Mojave Narrows Regional Park

The Mojave River flows mostly underground through the High Desert — a strange and beautiful phenomenon caused by the porous desert soils that absorb the river's water until it hits an impermeable layer and surfaces seasonally or year-round at specific spots. The Mojave Narrows is one of those spots — a natural pinch point where the river is forced to the surface, creating a riparian zone unlike anything else for hundreds of miles in any direction. Cottonwoods rise 60+ feet, willows form dense thickets along the banks, and marsh grasses fill the wetland edges.

The park's two lakes — Pelican Lake and Horseshoe Lake — are created and managed by the San Bernardino County parks department to provide stocked fishing and water-based recreation. They're regularly stocked with catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and seasonally rainbow trout in cooler months. Fishing requires a California fishing license for ages 16+; lake-specific permits or vehicle day-use fees grant access. Boats are not permitted on the lakes, but anglers fish from the banks and from designated piers. Most fish caught are channel catfish and bluegill; trophy bass are present but elusive.

Bird watching is the park's quiet specialty. The riparian and wetland environment attracts species rarely seen elsewhere in the High Desert — great blue heron, snowy egret, mallard and other ducks, red-winged blackbird, several hawk species, occasional ospreys, and during spring and fall migrations a remarkable diversity of warblers, sparrows, and other migrants. Bring binoculars; arrive at dawn for the best activity. The park's checklist of recorded species exceeds 200.

The developed campground offers tent sites, RV sites with hookups (water, electric, some with sewer), hot showers, flush toilets, and a central dump station. Sites range $35-60 per night depending on hookups and weekend vs. weekday. Reservations strongly recommended through the San Bernardino County parks system, especially for spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) weekends when temperatures are ideal and demand is high. Summer camping is less crowded but very hot (overnight lows still warm); winter camping is cool but generally pleasant.

Picnic ramadas (shaded structures with tables) are available throughout the park, some first-come first-served and some reservable for larger groups. Families gather on weekends for birthday parties, family reunions, and casual picnics. Two large playgrounds keep kids occupied — climbing structures, swings, slides, and shaded benches for adults. Restrooms are clean and well-maintained, plumbed with running water and full flush. Drinking water is available throughout the park.

The park hosts periodic special events — fishing derbies, Easter egg hunts, summer concerts, and educational nature programs. Equestrian facilities include a horse camp, several miles of equestrian trails along the river and through the park, and seasonal horseback-riding rentals from a private concessionaire. Most visitors don't ride horses but the equestrian presence adds character to the park's atmosphere.

Entry fee is $10 per vehicle for day-use, payable at the entrance kiosk. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors. Park hours are 7:30am to sunset (gates close at dusk); arrive before opening to claim the best picnic spots on weekends. Bring sunscreen, hats, water (drinking fountains available but bring your own bottles), insect repellent (mosquitoes can be active near the lakes especially in summer evenings), and any fishing gear if you plan to fish. Swimming is not officially permitted in the lakes; wading is allowed in shallow areas.

The park is fully ADA-accessible with paved paths, accessible restrooms, and accessible picnic areas. Pets on leash are welcome in most areas but not in the swimming/wading zones. Bicycles are allowed on the paved paths but not on the dirt trails. The park's combination of nature, water, shade, and family-friendly amenities makes it one of the High Desert's most beloved local destinations.

For Route 66 travelers, Mojave Narrows is the ideal mid-day break on a hot summer Route 66 driving day — picnic under cottonwoods, fish or birdwatch for 90 minutes, cool off in the shade, then continue your Route 66 itinerary refreshed. Pair with a morning at Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch (15 minutes north), the California Route 66 Museum (10 minutes south), or as a half-day side trip from any Victorville Route 66 base. Families with kids especially benefit — the park provides the activity outlet that Route 66 historical attractions sometimes lack for younger travelers.