Calico Ghost Town is a fascinating place filled with Old West history, weathered buildings, unique…read moreshops, and beautiful desert scenery. We had a wonderful time exploring--or at least, I believe we did. Some portions of the afternoon have become rather difficult to remember. Before leaving, I distinctly heard footsteps following me, although no one was there. I dismissed them as part of the atmosphere. That was my first mistake. Since returning home, objects have moved on their own, something whispers my name from empty rooms, and every night at precisely 3:17 a.m., I awaken to the sound of spurs dragging slowly down the hallway. No one else can hear them. No one believes me. I haven't slept in days. Calico is absolutely worth visiting, but before you leave, count every member of your party--and make certain you haven't gained another. If you hear footsteps behind you, do not turn around. It already knows where you live.

Calico Ghost Town is a historic ghost town and former silver mining community located in the Calico…read moreMountains of California's Mojave Desert. Founded in 1881 during the silver mining boom, the town prospered for over a decade before declining when silver prices collapsed. By 1907, most residents had left, and Calico was eventually restored and transformed into the county-operated attraction known today as Calico Ghost Town.   Situated just off Interstate 15, about 3 miles from both Barstow and Yermo, Calico has become a popular stop for travelers exploring Southern California or driving between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. We visited in February 2026 during our trip to Las Vegas and were impressed by the dramatic desert scenery, unique rock formations, and panoramic views from the surrounding hills.   Today, visitors from around the world come to experience the atmosphere of an authentic Old West mining town. The park offers a variety of amenities, including RV and group camping, cabins and bunkhouses, mountain biking trails, off-road vehicle areas, shops, and restaurants. Throughout the year, Calico hosts several special events such as Civil War reenactments, the Spring Festival with Americana music, Calico Days celebrations featuring burro races and mining-themed activities, and the popular Halloween Ghost Haunt in October.   Only minutes from Interstate 15 and a short drive north of Barstow, Calico Ghost Town makes an enjoyable roadside stop for food, shopping, sightseeing, and a glimpse into California's mining history. However, I would recommend visiting Calico Ghost Town during the spring or winter months rather than in the summer, when desert temperatures can become extremely hot and less comfortable for exploring the outdoor attractions and surrounding hills.

Extremely beautiful area!! Similar to the painted hills in Oregon, this rural wonder is a must if…read moreyou're near Barstow. The road is a little ways off but there's helpful signage once you've typed in the location. The winding and rolling road has many spots to stop and get out of the car to look at the gorgeous rock formations. Peak sunset spot and view is right by the destroyed green piano and then the loop takes you back out to the main road. We came in December and we were all alone !! While it may not be as grand as the Grand Canyon the multi colored rocks and stacks are similarly beautiful here and the opportunity to get closer is even better. Practice leave no trace and be aware of your surroundings as the rocks can look quite precarious.

A trip to Rainbow Basin will make you feel like you're on a different planet. It's a unique drive…read moreon a one-way unpaved road through some of the most striking geological formations I've ever seen. As other Yelpers have said, the photos don't do justice to the subtle variations in color that you'll see. Visiting in spring, lots of wildflowers and the Joshua trees were in bloom as well. Tips: Make sure your car is in good condition and take water. I made the drive in just a regular car with no 4-wheel drive and I was fine but check road conditions first. It's free! Don't forget to charge your phone and take your real camera.

Lived in Silver Lakes for over 10 years. My children went to the elementary school, then the high…read moreschool. The schools are amazing, the teachers actually give a damn, and the classes aren't over populated- therefore more 1 on 1 is possible. The elementary school was blessed with an AMAZING new teacher (new to district) Mr. Jason Dokie. If your child is fortunate enough to have him as a teacher- you're in luck! Words cannot explain. I've worked at the local Snackbar next to the ProShop for several years, and along side the Silver Lakes Restaurant. Both are amazing, and worth the visit! Our golf course is beautiful, Mr. White has a great crew that assures that! I also worked at the Mobil station, and was fortunate to meet so many residents, many of whom I adore and miss terribly. Silver Lakes in a good community. It is small, therefore people take it more personally when you disrespect the property or residents. I also happened to catch my first big ol ugly fish off my dock! So, there's that! ;)

