01
Classic desert climb
Kelso Dunes Trail
Mojave National Preserve South Of Baker • Iconic Dune Climb With Sweeping Views • Classic Desert Experience
A steep sandy climb up wind-sculpted dunes with huge views over the Mojave basin.
From the trailhead off Kelso Dunes Road, a use path leads you across the flats and then straight up the face of the tallest dunes in the preserve. Expect slow, calf-burning progress in deep sand, but the ridge-top panorama and booming sand underfoot on the descent make it a must-do from Baker. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light.
02
Best quick adventure
Mojave Lava Tube
Mojave National Preserve East Of Baker • Short Lava-Tube Exploration Hike • Best For Quick Sunset Outing
A short walk across old lava flows leads to metal stairs dropping into a sunbeam-lit lava tube.
From Aiken Mine Road, a faint path crosses rough basalt and cinder to a collapsed skylight where stairs descend into the tube. Inside, beams of light angle through roof openings in the afternoon, turning dust and desert air into spotlights against the dark rock. The walk is brief but feels remote, so bring a good flashlight and sturdy shoes for the rocky footing.
03
Most unique terrain
Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Loop Trail
Hole-In-The-Wall Area, Mojave National Preserve • Rugged Volcanic Loop With Short Slot Sections • Best For Adventurous Families
A looping trail through eroded volcanic cliffs, with metal rings bolted into a narrow canyon for hands-on scrambling.
Starting near the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center, this loop winds through open desert before squeezing into Banshee Canyon. Here, metal rings bolted into the rock help you climb through a steep, narrow passage carved into the cliffs, making the hike feel more like a desert playground than a simple walk. It is short but varied, with good chances for close-up views of rock layers, desert plants, and quiet, high-desert scenery.
04
Best high-desert views
Teutonia Peak Trail
Cima Dome Area, Mojave National Preserve • Desert Summit Hike Through Joshua Tree Country • Best For Cooler-Season Days
A gradually climbing trail over Cima Dome to a rocky summit with wide views over the preserve’s volcanic and granite ranges.
The Teutonia Peak Trail climbs gently from the roadside through boulders and desert scrub en route to the rocky summit ridge. From the top, you get a commanding look at the surrounding mountain ranges, old mine sites, and the broad curve of Cima Dome below. It is an exposed hike with little shade, so it pairs well with crisp fall or winter weather and an early start from Baker.
05
Easiest leg-stretch stop
Zzyzx and Soda Springs Trails
Zzyzx Road Off I-15 Southwest Of Baker • Desert Oasis And Lakebed Walking Paths • Best Leg-Stretch Stop Off I-15
Gentle paths loop around a desert research station, palm-lined ponds, and the edge of Soda Dry Lake.
Just off the famous Zzyzx Road exit, short walking routes wander past restored buildings, springs, and a surprisingly lush oasis in the middle of the Mojave. A stroll out toward the edge of Soda Dry Lake gives you big-sky views and a sense of the basin’s scale without committing to a long backcountry hike. It is an easy, low-effort way to experience the desert landscape when you are breaking up the drive through Baker.