The preserve was created within the Pacific West Region of the National Park Service and remains within that jurisdiction today.

Natural features include the Kelso Dunes, the Marl Mountains and the Cima Dome, as well as volcanic formations such as Hole-in-the-Wall and the Cinder Cone Lava Beds.

[6] This lack of funding has primarily lead to infrastructure disrepair which, in combination with the reckless driving by some visitors, has caused a significant threat to the endangered desert tortoise population within the preserve.

The California Desert Protection Act of 1994 (CDPA) designated a wilderness area within Mojave National Preserve of approximately 695,200 acres (281,300 ha).

[7] Upon the preserve's establishment, Mary Martin was designated as its superintendent, she served from 1994 to 2005, when she was moved to Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Todd Suess served from 2014 to 2020, though he continues to work for the National Park Service as the Chief of Biological Resources.