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.

PROS: I love the park. Looks like it was built by boyscouts a long time ago. The Mojave river…read moreruns right past it along with dual traintracks and an excellent view of Quarzsite mountain. I've seen all sorts of wildlife here, from ducks, big fish, little fish, crawfish, beavers, hawks, pelicans, huge amounts of crows, Big Owls, and theres squirrels that live at the flagpole. The rocks in the park are known to hide secret treasures from tweakers, i found all sorts of snap on bits, an expensive folding knife and a book on Spiritual Warfare. I love to take my rc trucks as a trail companion, not much action for crawlers. Sometimes I hike the powerline road that leads to the park and washes from Brentwood area. 4x4's are known to drive up the River. There's two large patches of grass and the water company constantly tests the waters so there's daily early visits from specialists. They say it's reservations only but the area has a small amount of parking for many cars. I've never seen law enforcement there. We like to go here primarly cuz not many people are there and it makes my family feel safer. The city mops the place up of grafitti. CONS: This park is now a serious hotspot for human traffickers, people breaking into trains that live in the granite rock quarry directly above the park. Unseen in the park, are shantys, rv's, the rock quarry now a giant trash pit. I was looking for the devil faces in the rocks and found a ghost town of creepy vibes. Go figure. Feb 28th I was almost sacraficed in a vampire coven in apple valley. I walked out of a trap that day only to find that camp on the other side of the mojave river. I barely made it to rockview that day and got picked up. I've gone to this park many many times. I doubt i'll go here anymore without a ccw. I will fear no evil type ahhhh either way. All the wildlife is vanishing, everything is fair game for food thanks to the village of people living near the river. Literally everything has vanished. starting with ducks, then fish, then beavers, then squirrels!!!! It wouldn't surprise me if they are eating crow. Life must be tough. BEWARE: of black magic human traffickers here. What am I talking about? Traps. People that are too friendly, a girl flirting too much, or a guy wanting to see you again to go to other spots or they ask to take pictures of your children. Be careful people, there's an evil cult that has taken over everywhere in the HD, I'm talking full on the worst things you could think of as a business. Extortion, framing, giving stds and claiming u graped, every type of human trafficking problem, selling body parts up to adrenochrome. These people use GHB laced foods/drinks, and other evil drugs to seduce you into whats known as a honey trap. I love you all, discern peoples motives, do they seem dark or like they've done this before. These families are full of smiles, but you can see the anticipation of fear in thier actions. They study your reactions, and mirror you. If you use drugs, they'll lace yours. These are interesting times we live in, God Bless you all, Godspeed. (I'm a good looking guy that open carrys a chrome plated pair of large scissors. I was almost shot in Brentwood park point black by a 357 while holding my 4 year old son. I took my kids to rockview to reconnect them to nature. I'm deeply concerned with the HD falling into evil hands. My favorite things to do in this city now are going to court and watching people in tough situations and praying for them, and praying in an open area of the desert with a 360 view while i watch the sunset.)

I wanted to go on a little hike here with my family, but not only did it not say anywhere that it…read morewas reservation only (something I only found out through another yelp review) but also the place it was telling us to enter was closed and had a sign saying no parking. On google it says it was open 24hrs today. And when we tried to call, we got a pre-recorded message from October and the website would just not load. Honestly just update your stuff because this was pretty disappointing. Mojave Narrows it is

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great experience! We came for an "Intro to Mounted Archery" clinic that StarGazer Horse Archers…read morehosted at Happi Ranch in Barstow. We were warmly greeted along with a couple other first time visitors. The local club members shared tips and friendly stories. Club leader Shelby allowed us to rent one of her horses and took care of everything including getting us familiar with the horse as well as offering horse mounted archery tips. All in all a fabulous experience! Can't wait to come back for their monthly practices!

UNSAFE!!!! 6/2/2026 and found a needle next to the train. Broken glass all over the rocks. Will…read morenever stop here again.

We stopped by here during a road trip. It's a nice small park with a tank, train, flying eagle…read morestatue and some other stuff. It was perfect to stop by for 10~20 minutes and stretch our legs. Not too far from the freeway :)