WOW. I was in Mojave Desert last week (Spring Break Vacation). Didn’t even see a damn sign or mention of any Tortoises. Otherwise, I would have at least tried to find the areas where they can either be spotted or even seen in captivity. Haven been there many times but must be a slightly different area.
Been in the Area 4 times now. Passed Bakersfield. Next time will try to find the location.
RECOMMENDATION:
If you are headed to Vegas, off of Route I-15 you can take CIMA ROAD or KELSO BAKER EXIT and that is one giant loop. You can run into the Visitor Center near Kelso Depot.
Do the ‘Hole in the Wall’ Trail! Its one of the best. First 2 miles are most beautiful. It Starts at a Campground with the same name and goes to ‘Midhills Campground’.
You can DRIVE between the two Camps and can do BOTH ends of the Trail. There is Spring right now so Desert is BLOOMING.
Also do the KELSO SAND DUNES, specially at Sunset.
Thank me later!
I love it when the desert blooms,, Cool.
and those tortoises are sneaky... and very good at blending in. ;-)
Look for the garden nome sized fences along the road.
I was in the Mojave Desert last week also (and Death Valley). The Desert Tortoise Preserve is just northeast of California City, which is about 50 miles west of Ft. Irwin. Check it out.
You can run into the Visitor Center near Kelso Depot.
I miss the old visitor's center in Baker. It was a nice, clean restroom that was never very busy. Handy on that long drive out to Vegas.