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Mojave Trails National Monument

Nature & parks
Near Ludlow, California
1.7 mi from Route 66

Mojave Trails National Monument covers a large protected area in the California desert, stretching between Interstates 15 and 40. Its map pin sits near Ludlow, CA, about 1.7 miles off the old road. It was created to protect a mix of geology and history, including Route 66 itself, and many of the desert views on this part of the drive fall inside it.

What is Mojave Trails National Monument?

The monument covers a huge sweep of the Mojave Desert and partly surrounds the Mojave National Preserve. Among the historic routes it protects are the Old Spanish Trail, the Desert Training Center used during World War Two, and Route 66. The Bureau of Land Management administers it. Several natural stops on this site lie within its boundaries, including Amboy Crater and the Sacramento, Piute and Marble mountains.

History of Mojave Trails National Monument

President Barack Obama designated the monument on February 12, 2016. Two other southern California national monuments were created the same day: Castle Mountains and Sand to Snow.

Visiting Mojave Trails National Monument: tips

Much of the Route 66 drive between Needles and Ludlow passes through or alongside the monument, so there is no single entrance to seek out. Nearby stops include the site of Siberia, about 2 miles away, Bagdad about 7.2 miles off and Ragtown about 9.7 miles away. Services are few and far apart, so fill the tank and carry water before heading out.

Practical info

Website: blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/mojave-trails-national-monument
Hours: We have no opening hours for this stop yet — check the official site.

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

On the map

Full map

Mojave Trails National Monument with the 6 closest stops. Tap a marker for details.

Tap a dot to see that stop here.

Stops near Mojave Trails National Monument

All of California

Siberia

Siberia, California · 0.2 mi from Route 66

A former rail siding and Route 66 stop in the Mojave, now wiped almost completely from the desert floor.

Ghost town

2.0 mi from Mojave Trails National Monument

Bagdad

Bagdad, California · on Route 66

A vanished Mojave railroad town on Route 66 that holds the U.S. record for the longest dry spell.

Ghost townPhoto credit

7.2 mi from Mojave Trails National Monument

Ragtown

Ragtown, California · 4.1 mi from Route 66

A tent-built Mojave mining camp from the gold years around 1898, now a ghost town.

Ghost town

9.7 mi from Mojave Trails National Monument

Ludlow

Ludlow, California · 0.2 mi from Route 66

A desert stop dating to 1882, where Route 66 remains sit just off Interstate 40.

Ghost townPhoto credit

12.4 mi from Mojave Trails National Monument

Amboy Crater

Amboy, California · 1.4 mi from Route 66

A dormant cinder cone rising from a dark lava field, a short detour south of Route 66.

Nature & parksPhoto credit

12.5 mi from Mojave Trails National Monument

Amboy

Amboy, California · 0.1 mi from Route 66

A near-empty desert town on Route 66, home of Roy's and close to Amboy Crater.

Ghost townPhoto credit

14.8 mi from Mojave Trails National Monument

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