Desert Landscapes & Route 66 Heritage in Barstow
Tips on renting in Barstow
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Barstow sits at the crossroads of the Mojave, where Route 66 meets the high desert and the landscape opens up in every direction with the kind of scale that recalibrates your sense of distance. A vacation rental here gives road-trippers and desert explorers a genuine home base rather than a highway motel room, with a fully equipped kitchen for early starts before the desert heat builds, free parking on premises for the gear and vehicles a Mojave trip accumulates, and central air conditioning that earns its place from May through September. Homes in the older residential neighborhoods near downtown put you close to the Mother Road’s original stretch without the noise of the interstate corridor.
The meteorite, the basin, and a morning geology earns
The Desert Discovery Center holds the Old Woman Meteorite, the second-largest ever found in the United States, in a setting that gives the object the space its scale demands. Rainbow Basin Natural Area, eight miles north of town, delivers something rarer: a landscape of folded rock formations and ancient fossil beds that makes the Mojave feel like a living record of deep time rather than simply an obstacle between coasts. Early morning is the only way to do it, before the sun flattens the color out of the canyon walls.
What to look for in a Barstow vacation rental
Spring wildflower season in March and April and the shoulder periods around major holidays bring the most traffic through the Mojave corridor, pushing availability down on short notice. Central air conditioning is the single most critical amenity to confirm before booking, as summer temperatures regularly exceed 105 degrees. Pet-friendly homes with shaded outdoor space are available throughout the Barstow residential neighborhoods, and free parking on premises handles the overlanding vehicles, trailers, and gear that serious desert trips tend to require.
Quick tips before you book
- Air conditioning: Mojave summers are extreme; central AC is non-negotiable from May through September
- Parking: Free parking on premises is essential for road trip vehicles, trailers, or overlanding rigs
- Timing: Early morning is the only comfortable window for Rainbow Basin and outdoor sites in summer
- Pets: Residential neighborhood rentals with shaded yards are available and worth filtering for specifically
- Peak pricing: Spring wildflower season and holiday weekend traffic push availability down; book three to four weeks ahead
Browse all Barstow vacation rentals on Lake.com, or explore more California getaways including Palm Springs and Big Bear Lake on Lake.com.
Nearby cities
Hesperia
Discover Hesperia, where you can unwind by the scenic Silverwood Lake and enjoy endless outdoor adventures year-round.
Big Bear
Explore Big Bear and enjoy the annual Oktoberfest celebration, where Bavarian culture meets mountain charm and local brews.
California City
Plan a trip to California City and experience the thrill of off-roading adventures at the nearby OHV recreation areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Barstow has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The Mojave National Preserve stands as a top attraction near Barstow due to its diverse ecological habitats and rich historical significance. Visitors can explore the Lava Tube, a natural wonder formed 27,000 years ago, and enjoy the cooler temperatures inside, especially notable during summer middays when a light beam illuminates the tube. The preserve also offers hiking trails, such as those around the Kelso Dunes, and the historic Kelso Depot, a transformed train station now serving as a visitor center and museum, though currently closed for renovations through January 2024.
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For boat enthusiasts visiting Barstow, California, the nearest and most convenient option is to head to the Colorado River, specifically to the boating facilities at Picacho State Recreation Area or Oxbow Campground. These sites, located in nearby Imperial County, offer public launch areas and landing sites along the river. While not directly in Barstow, these spots are the best alternatives for a scenic and enjoyable boating experience in the region.
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For a family-friendly hiking experience in Barstow, California, consider the Owl Canyon hike, a colorful and geologically fascinating trail that is suitable for all ages. This hike offers a short and engaging route with unique rock formations. Another option is the Rainbow Basin Slot Canyon, a fun and scenic trail with interesting mudstone and rock layer formations, though it requires a short walk from the parking area at Rainbow Basin Basecamp. Both trails are ideal for a few hours of outdoor adventure, particularly enjoyable in the cooler months.
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For scenic views in Barstow, hike the Rainbow Basin Natural Area, a vibrant landscape of twisting rock formations and dirt hills. The Rainbow Basin Slot Canyon trail, a short but engaging hike, offers unique mudstone and rock layer formations, though the color palette is more subdued with taupe, gray, and muted greens and pinks. Alternatively, Owl Canyon provides a family-friendly hike with fascinating geology and colorful scenery, making it an excellent choice for a few hours of exploration.
