Book excerpt: Explore this magnificent desert national parkland and celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mojave National Preserve with this new edition of this comprehensive guide. Great auto tours and suggested hikes help you explore vast sand dunes, volcanic peaks, historical attractions and old Route 66.Experience the wonders of Hole-in-the-Wall, the Mojave River, Kelso Dunes and Mitchell Caverns. Tour the world's largest Joshua tree forest. Follow paths of history to Fort Piute, Kelso Depot, Nipton, Goffs and Zzyzx. Hike the enchanted canyons and intriguing summits of a dozen mountain ranges. Get your kicks on old Route 66.Updated and revised in close cooperation with the National Park Service, this book, the only comprehensive guide to Mojave National Preserve offers a great introduction to this wondrous desert land and plenty of suggestions for follow-up visits.* Engaging auto tours, great hikes, clear maps and directions* Get to know the land-its plants, wildlife, mountains and valleys* Visit mining towns, cinder cones and a visitor center/train depot* Discover the best hiking trails, picnic sites, campsites, and lodging "Mojave National Preserve: A Visitor's Guide is a key resource to begin your exploration and to plan each follow-up visit," notes park superintendent Dennis Schramm in his introduction to the new edition of the book. "Authors Cheri Rae and John McKinney know the Preserve and all of its wonders, and their guidebook will help you discover them for yourself."