Mojave

Mojave may refer to several related things in the southwestern United States, most notably the Mojave Desert, a large arid region spanning parts of California and Nevada and extending into small areas of Utah and Arizona. The term is also used for the Mojave people, their language, and several places and institutions associated with the region, including the Mojave River, Mojave National Preserve, and the Mojave Air and Space Port.

The Mojave Desert is an arid, high-desert landscape named after the Mojave people. It lies primarily in southeastern California with portions in southern Nevada and small extensions into Arizona and Utah. The desert is characterized by extreme temperatures, sparse rainfall, and a variety of habitats that support species such as the Joshua tree, creosote bush, bighorn sheep, and desert tortoise. Many protected areas, parks, and preserves conserve its ecological and geological features, including national preserves and national parks that straddle its boundaries.

The Mojave people, also spelled Mohave, are a Native American group whose traditional homeland lies along the lower Colorado River in what are now California, Nevada, and Arizona. They spoke the Mojave language, a member of the Yuman language family. Historically, Mojave communities engaged in farming and fishing along river valleys and participated in regional trade networks. Today, Mojave communities maintain cultural heritage and participate in various forms of federal and state recognition and cooperation.

The Mojave River is a desert river system in Southern California that originates in the San Bernardino Mountains and flows through the Victor Valley area, often drying seasonally. It has played a role in Indigenous and settler settlement patterns and remains a feature of regional water management and ecology.

Mojave National Preserve is a unit of the National Park Service in eastern California that protects desert landscapes, geological features such as sand dunes and lava tubes, and diverse plant and animal life. It serves as a conservation and recreation area and preserves cultural resources associated with the region.

The Mojave Air and Space Port is an airport and spaceport located in Mojave, California. It is known for aerospace testing and development, including historic private spaceflight and experimental aircraft programs.