I recently stopped by the World's Tallest Thermometer on my way to Las Vegas and it turned out to…read morebe a quick fun and memorable roadside attraction during a desert drive. You can spot it from far away along the highway, and seeing it up close is actually pretty impressive as you have to tilt your head way back. My friends told me this was a site to visit as this thermometer stands over 100 feet tall! There's easy parking, and it's a convenient stop to stretch your legs, take photos, and rest a bit. Deinitely work a quick stop.

Just passing through on the freeway, heading to Vegas. We didn't stop by. Looks like a cool spot…read more Maybe will stop on our way back. Very cool to see tho

There's not much going on in the city of Baker lol…read more This is the place where everyone stops when they are on the way to Las Vegas, from California. Baker is the best place to stop if you have to use the restroom. They have some food options here too. So, if you need a bit to eat, or a coffee, this is your place. It's mostly fast-food options here. Which is fine, if you are on a road trip, you want something quick. For food, I'd suggest the Mad Greek. That is a popular spot that way. If you need gas, this is the spot. There are a gas station and the Baker market. I recommend the alien jerky place. If you enjoy jerky, you must go there lol The world's tallest thermometer is located here too. You will see it right by the road. Can't miss it lol

This looks like a good place to stop when headed to Cali from Vegas. Except it isn't. The draw of…read moreextremely expansive EV vehicle charging seems like a draw. Not enough of one. Zero effort is applied toward amenities. We stopped to charge at the Tesla Supercharger that also hosts Electrify America stations. The EV footprint is huge. The facilities are disgusting. Bathrooms are below an outhouse and the food options are 2nd rate...at best. Drive on to Yermo.

Somebody cut him down and took him away! We always stopped to check on him (it's such an odd icon…read moreto have in Baker), and this time all that was left was his feet! Was he stolen or just discarded by the town?

My family and I were heading over to Vegas from Joshua Tree and took a route that went through the…read moreMojave National Preserve. I don't know why I have never been through here in my entire life, but it was neat to see the landscape and feeling like I was playing Frogger as I was trying to avoid all the potholes in the 2 lane road. One random stop we came across in the middle of the preserve was the Kelso Depot. I only stopped because I saw that there was a restroom that we could use, and then was surprised to see an actual visitor center to peruse. From the signage out front here's the history: "Built in 1924, the Kelso Depot housed a train station, ticket and telegraph office, restaurant, reading room, and dormitory rooms for railroad employees. It was often called the Kelso Club House, a Union Pacific Railroad term for employee boarding and recreational facilities. As railroad technology improved and fewer personnel were needed, the Depot became obsolete. It was closed in 1985, and Union Pacific planned to raze the building. Concerned citizens intervened and the building was saved. It was renovated and reopened as a National Park Service Visitor Center in October 2005." The Depot is currently under construction as of 12/2025, but you can walk around the building and peek in through the windows. Apparently the area around the depot was like a little village during WW II. It's neat to imagine what life would've been like living out here in the middle of nowhere back in the 1940's. There's no internet out in Kelso, but you can log into the NPS Wi-Fi while you're there.

This place was a lifesaver! Bathrooms just when we needed them! We were in that Saturday I-15…read morererouted to I-40 craziness. Took us 10 hours from Huntington Beach to Vegas. We took a Waze suggestion which ended up saving us two hours. Happened upon the Kelso Depot just at the right time. We're so grateful to these guys keeping their bathrooms open even when the visitor center is closed.

Next time you're driving to or from Vegas on the 15, indulge your curiosity and take the Zzyzx Road…read moreexit, drive 5 miles to the east, and visit the former Soda Springs Resort, now part of the Mojave National Preserve. This site is open for hiking, relaxing and enjoying the landscape, including the natural springs. (The former resort buildings are currently the Desert Studies Center and not accessible to the public.) But you can tour the springs, hike around the area, birdwatch, and enjoy the facilities including picnic tables and a restroom. The site is right next to a dry lake, adding unique scenery. The springs were previously well-known to the Native Americans, who kindly shared the location with the Europeans, only for it to be turned into a business that then went under due to a con man. Sound familiar? Free admission, free parking. Beautiful spot to take a break on the way to Vegas.

