Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Rainbow Basin showcases layers of red, orange, yellow, and green sedimentary rock formations dating back 16 million years when this was a lakebed teeming with ancient life. The main loop drive winds through badlands carved by erosion, revealing fossil beds where saber-toothed cats, three-toed horses, and camels once roamed. Several pull-offs offer close looks at the striped rock layers and petrified wood scattered throughout the wash bottoms.
Access via Fossil Bed Road from Barstow requires high-clearance vehicles for the washboard dirt approach. The 4-mile loop road is rough dirt with some sandy washes but manageable for most 4WD rigs. Best visited in cooler months as shade is nonexistent and summer temperatures exceed 110°F regularly.
Painted badlands with ancient fossil beds
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | Rainbow-Basin, California Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Barstow, CA |
| Miles from pavement | 8 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Rough dirt |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Best season | October-April |
| Land manager | BLM |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |