Mojave National Preserve has a dry and warm climate for much of the year. While some areas — such as the mountains — receive more precipitation, tourists expect sunny skies. However, extreme weather events have made overlanding and off-roading more complex here.

In August 2023, Hurricane Hilary barreled through Southern California and caused widespread flooding. The massive storm caused Mojave National Preserve to close for a few weeks, as it saw record rainfall. This popular off-roading area received over 2 inches of rain and damaged infrastructure.

The significant rainfall was unusual, considering the West Coast doesn’t often see these storms. While the Pacific Ocean has cyclones, they rarely make landfall. California last endured a hurricane in 1939, which brought 5 inches of rain to Los Angeles.

Hurricane Hilary closed Cedar Canyon Road, Lanfair Road and other necessary paths for visitors. Additionally, the campgrounds closed due to significant damage and unsafe conditions. Visual inspections revealed torn roofs and other ramifications from the 2023 storm.

Deserts are ill-equipped to handle excessive rainfall because of their fragile ecosystem. When heavy precipitation hits, wildlife is in danger. Torrential storms ruin habitats and damage food sources they rely on.

Hurricane Hillary also dampened the hopes of off-roaders and overlanders who wanted to visit Mojave National Preserve in the fall. Instead, they had to wait several weeks for a thorough cleanup before returning to the park.

Temperatures dipping after summer make the area more attractive to visitors, but storm damage turned Mojave upside down. Officials reopened some roads only for high-clearance vehicles but needed extended time to repair others. For instance, Cima Road and the Kelso Depot Visitor Center required more attention because of the damage.

A month before the hurricane, wildfires burned 93,078 acres in the New York Mountains. The York Fire incident closed numerous roads and required significant fire suppression operations to combat it. Considering the extreme heat, these conditions worsened an already challenging climate for off-roaders.

Mojave National Preserve is no stranger to fires, as 2020’s Dome Fire ravaged over 43,000 acres of Joshua trees. Lightning struck near Deer Springs and caused a monstrous blaze that overtook homes and various historical structures.

The National Park Service said the fire ruined about 25% of the Joshua tree population — something overlanders look forward to when traveling to the California deserts. While repairs have occurred, more efforts are necessary to restore the famous shrubs.

Another significant weather event for Mojave National Preserve is the extreme heat. In 2024, the area has experienced temperatures near record levels. While hot weather is standard, the recreational area has become even more dangerous for overlanders and off-roaders.

Early July saw temperatures reach nearly 130 degrees Fahrenheit in Death Valley, approaching the record for the hottest weather ever recorded. Due to the heat, Mojave National Preserve forbade any campfires or fireworks despite the Independence Day weekend celebrations.

Weather experts said a slow-moving heat dome caused the extreme heat in early summer. While some can avoid the heat by staying home, others may live in the area and have to brace for it. What can they do to survive?

In recent years, California has implemented the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience program to combat the rising temperatures. This initiative offers grants of up to $5 million with the aim of improving infrastructure, enhancing emergency response systems and promoting public awareness about heat-related risks.

Hurricane Hilary was a significant event for the national preserve. That said, park rangers have also dealt with wildfires in the last year. These flames have destroyed trees and wildlife habitats, fundamentally changing the environmental landscape.

Another priority for anybody heading outdoors is hydration. Off-road enthusiasts should only ride when emergencies arise, considering the additional heat inside their helmets. Extra water is vital to cool the body and ensure survival.

Experts say people need 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes during physical activity. In addition, they should consider electrolyte-dense beverages like sports drinks. While they may taste good, caffeinated drinks don’t help in extreme heat because they’re diuretics.

About the author: Jack Shaw is a seasoned automotive expert specializing in the thrilling world of off-roading and overlanding. With a career spanning seven years researching and writing about outdoor exploration and the automotive industry, Jack has become the senior editor of Modded Magazine. He seeks every opportunity to see and write about the world around him, and his works have been featured by the National Motorists Association, OffRoad Xtreme, Hennessey and more. Beyond his editorial role, Jack is a passionate advocate for sustainable driving practices and environmental conservation, often integrating these themes into his work in an attempt to share his insights and experiences with a broader audience. Jack’s adventurous spirit continues to drive him to explore new horizons and document the ever-evolving automotive landscape.

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