Just be aware that you won’t see any turtles over winter since they hibernate! Also, they go underground around sunset or earlier I think.

It’s a nice area, I didn’t see any tortoises, I think it was too hot for them to be out. I saw a couple of different lizards though. They have a restroom and some trails, careful though, thought I heard a rattle snake, it is pretty wild open desert. Attached are some pics I took.

Grands and I were happy to visit. Went around blue patch twice... they were ready to do more exploring... Next time, I say, next time!

Plan a couple of hours here, the dirt roads in are long and it will take some time to find a turtle if you are lucky enough to do so. We spent about 2 hours total off-road. Provided you follow the right roads(or at least dont stop in the loose sand), its all passable by car.Several miles in theres an interpretive center (in a trailer) staffed until 5pm daily, nice folks. She gave us tips on where to find a tortoise and a flip reference chart to identify other local plants, animals and hiding places too.We walked the trails and saw plenty of nature; a snake chasing a lizard, a turtle burrow of good size that appeared empty and loads of fluorescent colored caterpillars. No turtle. We looked and looked.After thanking the staff member and getting in our car, Google maps suggested we return by Washburn Road, a trail that looked... less passable than the first nicely groomed wide dirt roads. We followed it because, why not right, and after some fun times slipping and sliding in uncomfortably loose sand (for a car) we came upon a rock in the road. Finally! We found a turtle on our way out.So, dont count on seeing a turtle. But dont give up looking! And always watch out for rocks. The trail less followed on our way out got us a glance at a turtle, and certainly these guys are a sight to see in their natural environment.Note on other location a turtle was spotted: Right outside Kelso Depot in Mojave National Park. Big guy going after a flower cactus on a nice cool day!

Wonderful place to go to see animals in their natural habitat, definitely a place I would go back to again

It is really beautiful and a nice hiking area we just didnt get to see any wild life creatures due to the season..

Amazing place to walk around. We went February 23rd and unfortunately didnt see any tortoise but the weather was amazing and the trails were awesome to walk around in the desert. I want to come again next month since today was still technically winter and hopefully see more activity. Nonetheless I highly recommend coming here.

Not much to do, alot to learn tho! A small trail, a small display in a trailer

Beautiful little sanctuary run by a very friendly volunteer. We didnt see any tortoise. Apparently its best to come earlier in the day and while its not too cold and not too hot. But of course the view alone is worth it.

It was a nice find in the middle of the desert Tina provided so much information regarding the trails and what you should look out for. Also, the information trailer had some amazing information and turtle shells. But we did find a turtle in desert at the end. ( we bought it in the information trailer)

A peaceful guided walk in the desert...The quiet was something Id forgotten could be so complete...And this was a holiday weekend...I will go back...

One of the only places that has been set aside for protection of the threatened Desert Tortoise. Almost 40 square miles of protected habitat. There are interpretive trails suitable for families with young children that explain the flora, fauna and natural environment. There is also a small interpretive center with displays explaining the animals found in this part of the Mojave Desert. It is staffed every day during the spring season.

Great place to go if you want a low impact hike in the desert. The trails are clearly marked and maps are readily available in multiple places.

Very informative. Very well put together. A great stop even if you dont see any tortoises

Nice little place with a few trails that are well marked. Information on tortoise can be found in their visitor center. No guarantee of tortoise sightings.

This is one of my most special places in the California desert! I make the trip from the San Francisco bay area most years (dependent upon amount of rain the desert received). Pro tip: look at the California desert wildflower index before making the trip... if its been a 4 or higher, come on down. Ive found a desert tortoise on the preserve every year except one and even a baby on the road on the way in. (Look for what looks like slow moving rocks on the road on your way in.) The views are great and if you coincide your trip with the wildflower bloom, you cant lose! Happy herping everyone!

Nice little nature area to go check out it your ridding in the area. We didnt see an tortoises. I hear part of the year in the spring there is naturalist in the area. There is a self guided trail with a map. Its not really worth going way out of your way to see but it is in a very popular ohv area

Nice walking trails. Come earlier and bring water. We saw cool lizards and a Mojave Green Snake!

Quite, nice hiking, friendly staff and a small type natural museum

It may be hard to find the tortoise but at least you get to explore the desert and have a peaceful walk.

Visit closer to 10am when they open. The warmer it gets the less you will see, except desert.

Great open space to explore with interpretive trails!

Great place to take the kids for a day hike and keep them busy looking for desert natives

This place is very isolated. Make sure you bring water and sun glasses. I only did a short hike on the trails, read the presentations at the park entrance.

Absolutely love being a volunteer here. Grew up with the tortoise.

Unique and desolate place!

Awesome, loved it.

Go in mid summer to see tortoises but beware if the the deadly green Mohave rattlesnake that is also out at that time.

Seen not one tortoise. Or human. Or any living creature besides ants.