Barstow CA has long been a popular travel hub. Settled in the late 1840s, this city in the southern part of the state was a stop along the Old Spanish Trail and the Salt Lake Road. The Old Spanish Trail connected Los Angeles to Santa Fe, while the Salt Lake Road was a major link between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. In the 1860s and 1870s, gold and silver was discovered in the Barstow area, and this attracted miners. Railroads were built soon thereafter in Barstow, and decades later, the city benefited from the establishment of major roadways in the area. Among these roadways was the famous Route 66. These days, many people who visit Barstow CA use the city as a stopping point while traveling along Interstate 15 between Los Angles and Las Vegas. The city caters to these and other visitors with its restaurants and shopping opportunities. Barstow also offers several museums that are of interest and is a good base for exploring the region.

Mojave Desert

Barstow CA is found in the Mojave Desert region about an hour’s drive west of the center of the Mojave Desert Preserve. The region in general attracts tourists with its scenic beauty and its unique wildlife viewing opportunities, thus hiking is a popular activity. Barstow visitors can easily get to the Mojave Desert Preserve when looking to enjoy sightseeing tours. Among the things that can be seen at the preserve are large Joshua Tree forests, the fascinating Hole-in-the-Wall canyon, and the other-wordly Cinder Cone Lava Beds. In addition to enjoying side trips to the Mojave Desert Preserve, Barstow visitors who are interested in the surrounding desert region can drop by the Desert Discovery Center. You can find this museum in town at 831 Barstow Road. Among its main attractions is the Old Woman Meteorite – the second largest meteorite ever found in the United States.

Route 66

Historic Route 66 runs right through Barstow’s Main Street, so the city has long been a popular destination among motorists. Both modern and historic facilities are found along Main Street, or Route 66, and many travelers take the opportunity to visit the antique and craft stores that are found downtown. While driving along Route 66 in Barstow, it is also possible to enjoy a quick side trip to the Casa del Desierto. Formerly known as the Harvey House Railroad Depot, the Casa del Desierto is a multi-faceted attraction that can be found just off Route 66 at First Street. Among its features are an unstaffed Amtrak passenger station and two museums. The museums are the Western America Railroad Museum and the Barstow Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum. It should also be noted that the Casa del Desierto is home to the Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce.

Newberry Mountains Wilderness Area

Barstow CA visitors don’t have to limit themselves to the Mojave National Preserve when looking to enjoy some time outdoors during their stay in town. Just 15 miles east of the city is the Newberry Mountains Wilderness Area. This area covers just over 26,000 acres and is known for its rugged volcanic mountains and its maze-like canyons. In the spring, the western side of the Newberry Mountains Wilderness Area often features colorful wildflower displays. Desert bighorn sheep are among the Mojave Desert animals that are commonly seen in the area, and chances are good that visitors might also spot prairie falcons and golden eagles.

Barstow CA Hotels

Anyone who is planning on visiting Barstow CA can always look to go camping, with the Newberry Mountain Wilderness Area being a good place to find rustic sites. It is also possible to find relatively basic campsites at the Mojave National Preserve. An example of an area campground with healthy amenities is the Barstow Calico KOA (pictured). Guests of the Barstow Calico KOA, it should be noted, enjoy free shuttle service to Calico Ghost Town – an old mining town near Barstow that now serves as a county park. For those travelers who prefer staying in a hotel or motel, chain-brand lodging establishments reign supreme in Barstow, and there are a high number to choose from. Most are of good quality.