01
Best close-to-town canyon hike
Owl Canyon Trail
Owl Canyon Campground, North Of Barstow • Colorful Desert Slot Canyon Hike • Best All-Around Pick Near Barstow
A moderate out-and-back through a narrow, painted canyon with short tunnels, dryfalls, and classic Mojave desert views.
From the small BLM campground, the trail slips quickly into a twisting canyon where green, tan, and rust-colored walls feel surprisingly dramatic for being so close to town. There are a few fun scrambly spots and short tunnels that keep the route interesting without making it technical. Go early or in cooler months, as shade is limited and the rock radiates heat on warm days.
02
Best hike with Old West history
Calico Peak via Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town, Northeast Of Barstow • Rugged Ghost-Town Ridge And Canyon Loop • Top Choice For History-Minded Hikers
A steep, view-heavy loop that links the restored mining town with airy ridges and rust-colored badlands above the valley.
Starting near the shops and old mine buildings, you can quickly climb onto narrow ridges that overlook the I-15 corridor and the jagged Calico Mountains. Side canyons and old mining traces give the hike a bit of exploration feel, and you can tailor the distance with shorter out-and-backs or a fuller loop. Expect loose rock, some exposure along the ridgeline, and crowds around the town itself on weekends.
03
Most immersive desert canyon
Afton Canyon
Afton Canyon Area, East Of Barstow Along I-15 • Wild River Canyon And Railroad Corridor Walk • Most Dramatic Mojave River Hike
Follow the Mojave River between towering canyon walls, with train tracks, occasional water crossings, and big-sky desert scenery.
From the Afton Canyon campground, you can walk along the riverbed and railroad to experience one of the few places where the Mojave River flows above ground. The canyon walls rise abruptly on both sides, and passing freight trains add a surreal sense of scale to the landscape. Be ready for sandy walking and possible wading, and check recent conditions if storms have been in the forecast.
04
Iconic sand-dune climb
Kelso Dunes
Kelso Dunes Area, Mojave National Preserve • Steep Dune Slog With Sweeping Desert Views • Best For Big-Sky Vistas And Photos
A choose-your-line climb up giant sand dunes where the reward is a 360-degree panorama over the heart of the Mojave.
The main route to the highest dune is unmarked, but most hikers simply follow the use paths angling up from the trailhead toward the tallest ridge. Expect deep, sliding sand that makes the climb feel longer than it looks, especially in heat or wind. Aim for cooler times of day, and linger on top to watch shadows stretch across the dune field and surrounding mountains.
05
Best quick badlands ramble
Rainbow Basin Scenic Loop Trails
Rainbow Basin Scenic Loop, North Of Barstow • Short Badlands Walks With Layered Rock Formations • Quick Scenic Outing From Town
Short, informal paths off the one-way scenic drive lead into striped hills and eroded gullies with close-up views of Rainbow Basin’s geology.
This is a great choice when you want to stretch your legs without committing to a long hike, as you can park at pullouts and wander up side washes or low ridges. The rock layers here show off greens, grays, and reds that change character with the angle of the sun, making late afternoon especially photogenic. Surfaces can be loose and crumbly, so sturdy shoes and a bit of route-finding sense go a long way.