This Californian city in the San Joaquin Valley is a hub of the aerospace industry. On its doorstep is a vast wilderness perfect for outdoor adventures.
Mojave lies on the western edge of the Mojave Desert. The small city is surrounded by mountains and richly vegetated canyons. Camp under desert cliffs, hike along mountain trails and windsurf across lakes. The area is also known for its aviation and aerospace industries.
For outdoor exploration, hike Red Rock Canyon and stay overnight in the campground. Walk nature trails at the Desert Tortoise Natural Area and look for the tortoises, especially during March through May. To see more animals, drive 56 miles (90 kilometers) northwest of Mojave to the California Living Museum. Here you will find dozens of native animal species including red diamond rattlesnakes, black bears, coyotes and Mojave Desert sidewinders.
Take a scenic drive to the Soledad Mountain Mining District where gold was first mined in the 1890s. Visit the mining ghost towns of Garlock and Johannesburg in the Rand Mining District.
Water sports enthusiasts can windsurf, wakeboard and fish at Lake Isabella.
During winter, visit Death Valley National Park. For most of the year the heat can be unbearable, but in winter, the days are cool and there are fewer rainstorms.
Mojave has a long aviation and aerospace history. It started with a small airfield in 1935 that has grown into today’s Mojave Air & Space Port. From this site, the first manned private spaceflight took place in 2004. The public can visit once a month on “Plane Crazy Saturdays” organized by the Mojave Transportation Museum. Find details on their official website.
Tour Edwards Air Force Base, home to the Air Force Test Center. See experimental aircraft and fighter jets at the Air Force Flight Test Museum. Tours are offered once each month.
Conclude your vacation with a tour of the Indian Wells Brewery, makers of popular artisan beers including Mojave Red and Mojave Gold.
Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport, then rent a car to drive the 99 miles (159 kilometers) to reach Mojave and its spectacular natural attractions.
