Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Barstow, CA
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.8(182 Google reviews)
About 8 miles north of Barstow off Irwin Road, this BLM area dazzles with candy-striped, multicolored rock formations that feel like another planet. The scenic loop drive is unpaved and best for higher-clearance vehicles, so check road conditions and carry your own water — there's none on site.
Fossil Bed Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Free (camping $6/night)
Map
What visitors say
- Costa Mesa Dave★★★★★
This is such a great part of the desert that everyone should visit especially when you’re on your way to Las Vegas Vegas. The best time to visit this place is at Sunset because that’s when all the colors really pop but even if the time noon everyone should drive through this place. You don’t need four-wheel-drive, technically a Honda Accord will make it, but I would recommend at least bring a pick up truck or an SUV some type of crossover.
4 months ago
- Daniel Rossley★★★★★
This place is amazing! I woke up early and took a trip out here early after sunrise. This place is a really beautiful stop off and absolutely worth the drive! It’s not an all day affair and is pretty much just a short driving loop, but well worth visiting if you are in the area!
6 months ago
- Andrea Christine★★★★★
I made the drive in my Honda Civic. This place is much better in person. The pictures online fail to show all the colors. I didn't find any fossils, but still had fun looking.
3 months ago
- Tomas Gzekov★★★★★
In my opinion, the loop scenery road requires off road oriented vehicles. I went in my 4x4 right after it rained a lot and there were deep slots the water carved into the road. (Lots of bumps.) Maybe in better weather and aired down tires, you could possibly do it in a normal SUV/car, but I still wouldn't recommend it. Then again, I have no idea what the conditions are when it's dry and more flat. It would probably be more forgiving, maybe not. Aside from the road conditions, the area is very beautiful if you're into nature, minerals, and rock formations. Some of the weirdest colors I've seen in rocks and sediment. You need to appreciate it!
a year ago
- Matt B★★★★★
One of the best drives in the state of California. The rock formations are incredible, and change every few hundred feet. The hills are literally painted with different shades of red, yellow, orange, and green. Simply beautiful.
a year ago
Reviews from Google · See more on Google Maps
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