OverviewThe Granite Mountains are located in the Mojave National Preserve. They are one of the four major ranges within the preserve, the others being the Providence, Clark, and New York Mountains. The rugged Granite Mountains are the lowest of the four major ranges, and don't seem to attract much attention. They are located far off the beaten path, and there are no trails or campgrounds here. Like many desert mountains, the Granite Mountains tend to fade away into insignificance against the desert landscape. As a result of these factors, it appears that few people visit the Granite Mountains. However, the University of California at Riverside does maintain the Sweeney Granite Mountains Desert Research Center in the Granite Mountains.
With an elevation of 6,761', the Granite Mountains rank way down on the California elevation list. But the new field of Prominence has put the Granite Mountains on the climbing map. With a prominence of 2,792', they're just big enough to make an appearance on the California Prominence Map.
Getting ThereFrom Barstow, drive about 78 miles east on Interstate 40 to the Kelbaker Road exit. Drive north on the paved Kelbaker Road about eight miles to Granite Pass. Continue north about two more miles until you see a dirt road running southwest. Turn left and drive about two miles until the road ends. Park here next to Hill 1402.
Mountain ConditionsContact the Mojave National Preserve HQ in Barstow at 760-252-6100, or the BLM Needles Field Office at 760-326-7000 for the latest information about this area.
Map: Trails Illustrated Mojave National Preserve TopoMap.
Topo Map: Bighorn Basin.
CampingThere are no developed campgrounds in the Granite Mountains. This is a primitive camping area.