Monday, August 26, 2013

Road Conditions in the East Mojave

Severe weather has hit the East Mojave over the past couple days, so before you travel out there, you might want to confirm with Caltrans that roads are open. Currently, Highway 95 is closed from the junction of the I-40 to the Nevada state line.

Some of the roads in the Mojave National Preserve are damaged. Here's the information provided on the MNP Current Conditions page right now:

Updated: August 26, 2013

Call for updates: 760 252-6108 (every day) or 760 252-6100 (Monday through Friday)

A severe thunderstorm yesterday evening washed debris onto paved roadways and damaged dirt roads. Rangers are assessing roads this morning. Travel on dirt roads within Mojave National Preserve is not advised at this time.

Paved Roads 

Black Canyon Road - Closed. Pavement is washed out in many places.
Essex Road - Closed. Road is heavily impacted with mud and debris.
Ivanpah Road - Travel is not recommended.
Kelbaker Road - Open. San Bernardino County is performing emergency storm repairs through Friday, August 30.
Kelso-Cima Road - Open. San Bernardino County is performing emergency storm repairs through Friday, August 30.
Lanfair Road - Travel is not recommended.
Morning Star Mine Road - Open
Zzyzx Road - Open to all vehicles.

Dirt Roads 

Kelso Dunes Road - Open to all vehicles.
Black Canyon Road - Travel not recommended.
Cedar Canyon Road - Travel not recommended.
Lanfair Road - Travel not recommended.
Ivanpah Road - Travel not recommended.
Mojave Road - Travel not recommended.
Aiken Mine Road - Open. High clearance vehicle recommended.
Wildhorse Canyon Road - Travel not recommended.

When traveling to the preserve via I-15 or I-40 check Caltrans' Highway Information Service for up-to-the-minute road conditions 1-800-427-7623.

Campgrounds and Visitor Services 

Essex and Black Canyon Roads leading to the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center and both campgrounds are severely damaged. Travel is not recommended. 

Mid Hills Campground is open. Please conserve water.
Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is open.

Information centers: Kelso Depot Visitor Center open Friday through Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Wedensday and Thursday. Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center is open Saturdays, 9 am to 4 pm.