Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

The recreation area has broad valleys full of cactus, creosote bush, sand dunes, cinder cones and dramatic mountain ranges in the eastern Mojave Desert.  Other features include Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve.  You find El Pakiva and Tecopa Caverns filled with intricate limestone formations.  The recreation area only offers tours of the caverns on weekends during summer months. The park has a visitor center.

Location/Directions:
The recreation area is located in the eastern Mojave Desert, 60 miles west of Needles on Interstate 40, 100 miles east of Barstow, and 17 miles northwest of I-40 near Essay on Essex Road.  Located at an elevation of 4,300 feet, The Mojave National Preserve, one of the nations newest national park surrounds this the recreation area.

Telephone:
(760) 928-2586

The Mary Beale Nature Trail, located near the park's visitor center, is a self-guided moderate walk through the desert.  A brochure describing desert plants and animals is available. Another, more strenuous, mile-long trail leads to a spring above the visitor center. There are also cross-country hikes to the many peaks in the 5,900 acre Providence Mountain State Recreation Area.

Camping Information
6 primitive sites - flush toilets - no showers. Camping in the park is on a first come, first served basis. There are six campsites with tables and fire rings.

There is also a picnic area for daytime use. Both areas have superb views of the Mojave desert. 

Additional camping is available in near-by Mojave National Preserve areas.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing:
The best weather occurs in the Spring and Fall, but, because of the 4,300 foot elevation at the visitor center, temperatures usually remain moderate throughout the year.  Temperatures inside the caverns are at a constant 65 degrees.