Where is Barstow, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

Where is Barstow, California Located in the United States? - Barstow is a city located in the San Bernardino County in California, United States. Barstow lies between 34.8958 Degrees North latitudes and -117.0173 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Barstow, San Bernardino, California

Where is Barstow Located in San Bernardino, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Barstow in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.

Barstow Map, California, USA

About Barstow Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Barstow, San Bernardino County, California

Barstow is located in San Bernardino County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States within the Mojave Desert region of Southern California. The city was incorporated in 1947 and was named after William Barstow Strong, president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, and it developed from a railroad junction into a transportation and logistics hub.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Barstow is 25,415 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 610 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Barstow covers a total area of approximately 41.4 square miles (about 107.2 square kilometers), including about 41.4 square miles (107.2 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.

Location and Surroundings

Barstow is situated northeast of Victorville and west of Needles, positioned within the Mojave Desert at the crossroads of several major highways. The city features desert landscapes, mountain views, and nearby open spaces characteristic of the High Desert region. Interstate 15, