Barstow lies northeast of San Bernardino, at the foot of the Calico Mountains and at the intersection of the U.S. 15, U.S. 40 and CA 58 highways. Founded in the year 1880, it did not attain economic importance until a decade later, when gold and silver was found in the hills. This upsurge was further fostered by the nearby military no-go area of Fort Irwin, with its weapon testing grounds, and by its favorable position as a setting-off point for expeditions and trips into Death Valley National Monument as well as into the Mojave Desert.
Afton Canyon was formed between 12 and 19 thousand years ago and is located 36 miles northeast of Barstow. It features sheer walls which enclose the Mojave River.
There are hikes which allow visitors to view the rich wildlife of the area including bighorn sheep.
Address: Rainbow Basin National Natural Landmark / Afton Canyon, 831 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, United States
Phone: 1 (760) 255-8760, Fax: 1 (760) 252-6098
Tips: Camping is permitted only in Owl Canyon Campground. This campground is first-come first-serve and requires a $6.00 fee per site. Bring your own water.
The Calico Early Man Archeological Site lies 14mi/23km east of Calico, on the U.S. 15 not far from the unfinished Minneola Road. It was opened a quarter of a century ago by the renowned archeologist Dr Louis Leakey, who excavated more than 12,000 stone-age implements dating back some 200,000 years. These are the oldest artifacts to prove the existence of man in the western hemisphere.
Hours:
8am-4:30pm; Wed:12pm-4:30pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
Tips: Tours each hour on the half-hour until 3.30 p.m. except at 12.30 p.m.; tel. (619) 256-3591.
The ghost town of Calico lies 10mi/17km east of Barstow, near the U.S. 15. From 1881 to 1896 it was one of the most important US-American towns, from where thousands set off to prospect for silver in the nearby mountains. When the price of silver fell in 1895 the silver mines closed and Calico went into decline. In 1954 the ghost town was restored by the owner of Knott's Berry Farm.
Address: Calico Ghost Town, 36600 Ghost Town Road, Box 638, Yermo, CA 92398-0638, United States
Phone: 1 (760) 254-3679, Fax: 1 (760) 254-2047
Hours:
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: * Shops and restaurants open daily from 9:00-5:00
* Maggie's Mine open every day 10:30-4:00
* Gold Panning open Thur-Sun only 10:30-4:00
(closed Mon-Wed)
* Mystery Shack open Thur-Sun only 10:30-4:00
(closed Mon-Wed)
The California Desert Information Center in Barstow provides information on the lands surrounding the Mojave National Preserve. The second largest meteorite to strike the continent is on display.
Hours:
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Harvey House in Barstow was one of the dining rooms and boarding houses set up for rail travelers by Fred Harvey.
The dining establishments featured the Harvey Girls, who served food and chatted with guests. Harvey House is located across the street from the train station. It now serves as an Amtrak station.
The Rainbow Basin National Natural Landmark in Barstow features colorful rock formations formed between 12 and 16 million years ago. Popular activities include hiking, camping, photography, sightseeing, and horseback riding. Owl Canyon Campground is the site for camping, although a fee is required.
Address: Rainbow Basin National Natural Landmark / Afton Canyon, 831 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, United States
Phone: 1 (760) 255-8760, Fax: 1 (760) 252-6098
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Calico Ghost Town, Barstow
Calico Ghost Town, Barstow
Calico Ghost Town, Barstow
Calico Ghost Town, Barstow
Calico Ghost Town, Barstow
Mojave National Preserve, Barstow
