Barstow, California Sights and Attractions

Barstow, California Sights and Attractions

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Barstow, California Postcard

Afton Canyon - Considered the "Grand Canyon of the Mojave," the Mojave River surfaces here after flowing 50 miles underground. Afton Canyon, an excellent area for hiking and photography, is located 36 miles northeast of Barstow.

Black Canyon & Inscription Canyon - The canyons are the largest Native American rock art galleries accessible to the public. About 31 miles northwest of Barstow, visitors can view petroglyphs from the road or on foot.

Calico Early Man Archaeological Site - The Calico Early Man Site is one of the most important archaeological sites in North America, providing a unique in place museum of Pleistocene archaeology and geology. It consists of two master pits, where most of the findings were made. The site is about 20 miles northeast of Barstow.

Calico Ghost Town - 1881 marked the beginning of one of the largest silver strikes in California history and the birth of Calico. This authentic silver mining town lives on as one of the few original mining camps of the Old West. One third of the town is original; the remaining carefully reconstructed to recreate the "spirit' of Calico's Old West past. Walking tours with Calico's historian examine the life of miners, and the famous 20-mule team. A narrow gauge railroad operates within town limits and a hard rock silver mine offers up underground exploration.

Entrance to Calico, December, 2005,

Kathy Weiser. This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

Desert Discovery Center - The Desert Discovery Center has exhibits and a desert trail to explore. The center is a partnership between Barstow Community College, Barstow Unified School District, Bureau of Land Management, City of Barstow, Mojave Valley River Museum, the National Park Service and the Discovery Trails Corporation. 831 Barstow Road, Barstow, California 92311

Mohave National Preserve - Mojave National Preserve, located about 60 miles east of Barstow, is an ideal place to hike, bike ride, backpack, picnic, camp, or take tours and learn about historical and archaeological attractions.

Mojave River Valley Museum - The museum houses a series of displays and exhibits that portray the history of the Mojave River Valley from the arrival of Father Garces in 1776 on through pathfinders, pioneers, miners, railroads and the present space program. Their archive of local-area newspapers dates back to 1911 and their photo collection contains more than 20,000 photos.

Rainbow Basin - The basin, which lies about 15 miles north of Barstow, existed between 10 and 30 million years ago as lakebeds now vanished. Erosion of the richly colored sedimentary layers by wind and water has over the years turned the basin into a rainbow of scenic beauty.

Route 66 Museum - The Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum was dedicated on July 4, 2000, in the historic Casa del Desierto, Harvey House, in Barstow, California. The Museum displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert Communities. Displays include development of the United States Route 66 from early pioneer trails, railroads, automotive history, businesses and sites.

Western American Railroad Museum - Located within historic Harvey House, the American Railroad Museum houses railroad memorabilia from not only the Barstow area, but from the entire West as well. Old locomotives, photos and archives are available for public viewing. There are also two cabooses open for tours.

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Old Town Barstow, Where the Trails Meet,

December, 2004, Kathy Weiser

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

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