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National Monument · California

Castle Mountains National Monument

National Monument in California. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Monument
StateCalifornia
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkJoshua Tree (113 mi)
Closest airportBLD (47 mi)
Red rocks frame a stand of Joshua trees and sage brush.
Red rocks frame a stand of Joshua trees and sage brush in the desert floor.. Photo: NPS Photo

Castle Mountains National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in California.

In the park service’s words

Castle Mountains represents some of the most unique elements of the Mojave Desert. Nestled between the Nevada state line and Mojave National Preserve, the nearly 21,000 acres of Castle Mountains boasts Joshua tree forests, unbroken natural landscapes, rare desert grasslands, and rich human history. This intriguing area provides serenity and solitude from nearby metropolitan areas.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. Castle Mountains National Monument is open year-round. There are no facilities in the Monument. Visitor Centers in neighboring Mojave National Preserve provide information and orientation.

Getting there

You can approach Castle Mountains from Walking Box Ranch Road off of Nevada State Rd 164 (Nipton Road) or from several unnamed dirt roads off of Lanfair Road in Mojave National Preserve.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Boulder City Municipal Airport (BLD) Boulder City, NV No road route 47 Regional
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Las Vegas, NV 3 h 50 min (173 mi) 55 Large hub
Lake Havasu City Airport (HII) Lake Havasu City, AZ No road route 65 Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Weather

Weather at Castle Mountains changes with the seasons. Freezing temperatures are expected in winter, with occasional snow. Spring brings mild warm days and cooler nights. With enough rain, wildflowers can carpet the area, making for spectacular displays. Summer months are much hotter, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Strong monsoonal storms in late summer may cause flash-flooding in low-lying areas and can create hazardous road conditions. Fall is a cooler respite after the heat of summer.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Joshua Tree, about 113 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Castle Mountains National Monument?

No entrance fee.

Where is Castle Mountains National Monument?

In California. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Boulder City Municipal Airport, about 47 miles away.

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