There is not much to see Sections leading to vacated pool…read moreand hotel is roped off. Visitor has a path that circles the man made mirage.

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.

Whats happened to this place ? I am sad to say that Calico…read morehas seen better days. Ive been going here since the 1980s. I miss what it felt like, even 15ish years ago. Yes its an OLD run down ghost town but it truely feels OLD and run down now. Trash everywhere. Spiderwebs and dust everywhere. Its not the Calico look, its literally no one cleaning around here. It looks so unclean everywhere we went. Also...I dont feel many workers are in Character anymore. I miss that. If they are even dressed up they are just sitting around on their phones or talking to each ither. Zero interaction. Zero immersion... just so disappointed. We keep coming back but its just getting worse.

I've been on a LOT of tours in a LOT of places around the world, and Willy is in my top 10! The…read morecaverns are pretty cool, but Willy's knowledge, humor, pacing, and care made this a five-star experience. Our group ranged in age from tween to 60s and everyone was engaged for two hours. I'm a California Naturalist with high standards and Willy knows his stuff! As a native Californian I especially loved knowing he's local, young, and a former CCC "graduate". His contributions and energy are why these government programs are so important. Must see if you're visiting the area, but be warned -- you need reservations and these fill up weeks ahead of time. The paved road, nature center, views, and well-organized everything made this a real treat!

Tours are offered on Friday-Sunday and Holiday Mondays at 11am and 2pm from October to May. In June…read moreand September, tours are on the same days but only at 10am. Reservations are highly recommended, as tour size is limited to approximately 12 people; and reservations are only taken via phone on Mondays between 8am-5pm. Cost is $10 per adult 17+ and parking is $10, payable at the visitors center upon arrival for the tour. The tour itself takes approximately 2 hours, and is about 1.5 mile round trip. It may feel strenuous for some people walking back up to the parking area from the caverns. Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. I recommend bringing food and drinks to eat before or after the tour, as none is available. Also, leave your bags/belongings in the car. You will be asked to put these items at the entrance of the caverns, including water bottles.

Came out to ride the dunes…read more Stayed two nights and overall experience was the dunes are small. It was windy, but there's plenty of parking and you can't get lost. Get your parking permit as you enter the parking Sanddune area and don't forget to pick up your trash. Have fun.

Beautiful playground for those on dirt bikes, four wheelers, side-by-side's, and more. If you like…read moreto have fun with your toys this is a place to let loose and get wild in the sand. There's a flat rate to get into the area, you can park pretty much wherever you want except on the dunes, there are a few out houses scattered around the site but the area is very remote and desolate. If you're staying longer than a few hours make sure you have plenty of supplies and water. I went out with the 4 x 4 truck but it weighs so much I would sink into the sand so we drove around the perimeter watched other people have fun and climbed up a few Sandune's to take pictures. Even though we were only there for a few hours it was absolutely worth it to be able to drive on and around such large sand dunes For those that have off-road toys it's an absolute must visit place!!

This place was such a nice free surprise off the side of the freeway on the drive from CA. to…read moreVegas! I learned a lot of history, saw some intriguing and inspiring sculptures, and actually learned a lot of new things I had no idea about or wouldn't think would be here. The whole park is funded by volunteers and educates people on the China Communist Party and the devastation communism provides. There were even parts along the fence with Chinese signs and notes about people who had been prisoners or died from communism. It will really send a chill down your spine. Take a nice walk along the park, read some signs, learn something new, and take in the beautiful (and tragic) sculpture art. Thank you for this park, funding it, and your desire to educate others and really better our world one viewer at a time.

Found Liberty Sculpture Park randomly on a visit in the area. And honestly, five stars for no…read moreadmission fee and being incredibly unexpected. It's a drive-through Sculpture Garden created by political refugees/protesters from China. The artists have nothing good to say about Communism, that's for sure, and also acknowledge the Civil Rights and Indigenous Rights movements in the USA. Many "establishment" museums and galleries would never give a spot to any of these artists, in my opinion....which is kind of ironic when you think about how many artists were revolutionary in their time. And what about the First Amendment? (Oh, congratulations Afroman by the way! We have to fight for our rights to create art in this country.) Anyway, thought-provoking stop if you're in the area. Great value....you can't beat free.