01
Best overall pick
Rainbow Basin Natural Area
North Of Barstow Badlands • Painted Desert Geology Hike • Closest Dramatic Landscape To Town
A compact maze of colorful cliffs and washes that delivers big desert scenery without a long drive.
Just north of Barstow, Rainbow Basin packs tilted rock layers, narrow gullies, and sweeping views into a small, easy-to-explore area. Short loop hikes along the washes let you wander beneath striped cliffs and eroded formations without committing to an all-day outing. Go early or late in the day when the low sun really brings out the colors in the rock.
02
Best history-meets-hiking stop
Calico Ghost Town & Odessa Canyon Trails
Calico Mountains Northeast Of Lenwood • Historic Ghost-Town Canyon Ramble • Best Mix Of History And Scenery
Old mining roads lead from the preserved ghost town into rugged desert canyons and ridges.
Calico offers more than photo-ready buildings and mine tours: a web of informal trails and old roads fans out into Odessa Canyon and the surrounding hills. You can stitch together a short leg-stretcher above town or wander farther into side canyons for quieter views of the Calico Mountains. It is a great choice if you want to combine a classic roadside attraction with a real desert hike.
03
Iconic desert experience
Kelso Dunes Trail
Central Mojave National Preserve Dunes • Iconic Sand-Dune Summit Climb • Bucket-List Desert Sunrise Spot
A steep slog through deep sand up one of the largest dune fields in the Mojave, rewarded with vast 360-degree views.
From the Kelso Dunes trailhead, an unmarked path crosses low sand and scrub before angling up the taller ridges to the main summit. The hike is only a few miles round-trip, but the soft sand and afternoon heat make it feel much tougher than the mileage suggests. Aim for sunrise or sunset, when the temperature is kinder and the light turns the dunes gold and pink.
04
Most adventurous short loop
Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Loop Trail
Hole-In-The-Wall District, Mojave National Preserve • Short Slotlike Loop With Metal Ring Climbs • Most Adventurous But Accessible Loop
A family-friendly circuit through volcanic cliffs, including a fun section where metal rings help you climb a narrow chute.
Starting near the Hole-in-the-Wall visitor area, this loop threads through pockmarked cliffs and desert grassland before dropping into a tight rocky passage. The signature section uses embedded metal rings as hand- and footholds to help you climb out of the narrow gorge, adding a bit of hands-on excitement. It is a manageable hike for most active visitors, but sturdy shoes and a comfort with mild exposure make the experience more enjoyable.
05
Best Mojave River walk
Afton Canyon Natural Area
Mojave River Gorge East Of Barstow • Wild River-Canyon Wander • Coolest Place To Follow The Mojave River On Foot
A rare stretch where the Mojave River runs above ground, carving a deep, colorful canyon with flexible out-and-back hiking.
From the Afton Canyon campground and rail bridge area, you can follow sandy tracks and riverbanks upstream or downstream as far as your time allows. Expect shallow water crossings, train echoes from the canyon walls, and big, open desert views framed by cliffs. It is a great option on cooler days when you want a less structured hike and don’t mind getting your boots a bit wet.