The California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century attracted people to the Mojave Desert as they traveled westward in search of wealth.

The California Gold Rush (1848–1855) was a major historical event that led to a massive migration of prospectors and settlers to California and surrounding regions, including the Mojave Desert. The desert served as a critical route for westward travelers, with paths like the Old Spanish Trail and the Mojave Road providing access through the arid landscape. Some prospectors even discovered smaller gold deposits in the Mojave region itself, leading to mining settlements. While the desert's harsh environment posed significant challenges, the promise of wealth and opportunity fueled the movement of people through this area during that period.