STOP 03Crossroads of the Desert
Barstow
Where railroads and Route 66 converge
Barstow sits at the junction of I-15 and I-40, making it the natural hub for Mojave Desert travelers. The Harvey House Railroad Depot (Casa del Desierto) is a beautifully restored landmark housing the free Route 66 Mother Road Museum.
Calico Ghost Town, just 10 miles north, is an 1880s silver mining town restored by Walter Knott of Knott's Berry Farm fame. Now a county park with mine tours, shops, and camping.
exploreThings to See & Do
Route 66 Mother Road Museum
CAN'T MISSFree museum in Casa del Desierto, chronicles Route 66's California history.
scheduleFri-Sun 10am-4pmconfirmation_numberFree
Calico Ghost Town
1880s silver mining town, mine tours, shops, camping.
scheduleDaily 9am-5pmconfirmation_number$8/$5
restaurantWhere to Eat
Idle Spurs Steakhouse
Steakhouse$$RT66 CLASSICHand-cut steaks since the 1950s.
scheduleDaily 11am-9pm
Tips for Visiting Barstow
The Route 66 Mother Road Museum is free and well worth an hour.
Calico Ghost Town is 10 min north — combine for a half-day stop.