PřekladačOverview
Barstow is a high-desert city in San Bernardino County, California, situated where Interstate 15 and Interstate 40 converge in the Mojave Desert roughly halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It sits at an elevation of around 2,100 feet and occupies a strategic position that has made it a crossroads for travelers, freight, and military operations for well over a century.
The city's identity is shaped by three pillars: the old Route 66 corridor that once ran through its center, the presence of a major BNSF Railway yard (one of the largest in the American West), and its role as a gateway community for several significant natural and recreational areas in the surrounding desert.
Note: The question referenced 'Saudi Arabia (state)' — Barstow is located in the state of California, United States of America. This guide covers Barstow, California, USA.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Barstow is in the United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality. For current visa information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Department of State travel website or the US Customs and Border Protection website. Do not rely on third-party summaries for official rules.
Climate
Barstow has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh). Summers are intense, with daytime highs regularly exceeding 100 °F (38 °C) and occasional extremes above 110 °F. Winters are cool to cold, with overnight lows sometimes dropping below freezing between December and February. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for outdoor activity.
What to Pack
- Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Layers for cold desert nights, even in shoulder seasons
- Ample water — carry more than you think you need if venturing into surrounding desert areas
- Comfortable, closed-toe footwear for walking on rocky terrain
Health Considerations
Dehydration and heat illness are real risks in summer. If you plan to hike or explore areas outside town, inform someone of your plans, carry extra water, and avoid midday heat. Cell service can be patchy in the surrounding desert.
Getting There
By Car
Barstow is the most practical destination to reach by car. It sits at the junction of I-15 (connecting Los Angeles to Las Vegas) and I-40 (connecting to Needles and points east). It is approximately 120 miles northeast of Los Angeles and about 150 miles southwest of Las Vegas.
By Train
Amtrak's Southwest Chief route stops at Barstow station, connecting the city to Los Angeles and cities further east including Albuquerque and Chicago. Verify current schedules and booking directly on Amtrak's official website, as service frequency and times change.
By Bus
Intercity bus services operate through Barstow, including Greyhound. Verify current routes and schedules on the carrier's official website before traveling.
By Air
Barstow has no commercial airport. The closest major airports are Los Angeles International (LAX), Ontario International (ONT), and Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS). Car rental upon arrival at one of these airports is the standard approach for travelers who fly.
Getting Around
Barstow is a small city and most points of interest are accessible by car within a short drive. A personal vehicle or rental car is strongly recommended, as public transit options are limited and the surrounding natural areas are not reachable without one.
The main commercial and historic strips along Barstow Road and Main Street are walkable in sections, though the spread of the city and desert heat make walking impractical for most visitors during summer months.
For trips into Mojave National Preserve or nearby recreation areas, ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition, has a full tank of fuel, and that you carry extra water. Gas stations become sparse once you leave the I-15/I-40 corridor.
Things to See & Do
Route 66 Mother Road Museum
Housed in the restored Harvey House Depot (Casa Del Desierto), this museum documents the cultural and travel history of the iconic Route 66 highway through the Mojave Desert. The building itself is an architectural landmark. Verify current opening hours and admission fees directly with the museum before visiting.
Western America Railroad Museum
Also located at the Casa Del Desierto depot, this museum preserves the railroad heritage of the region, including the role of the transcontinental rail lines in shaping Barstow and the surrounding area. Verify hours locally.
Mojave National Preserve
Located south and east of Barstow, this vast federal preserve managed by the National Park Service encompasses sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and historic sites. It is one of the less-visited units of the national park system and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and stargazing with relatively low crowds. Check the NPS website for current road conditions, regulations, and camping information.
Calico Ghost Town
Situated about 10 miles northeast of Barstow off I-15, Calico is a restored silver mining town from the 1880s, now operated as a San Bernardino County regional park. Verify current admission fees, hours, and event schedules on the county parks website.
Rainbow Basin Natural Area
A Bureau of Land Management site approximately 8 miles north of Barstow, Rainbow Basin features colorful sedimentary rock formations and a paleontological history — fossils of ancient mammals have been found here. The area is open to visitors; verify current access conditions with the BLM Barstow Field Office.
Food & Drink
Barstow's dining scene reflects its character as a highway town: expect a range of national fast-food chains, diners, and casual family restaurants along the main commercial corridors. Options are functional rather than destination-worthy, which is appropriate for most travelers stopping on a longer journey.
Several local diners and Mexican restaurants serve straightforward, honest meals. As a border-region city with a long history tied to working communities, Mexican and Mexican-American cuisine is well represented and generally good value.
Alcohol is available at restaurants and stores in Barstow. The city has no particular wine or craft beer culture, but standard options are available. If you are driving onward into the Mojave or Nevada desert, use this stop to hydrate with water rather than alcohol.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance.
Money
ATMs are available at banks and in larger stores throughout Barstow. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Cash remains useful for smaller vendors and any entrance fees at smaller sites.
Connectivity
Major mobile carriers have coverage in Barstow itself. Coverage degrades significantly in the surrounding desert and within Mojave National Preserve. Download offline maps before leaving town if you plan to explore backcountry areas.
Fuel and Supplies
Fuel up your vehicle in Barstow before heading into desert areas. Prices may be higher than in larger cities but lower than at isolated desert stops. Stock water and snacks if you are driving into the preserve or other remote areas.
Safety
Barstow is a small working city. Normal urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables in your vehicle (break-ins at trailhead parking areas are a known issue in the broader desert region), and avoid leaving items visible in parked cars.
The primary safety concern for visitors is environmental: heat, dehydration, and getting lost or stranded in the desert. Always carry more water than you expect to need, tell someone your itinerary if hiking remotely, and do not underestimate how quickly desert conditions can become dangerous — even in spring and autumn.
Military operations are conducted in restricted airspace and land areas around Barstow (Fort Irwin National Training Center is nearby). Obey all posted boundary signs and do not enter restricted zones.
