NPS Photos

From top to bottom: Kelso Depot as seen from the visitor parking area; trains still rumble past the historic depot; Visitors relaxing at the restored lunch counter or "beanery."

Kelso Depot Visitor Center
Information, exhibits, orientation film, art gallery, bookstore, restrooms, lunch counter, water, picnic area.

Hours of Operation
Open daily (except Christmas Day), 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Entrance Fee
Free

Phone
760 252-6108

Location
From I-15: Exit Kelbaker Road at Baker, Calif. Continue 35 miles southeast on Kelbaker Road to Kelso, Calif.
From I-40: Exit Kelbaker Road (about 29 miles east of Ludlow Calif., or 28 miles west of Fenner, Calif.). Continue 22 miles north on Kelbaker Road to Kelso, Calif.

Exhibits
The renovated Kelso Depot is now the primary Visitor Center for Mojave National Preserve. Former dormitory rooms contain exhibits describing the cultural and natural history of the surrounding desert. The baggage room, ticket office, and two dormitory rooms have been historically furnished to illustrate life in the depot in the first half of the twentieth century. A 12-minute orientation film is shown in the theater.

Basement gallery space features rotating fine art collections by local artists, focusing on the cultural history and natural splendors of Mojave national Preserve. Click here for information on the current exhibition.

"The Beanery" at Kelso
After a nearly two decade-long haitus, the Kelso Depot lunch counter—"The Beanery"—is back in business.
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NPS photos

From top to bottom: Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center against a backdrop of volcanic tuff; Mojave yucca are common along trails; Banshee Canyon overlook.

Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center
Information, bookstore, campgrounds, picnic area, trailhead, restroom, water, telephone.

Hours of Operation
Winter (October–April): Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Summer (May–September): Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Entrance Fee
Free

Phone
760 252-6104 or 760 928-2572

Location
From I-40: Exit Essex Road (about 49 miles east of Ludlow, Calif., or 8 miles west of Fenner, Calif.). Continue 10 miles north on Essex Road to junction with Black Canyon Road. Bear right on Black canyon Road and continue an additional 10 miles to Hole-in-the-Wall.

Interpretive Programs
Saturday evening ranger talks and Sunday morning guided nature walks are available, staffing permitting, in the fall and spring.

Exhibits
Basic orientation, as well as a 12-minute film about the preserve.