and the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66. Additionally, the area has been a focus of study and research for decades, including geological research and ecological studies on the effects of climate change and land management practices on ecological communities and wildlife. Photo by Kyle Sullivan, BLM.

Description: Spanning 1.6 million acres, more than 350,000 acres of previously congressionally-designated Wilderness, the Mojave Trails National Monument is comprised of a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and spectacular sand dunes. Mojave Trails National Monument protects irreplaceable historic resources including ancient Native American trading routes, World War II-era training camps, and the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66. Additionally, the area has been a focus of study and research for decades, including geological research and ecological studies on the effects of climate change and land management practices on ecological communities and wildlife. Photo by Kyle Sullivan, BLM.

Image by blmcalifornia – Public domain – Wikimedia

Spanning 1.6 million acres, more than 350,000 acres of previously congressionally-designated Wilderness, the Mojave Trails National Monument is comprised of a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and spectacular sand dunes. Mojave Trails National Monument protects irreplaceable historic resources including ancient Native American trading routes, World War II-era training camps, and the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66. Additionally, the area has been a focus of study and research for decades, including geological research and ecological studies on the effects of climate change and land management practices on ecological communities and wildlife. Photo by Kyle Sullivan, BLM.

Description: Spanning 1.6 million acres, more than 350,000 acres of previously congressionally-designated Wilderness, the Mojave Trails National Monument is comprised of a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and spectacular sand dunes. Mojave Trails National Monument protects irreplaceable historic resources including ancient Native American trading routes, World War II-era training camps, and the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66. Additionally, the area has been a focus of study and research for decades, including geological research and ecological studies on the effects of climate change and land management practices on ecological communities and wildlife. Photo by Kyle Sullivan, BLM.

Image by blmcalifornia – Public domain – Wikimedia

Map of Mojave Trails National Monument published by the United States Bureau of Land Management in 2019.

Description: Map of Mojave Trails National Monument published by the United States Bureau of Land Management in 2019.

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

An Invaluable Treasure—Mojave Trails National Monument Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations.

Description: An Invaluable Treasure—Mojave Trails National Monument Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails National Monument comprises a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and fossil beds, and spectacular sand dunes. Rare plants and many native animal species call this timeless landscape home. The monument also contains irreplaceable historical resources, such as World War II training camps and the longest-remaining undeveloped stretch of the iconic Route 66. A critical travel corridor for millennia, the Mojave Trails area links the Pacific coast to the deserts of the Southwest and beyond. The Mojave Indian Trail is the earliest known route through the area. Native Americans used this route for thousands of years, and early Spanish explorers and traders followed its course as well. The Mojave Trails National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands and preserves cultural, ecological, and historical legacies for the benefit of present and future generations.

Image by blmcalifornia – Public domain – Wikimedia

Sand to Snow shares a common boundary with Joshua Tree National Park, which in turn connects to Mojave Trails National Monument—the largest new addition at 1.6 million acres. Lava flows and mountains spread across this tract of the Mojave Desert. The focal point is the sand dunes; in particular, the remote and nearly pristine Cadiz Dunes that formed from the sand of dry lake beds. The second photograph above shows the ground-based view of dunes within the monument. Despite the remoteness of this monument, the area is well traveled. The corridor connects the deserts of the southwest to the Pacific Coast and has been travelled by people for thousands of years. The Southern Pacific railroad and Route 66 are the most famous byways through this desert landscape.

Description: Sand to Snow shares a common boundary with Joshua Tree National Park, which in turn connects to Mojave Trails National Monument—the largest new addition at 1.6 million acres. Lava flows and mountains spread across this tract of the Mojave Desert. The focal point is the sand dunes; in particular, the remote and nearly pristine Cadiz Dunes that formed from the sand of dry lake beds. The second photograph above shows the ground-based view of dunes within the monument. Despite the remoteness of this monument, the area is well traveled. The corridor connects the deserts of the southwest to the Pacific Coast and has been travelled by people for thousands of years. The Southern Pacific railroad and Route 66 are the most famous byways through this desert landscape.

Image by Bob Wick of the Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

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