Mojave Visitors Brought $51M To The Local Economy Last Year: NPS

BARSTOW, CA — An estimated 773,000 visitors to the Mojave National Preserve spent tens of millions in communities near the park last year. It supported almost 600 jobs, according to the National Park Service.

NPS economists completed the economic analysis for national parks across the U.S., finding Mojave National Preserve generated $51 million in local spending and supported 598 jobs for a total economic benefit of $66.8 million to communities within 60 miles.

The majority of visitor spending in areas surrounding the Mojave National Preserve was for hotels ($15.6 million) and restaurants ($11.8 million), followed by gas ($8 million), retail shopping ($5.5 million), recreation ($4.3 million), groceries ($2.8 million), and transportation ($1.5 million), according to the survey. Camping in the Mojave National Preserve amounted to $1.5 million in visitor spending in 2022.

According to the state website, the Mojave Preserve offers a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000-year history of human connection with the desert.

"It offers extensive opportunities to experience desert landscapes," they said. "The preserve promotes understanding and appreciation for the increasingly threatened resources of the Mojave Desert. This remote preserve encourages a sense of discovery and a connection to wild places."

It also has fully closed in the wake of Tropical Storm Hilary, until further notice, according to a preserve spokesperson. The effects from the storm, following the York fire, which ate its way through 93,000 acres, caused long-term ecological changes that are still being measured,according to the preserve.

"All major thoroughfares in and through the preserve either have some damage or heavy debris on them," they wrote. "Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center sustained extensive wind damage to the roof, but the inside of the building was untouched. Cleanup is a massive chore involving heavy equipment and personnel. It is going to take some time. Please be patient while our crews are making the road safe and passable again. Barring unforeseen events, the roads should be cleared and open around September 1, 2023."

Nationally, NPS economists found 312 million national park visitors spent nearly $24 billion in neighboring communities, supporting more than 378,000 jobs for a total impact of $50.3 billion. The lodging sector reaped the most benefits, accounting for $9 billion, followed by restaurants at $4.6 billion.

In the Golden State, national parks generated $2.7 billion in visitor spending across California. Golden Gate alone was responsible for $1.1 billion, economists found.

A detailed breakdown is available on the National Park Service website.