Kelso, California
Area Historic Mojave Desert town centered on railway depot
Inside the Mojave National Preserve, Kelso grew around a railroad depot. Visitors stop for the restored Kelso Depot visitor centre, desert trails and nearby sand dunes.
How to Get to Kelso, California #
Kelso lies inside or adjacent to the Mojave National Preserve in southeastern California. The depot is reached via Kelbaker Road (SR 127 and SR 247 junction area); from Baker, CA it is roughly a 45-60 minute drive southwest. There is limited public transit; most visitors arrive by private vehicle.
Tips for Visiting Kelso, California #
- Kelso is remote - bring extra fuel, water, and a reliable vehicle; cell coverage is patchy to nonexistent.
- Visit the ruins of the Kelso Depot (if exploring the broader Mojave preserve) late afternoon for dramatic light on the old depot walls.
- Respect private property and do not enter fenced areas; many structures are unstable.
Best Time to Visit Kelso, California #
Best visited in cooler months to avoid Mojave heat; spring brings wildflowers after favorable rains.
Weather & Climate near Kelso, California #
Kelso, California's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 41°C and lows of 24°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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