The Mojave, the high desert.

Field guide ◆ Mojave

Plan the trip.

Mojave National Preserve covers 1.6 million acres between Death Valley and Joshua Tree, the third-largest National Park Service unit in the lower 48. It's the highest American desert (most of it 3,000-7,000 feet), home to Joshua trees, ancient lava tubes you can walk into, and the most extensive dark-sky terrain in southern California.

For 2-3 days: drive Kelbaker Road through the Joshua tree groves. Walk into the Mojave Lava Tube (signs near Kelso). Hike Kelso Dunes (4 miles, the dunes 'sing' when sand slides — listen for it). Visit Hole-in-the-Wall and the abandoned town of Kelso. Camp wherever — dispersed camping is allowed in the preserve.

Best window: October to April. Summer is brutal but the elevation makes Mojave more tolerable than Death Valley. Cell signal is non-existent for most of the preserve. Pack water and fuel.