Point of Interest

Melville Dry Lake overview

California, USA Southern Mojave watershed 34.457°, -116.579°
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Melville Dry Lake -- California point of interest
Melville Dry Lake California · Southern Mojave watershed
About this spot

Melville Dry Lake

Melville Dry Lake is a playa located in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. It is situated in the Southern Mojave watershed and is part of the Mojave National Preserve. The lake is approximately 5 miles in length and 2 miles wide. The surface of the lake bed is composed of white alkali soil and is dominated by saltbush, creosote bush, and other desert scrub vegetation. It is a remote and peaceful location that attracts visitors looking for solitude and natural beauty. The lake is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is a key stopover point for migratory birds. Visitors can see a variety of bird species, including sandpipers, plovers, and waterfowl. In addition, the area is known for its stunning sunsets and stargazing opportunities.

There are several good reasons to visit Melville Dry Lake. The lake is a unique geological feature with a fascinating history. It was once part of a much larger ancient lake that covered much of the current Mojave Desert region. Today, it is one of the few remaining dry lakes in the area. Visitors can explore the lake bed and learn about the geology and ecology of the area. The lake also offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and nature photography. Overall, Melville Dry Lake is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the natural beauty and history of the Mojave Desert.
StateCalifornia
WatershedSouthern Mojave
Latitude34.4570°
Longitude-116.5793°
Detailed forecast

Plan your visit down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.

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Responsible visitation & Leave No Trace

Know before you go
Check the operator's site (BLM, NPS, state agency, or private owner) for access rules, permits, and seasonal closures before driving out.
Stay on trail
Many points of interest sit in fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
Respect wildlife
Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and give nesting birds and denning mammals plenty of space.
Pack it in, pack it out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you. Remote sites often have no trash service.
Leave what you find
Don't take rocks, plants, fossils, or artifacts. Federal law protects cultural and natural resources on public land.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Melville Dry Lake as a favorite, set a weather threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.

FAQ

About Melville Dry Lake

What is Melville Dry Lake?

A point of interest in California tracked by Snoflo -- typically a scenic landmark, named summit, monument, or viewpoint.

How fresh is the weather data?

The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no public feeds.

When is the best time to visit?

Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.

How do I get there?

Tap Directions in the hero above for Google Maps driving directions, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the spot.

Can I get alerts when conditions change?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this POI, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.

More POIs

Other points of interest near here

Snoflo-tracked landmarks within driving distance of Melville Dry Lake.