Mojave National Preserve

Driving South from the from Las Vegas, the road turns from paved to dirt and then to very rough dirt. Not awful, but the Park Service does advise 4WD vehicles only. The desert dusk scenery is lovely and I am the only vehicle on this 40 mile stretch of road. I find plenty of open campsites at Hole-in-The-Wall Campground and settle in for the night  

The Mojave National Preserve encompasses 1.6 million acres, including portions of the Mojave, Great Basin and Sonoran Deserts  About half of the Park is congressionallly designated wilderness.  

Sunrise Hike: Rings Loop Trail, Hole-in-the-Wall Nature Trail and Barber Peak Loop Trail

Sunrise at Hole-In-The-Wall Campground 

Mojave Yucca

Buckhorn Cholla Cactus

Banshee Canyon

The ascent is so steep, hikers climb up using iron rings mounted in the rock for hand and toe holds on two sections.  

Beavertail Cactus

Barrel Cactus

The colorful Mojave landscape

Although the landscape appears barren, the Mojave desert is home to a plethora of wildlife including Bighorn Sheep, and the Desert Tortoise.  

Sunset