OverviewOld Dad Mountain is located in the Mojave National Preserve. The 1.4 million acre Preserve covers the eastern portion of the Mojave Desert and is bounded by Interstate 10 on the North and Interstate 40 on the South. The closest cites are Las Vegas to the east, Baker to the north, and Barstow to the east. Mojave National Preserve's vast expanse of desert lands include elements of three of the four major North American Deserts: the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran.
Changes in elevation (from 880 feet to 7,492 feet above sea level) and soil type, combined with dozens of seeps and springs, many in sheltered canyons, create a wide range of microhabitats that support a rich diversity of plants and animals. Some species are only found in this area. Notable plant assemblages include one of the largest and most dense Joshua tree forests, cactus gardens, and relect plant communities of white fir and chaparral.
The Mojave is a land of old mountain ranges, sand dunes, great mesas and volcanic features such as cinder cones, domes, and lava flows.
There are a number of notable features within the preserve. Cima Dome is a gently rounded granitic dome covered with one of the finest Joshua tree woodlands in the world. The highest point, Teutonia Peak, is a popular hiking destination. The Cinder Cones consist of at least 32 extinct volcanoes and have been designated a National Natural Landmark.
From the summit of Old Dad Mountain there are views of Soda Lake to the west, Kelso Dunes and the Granite Mountains to the south, the Providence Mountains to the southeast, and the New York Mountains to the to the east.
Getting ThereFrom Baker drive 19.5 miles south on Kelbaker Road to where the Aikens Mine Road (a dirt road) Intersects Kelbaker Road. Take a right (go southwest) on this road for 1.7 miles to a junction. Bear right at this junction and go another 2.5 miles until you reach a fork in the road. Bear right at the fork onto the lower road, which is very sandy in places. Continue on this road until you see some fence posts (about 1.25 miles). Next to the fence post there is a road that you will turn right onto (if you dare), but it is not very noticable and you have to be careful because there is barbed wire fencing along the ground next to the posts. I drove down this road about 1/2 mile to where I parked for the the hike to Old Dad Mountain.
Red TapePermits are not required.
The access roads to where you start the hike would be difficult for low-slung vehicles and the sandy sections as you get closer to the parking area might be tough without 4WD.
When To ClimbDue to the extremely hot temperatures in the summer months, the best time to climb Old Dad Mountain is from November to April.
CampingThe open developed are Hole-in-the-Wall Campground and Black Canyon Equestrian & Group Campground.
Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is equipped with pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, trashcans, and drinkable water. There are no utility hookups, but there is a sanitary dump station. Spaces are available on a first come/first served basis for a $12 per site per night. Fees for Golden Age/Golden Access Passport holders are $6 per site per night.
The Black Canyon Equestrian & Group Campground, located at Hole-in-the-Wall, is available by reservation for $25 per night; call (760)928-2572. The group camp has no water; campers are advised to bring their own water or containers for transporting water from Hole-in-the-Wall Campground.
Developed Campground Information:
Developed Campgrounds in Mojave National Preserve
Backcountry Camping:
Backpackers and hikers can camp within the Preserve by going at least 0.5 mile from any day-use area or road and a 0.25 mile from water sources. There is no official registration system. Backcountry camping is limited to a 14-day stay.
Roadside Camping:
Roadside camping is permitted in areas that have been traditionally used for this purpose. No camping along paved roads or day-use areas, and you must stay at least 0.25 mile away from all water sources.
Directions to some of Mojave National Preserve’s Roadside Camping Areas:
* Rainy Day Mine Site – 15.2 miles south of Baker on Kelbaker Road, then 0.3 miles northeast or the road to the Rainy Day Mine. 4x4 vehicles recommended; no RVs.
* Black Canyon Road – 5.2 miles south of Hole-in-the-Wall Ranger Station on the east side of Black Canyon Road.
* Granite Pass – 6.1 miles north of I-40 on Kelbaker Road, just north of Granite Pass, then west on one of several access roads. Campsites are located just north of the granite spires.
* Caruthers Canyon – 5.5 miles west of Ivanpah Road on New York Mountains Road, then 1.5 to 2.7 miles north of New York Mountains Road to campsites. High clearence recommended; no RVs.
* Sunrise Rock – 10.4 miles south of I-15 on the east side of Cima Road. Trailhead for Teutonia Peak Trail is nearby on the opposite side of Cima Road.
*Kelso Dunes - A little over 1 mile from the trailhead for the Kelso dunes (where the restroom is) there's a nice area along side the road with shade trees.
Other Area Camping:
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area has six campsites. Afton Canyon on I-15 west of the Preserve has a BLM campground. Commerical campgrounds are available at Nipton and Needles, California, and Primm, Nevada.
Mountain ConditionsContact the National Park Service for current conditions as they manage the Mojave National Preserve.
The NPS website is:
Mojave National Preserve Website
External Links Images
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Calif. Desert Peaks
