Red rocks frame a stand of Joshua trees and sage brush. Photo: NPS Photo

Castle Mountains National Monument

National Monument · California

Castle Mountains represents some of the most unique elements of the Mojave Desert.

  • LocationBarstow, CA
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
  • Weather now64°F Patchy rain nearby
  • Alerts 3 active alerts

Overview

Nestled between the Nevada state line and Mojave National Preserve, the nearly 21,000 acres of Castle Mountains boasts Joshua tree forests, unbroken natural landscapes, rare desert grasslands, and rich human history. This intriguing area provides serenity and solitude from nearby metropolitan areas.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Dunes
  • Endangered
  • Foothills, Plains and Valleys
  • Geology
  • Mineral Deposits
  • Mountains
6 more topics
  • Natural Sounds
  • Night Sky
  • Scenic Views
  • Tortoises and Turtles
  • Unique Species
  • Wilderness
Foreground is desert greenery. The isolated spires of the Castle Peaks rise up in the background
From Walking Box Ranch road, visitors to Castle Mountains can enjoy the stunning view of the Castle Peaks, which are located in surrounding Mojave National Preserve lands. — NPS Photo

Alerts (3)

CautionFire restrictions in place Fire restrictions are in place at Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument. Wood and charcoal fir… Read more

Fire restrictions are in place at Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted. Most camp stoves are. See fire restriction order for additional details.

More on NPS.gov about Fire restrictions in place (opens in a new tab)
CautionMost Monument Roads Require Heavy Duty 4WD Vehicle to Travel Safely Breaking down in the remote monument can be a life-threatening emergency. Most roads require a well-equipped, heavy-duty… Read more

Breaking down in the remote monument can be a life-threatening emergency. Most roads require a well-equipped, heavy-duty 4WD vehicle to travel. 2WD high clearance vehicles must use Walking Box Ranch Rd for entry and exit. No Visitor Facilities Available.

InformationNo Hunting Allowed in Castle Mountains National Monument

Hunting is illegal in Castle Mountains National Monument

Things to Do

4 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Open 24 hours, daily · Castle Mountains

Hours details
  • Castle MountainsOpen 24 hours, daily

    Castle Mountains National Monument is open year-round. There are no facilities in the Monument. Visitor Centers in neighboring Mojave National Preserve provide information and orientation.

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

Castle Mountains National Monument, 2701 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311

Weather & conditions

64°F
Patchy rain nearby · feels like 55°
  • Today 67° 57°
    Patchy rain nearby
    36% rain
  • Tomorrow 62° 51°
    Sunny
    1% rain
  • Wednesday 70° 51°
    Sunny
    1% rain

Updated 1 hr ago

What to expect by season

Weather at Castle Mountains changes with the seasons. Freezing temperatures are expected in winter, with occasional snow. Spring brings mild warm days and cooler nights. With enough rain, wildflowers can carpet the area, making for spectacular displays. Summer months are much hotter, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Strong monsoonal storms in late summer may cause flash-flooding in low-lying areas and can create hazardous road conditions. Fall is a cooler respite after the heat of summer.

Getting There

Castle Mountains National Monument, 2701 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311

You can approach Castle Mountains from Walking Box Ranch Road off of Nevada State Rd 164 (Nipton Road) or from several unnamed dirt roads off of Lanfair Road in Mojave National Preserve.

Mailing address: Superintendent, Barstow, CA 92311

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