01
Best desert geology hike
Rainbow Basin Natural Area
North Of Barstow • Colorful Badlands Loop Hikes • Closest Scenic Escape
Layered hills, eroded gullies, and quiet dirt tracks make Rainbow Basin a go-to half-day hike from Fort Irwin.
Just northwest of Barstow, Rainbow Basin feels like walking through a desert art project, with banded cliffs and twisted rock formations in every direction. Most hikers follow old jeep roads and informal paths, linking short loops through canyons and along ridges. Go early or late for softer light, and bring plenty of water and sun protection—shade is almost non-existent out here.
02
Best mix of history and hiking
Calico Ghost Town Trails
Near Yermo Off I-15 • Old-West Ghost Town And Ridge Trails • Historic Day-Trip Pick
Combine a wander through a restored mining town with surprisingly rugged ridge and wash hikes in the Calico Mountains.
Behind the souvenir shops and boardwalks, Calico hides a network of informal routes up onto the colorful ridges above town. Short, steep scrambles reward you with big views over the Mojave and glimpses of old mine workings tucked into the hillsides. It’s an easy outing to pair with family or visiting friends, with options ranging from casual strolls to more adventurous off-trail exploring.
03
Best river canyon adventure
Afton Canyon
Along I-15 East Of Barstow • River Canyon Desert Trek • Most Adventurous Nearby Hike
Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Mojave," Afton Canyon lets you hike along a rare flowing stretch of the desert’s namesake river.
From the Afton Canyon campground, follow the Mojave River upstream through towering canyon walls, railroad tunnels, and sandy stretches that feel a world away from post. Expect some wet feet in places, especially after storms, and be ready for soft sand and limited shade. High-clearance vehicles are helpful for the access road, and summer heat can be intense, so timing and preparation matter here.
04
Best iconic desert experience
Kelso Dunes, Mojave National Preserve
Mojave National Preserve South Of I-15 • Iconic Dune Climb In Open Desert • Bucket-List Sunset Hike
A slog up steep sand rewards you with sweeping views and the chance to hear the dunes "sing" under the right conditions.
The main route up Kelso Dunes is straightforward—pick a line up the ridgeline from the trailhead and grind your way to the summit—but the soft sand turns it into a solid workout. From the top, the panorama of untouched desert and distant mountains feels far removed from the highway. Aim for a late-afternoon ascent to dodge midday heat and catch sunset light, and bring extra water since the open sand reflects the sun from every angle.
05
Best full-day canyon outing
Red Rock Canyon State Park (California)
Along Highway 14 Near Cantil • Sandstone Canyon Day Hikes • Scenic Road-Trip Hike
Towering rust-red cliffs and short canyon loops make Red Rock Canyon worth the longer drive from Fort Irwin.
This small state park packs in a lot of scenery, with striped cliffs, hoodoos, and narrow washes that invite slow exploring. Popular options include short out-and-backs into side canyons and informal loops linking washes and ridges right from the main park area. It pairs well with a weekend drive toward the Sierra, and the roadside trailheads make it easy to tailor your hike to the time and energy you have.