Silver Lakes also known by its city name Helendale is an unincorporated community along route 66…read moresought to once be more of a semi-retirement community, yet opened up over time to thrive and grow. It's on the outskirts of the city of Victorville California just before Boron, Barstow, Oro Grade and neighbors the city of Adelanto in which it shares law enforcement but does have a fire station + medics off it's Helendale Road, the main way into town from the front half... Shadow Mountain from the back side. While my dad has lived here for well over a decade now, I personally never grew up in this part of the high desert though I have many friends, former classmates and colleagues who have and/or still presently due. There are three gas stations, restaurants, bars, post office, convenience stores, beautiful views of the lakes of Silver Lakes, parks, wide streets, a pool, playgrounds, nice sidewalks, a few schools and even a Country Club. Everyone is pretty friendly or at least cordial for the most part and despite being so far off the beaten path I've grown more fond of S.L. over the years from visiting. The lakes are used for fishing or boating but you do need to be a resident or with a resident to enjoy most of the perks and amenities of this more private as well as safe community. Everyone is definitely welcomed.

What a great time! I'm so happy to stumble across this…read moreplace.if you like camping isn't eh fort this is your spot! The beautiful big sky at night with all the stars, little cool in the evenings, but this is a great time if year during the day. It's perfect!

Great parks to camp out on as some offer, camping, activities, shooting spots, off road trail,…read morehiking trails, and much more. Didn't know they had that much to offer as I just got into to camping life etc, but I will be back for another trip soon.

Such an awesome place! My friends have their own side by sides and dirt bikes so I was able to…read moredrive and ride theirs. We stayed in their motor homes over the weekend. Find a spot and dry camp wherever you like. There's a few points of interest to check out such as North Pole, South, Banshee Hill, etc. check out Competition Hill- the highest dune here. Theres also vendor row where you could buy flags, parts, merc, and snacks. Permits required for every vehicle. Flags required, helmets required. I prefer here than Pismo beach !

We are used to dry/bike camping but more local spots - this was like nothing we've done (we're not…read moreGlamis-ers) and it was such an awesome experience. To see dunes of this caliber in CA is super rad. Thankfully we tagged along with a friend so we had coordinates to follow to their spot, otherwise I can see being overwhelmed. We don't have 4 wheel drive and some soft spots made my heart skip but we made it to our spot safely with our 10K lb. rig and toys. The sand storms come up frequently (wonder where the dunes come from?!) but they make the next morning like glass. Everyone was really nice and I can't wait to go back and just hang out at Comp Hill all day.

Lake Jodie was built in the late sixties by Leroy Gerald Martin and named it after his daughter…read moreJodie. He used to visit Lake Elsinore but decided it was too busy, dirty and crowded so he decided to buy a plot of land in the middle of nowhere (sorry Newberry springs) and build a private lake for his friends and family. He eventually sold most of the properties. Lake Jodie is beautiful and quiet, and at most has five boats on it at a time. It's the perfect place for people to learn how to ski or wakeboard. It's definitely a different experience than Arrowhead or Mojave. It is a private lake, so you have to know somebody who has a property there to go. There isn't much in the area, it neighbors a pistachio farm, a Mormon church, and a horse shelter. It is not far from the American Legion, the Barn (bar), and a gas station.

Beautiful lake, great for kids and adults. Our friends have a home here built by their grandfather…read more Wonderful history behind this place.

The majestic Mojave Desert, overflowing with places to explore. It begs you to visit it, one of the…read moremost beautiful places in the world.

It happens to be a desert. It features things you expect to find in a desert: it gets hot and…read morethere's a whole lot of nothing. That is just a matter of opinion for some people. It actually has a whole lot besides nothing. There's a lot of natural beauty here as well as kitschy tourist attractions like candy stores and an oversized thermometer. It takes up pretty much the entire area of San Bernardino County. It's a very large county that's different from what most people think of California. Most people think of beaches and Hollywood. In fact, there actually are a few lakes here. They're just dry, really just flat areas of land. It's accessible mostly by I-15, which runs through several small cities. The best known might be Barstow, which is the halfway point between LA and Vegas. It's the best place to stop for gas if you're going north because it's the cheapest. The town of Yermo has the popular tourist stop EddieWorld. It's a store filled with candy. They have lots of other useless items. It gets hottest around Baker. There's even a large thermometer. You should get prepared before driving through the desert. Be sure to have food and water in case you have car problems. Several cars were pulled over with steaming engines along I-15 the one time.

Love the dry desert too to ride! It's easy to see and close by to come ride the side by sides.read more