01
Best overall pick
Calico Ghost Town Regional Park Trails
Calico Ghost Town • Historic Mining‑Town Hikes • Iconic Close-To-Town Choice
Classic Mojave scenery and old mine ruins just up the road from Yermo.
If you only have time for one hike near Yermo, start in the hills above Calico’s restored mining streets. A web of signed trails ranges from short overlooks to longer loops that wander past abandoned shafts, rusted relics, and wide desert vistas. Expect some steep, loose sections, little shade, and big views that feel a world away despite the easy access.
02
Rugged adventure
Calico Mountains Backcountry Trails
Calico Mountains North Of Yermo • Rugged Desert Ridge And Canyon Routes • Best For Strong Hikers
Remote-feeling desert hikes that trade polish for big ridgelines and solitude.
Beyond the townsite, the Calico Mountains open into a maze of rough canyons and ridges popular with both hikers and off‑roaders. Routes like the Doran and Odessa areas reward careful navigation with colorful rock, narrow washes, and long views back toward the I‑15 corridor. Go prepared for loose footing, minimal signage, and full exposure—this is the spot for experienced hikers who enjoy piecing together their own line.
03
Most photogenic
Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Rainbow Basin North Of Barstow • Painted Badlands And Canyon Terrain • Scenic Half‑Day Outing
Short walks and informal paths through striped hills that glow in late light.
Rainbow Basin is a compact pocket of folded, banded rock that feels almost otherworldly compared with the flat desert around it. The one‑way loop road has several pullouts where you can wander into gullies and along ridges to explore the colorful formations at your own pace. Surfaces can be crumbly and there’s virtually no shade, so many locals aim for early morning or golden hour to beat both heat and harsh light.
04
Best short hike
Owl Canyon Trail
Owl Canyon Campground Area • Colorful Slot‑Style Canyon Walk • Quick Outing With A Sense Of Discovery
A compact canyon hike with sculpted walls, pockets of color, and a tucked‑away feel.
Starting from the campground north of Barstow, the Owl Canyon Trail slides quickly into a narrow wash flanked by layered, eroded walls. It’s an approachable route for most hikers, but the terrain stays engaging with small dryfalls, bends in the canyon, and plenty of rock textures to explore. It’s a great choice when you want a real desert experience without committing to a long or committing backcountry route.
05
Classic desert experience
Kelso Dunes
Mojave National Preserve South Of I‑15 • Huge Sand‑Dune Climb • Sunset And Sunrise Favorite
A steep slog up soft sand to one of the Mojave’s biggest panoramic viewpoints.
Kelso Dunes sit an easy drive from Yermo but feel strikingly remote once you leave the trailhead for the open sand. There’s no formal trail—just a well‑worn line up the ridge to the highest crest, where the view runs across a sea of dunes and distant ranges. The climb is strenuous and fully exposed, but cool‑season evenings or dawn starts can turn it into a memorable, almost otherworldly outing.