Providence Mountains State Recreation Area — Attraction in Baker

Our visit focused on Mitchell Caverns, though there is far more in the region to see and understand. This cavern beyond delivers for variety and quality of stunning cave formations. I learned a lot and then learned more when I annotated my photos later. Bring a camera able to take good photos without a flash; I had a field day in here with my Pixel 8 Pro. The docent William was enthusiastic and well-prepared and the tour was so informative. My only caveat is, the park service seems to have an extreme fear of visitors leaving debris behind in the caverns and so does not allow water bottles or any personal belongings (purses, backpack) to be brought into the caverns. If an individual needs medication for conditions like migraine, which I do, and becomes ill during the tour (which I did) there is no choice but to be unwell until the end of the tour because there is no means to take large tablets without water. I feel that this is a bit draconian, but I also understand that visitors are paying the price for others who have not been respectful inside of the cavern. This restriction should be clearly stated ahead of time on their literature, however, because it does impact individuals who have serious health conditions. It is worth coming to the Mojave Preserve solely to visit these caverns. Now more than ever, fragile ecosystems such as this need public support and...

This is a state-owned area within the Mojave National Preserve. To get there go north off I40 at the Essex Road and keep left at the fork. The road is paved. Once you get to the sign, the paved road has LOTS of potholes, drive slow! The road is just a couple miles long and winds up the side of the mountain to a very small campground just big enough for maybe 4 tent campers. Keep going and there’s another parking lot above that is a little bigger but not much. DO NOT take RV’s here—there is not spot to turn a rig around. Passenger cars only, even sprinter vans will think it’s tight up there.

The view is fantastic. So is the wind (tent campers beware). The visitors center is very good and very small. The ranger was professional and helpful. There’s exhibits about the history, geology and animals, and there’s a few things you can buy mostly children’s books and toys—this is the only location I saw an children younger than teens for the 3 days we were at the MNP.

This is where you sign up for the cave tour. Since we had the dogs with us we didn’t do the cave tour. Maybe another time.

#providencemountain #staterecreationarea #california #mojavenationalpreserve #mojavedesert...

A little known, hidden gem in the middle of nowhere, this 2 hour tour is very much worth with the visit. Our tour guide, Will, is personable and humorous. The pathway to the cavern was just recently built or renovated within a year or so. This place was privately owned and hand-built by a couple who later passed away in the 1980’s then sold off to the State Parks. Lots of cool facts about this place that I’d consider still part of recent history.

Pricing: $10 adult, $5 children and $10 parking.

Fun facts I learned: this limestone cavern is so solid it withstand earthquakes. A great hideout place in natural disaster.

This place deserves more attention and protection. Really worth the drive to pay a visit. A nice walk through...