I take a short break at Wildcat Spring and drink some of the water I brought with me

I carry a water filter on my trips, but the $12/night fee at Mid Hills campground pays for the luxury of being able to refill my water supply without effort for day hikes like this.

Plus, the National Parks Service deserves our support, especially in a park like Mojave National Preserve which (fortunately for those of us who seek solitude) doesn't have huge visitation numbers nor an entrance fee (yet).