Where To Stay for Mojave Preserve?

[Richard K.]

This February, I would like to spend a couple of days in the Mojave National Preserve when I indulge my now annual desert fling. I hear that there are some nice Joshua Tree stands/forests around Cima? What I else should I visit to photograph? Where is a good place to stay (I'm not camping so it will have to be a town- Baker?). Thank you for your thoughts! :)

[Tori Nelson]

The area around Cima has some great areas to shoot and the advantage of no tourists around to bother you. If the wind isn't blowing, Kelso dunes are pretty incredible:http://www.yelp.com/biz/kelso-dunes-baker. DO NOT stay in Baker!!!!! I'd stay in Yermo before I'd ever stay in Baker again. Barstow would be an even better bet.

[Richard K.]

DO NOT stay in Baker!!!!!

Can you elaborate? Please? :)

[Darin Boville]

>>DO NOT stay in Baker!!!!! I'd stay in Yermo before I'd ever stay in Baker again. Barstow would be an even better bet.<<

Baker must pretty bad! I think Barstow is an armpit...but if you *must* stay in Barstow they built a new little section at one end--there's some sort of shopping plaza and a couple of hotels. The one I was at last year was the Holiday Inn, which was actually nice--the had an outdoor pool. It was cold outside but the pool was heated and there was no one else in sight. Stars were bright and clear. Quite lovely.

--Darin

[Richard Raymond]

Richard,
You might want to look at the hotels in Primm, NV. They are right on the NV - Cal state line. Note: These hotels are connected to casinos. There is also gas and food available at this location. Easy access to the Mojave Preserve from there.
Ric

[Richard K.]

Richard,
You might want to look at the hotels in Primm, NV. They are right on the NV - Cal state line. Note: These hotels are connected to casinos. There is also gas and food available at this location. Easy access to the Mojave Preserve from there.
Ric

I looked on the map and you're right. Primm seems to be closer to Cima than Baker. Definitely a possibility, thank you. :D

[Richard Raymond]

Richard,
There is a very nice California State Trooper that patrols the road through the Mojave Preserve. Very interested in stopping and chatting :) However, "I have heard" that if one stops quickly and is straight up about speed, he seems to have a forgiving heart for photographers rushing to get to some location.
Staying in Primm would give you a nice base and from there you could also do a good loop coming back up the west road through the lava fields to Baker and route 15 for a quick ride back to Primm. Also from Primm the road over to Searchlight is a nice trip and there are a lot of big Joshua Trees along this stretch as well.
Good luck with the trip.
Ric

[brianam]

Mojave Preserve is wonderful! done the trip several times. I usually go in Spring or Fall and camp out, so cannot comment on lodging.

About the Kelso dunes: I didn't appreciate these as much as other CA desert dune systems until I hiked up to the crest --with all the gear-- with ample time before sunset. Sunset across the western Kelso dune field a beautiful thing! (the road to them approaches from southeast). Allow some time for this one..
last light on the Providence Mountains can be lovely .

But there are a lot of beautiful places on the eastern side of MNP as well; Cima dome, New York Mountains, etc.
maybe stay in Barstow first night for westerly exploration (Kelso) and Primm second night for the east side of the preserve?

PS -- you can also access the southern end of Death Valley NP pretty easily when you're visiting MNP. quick ride up 127.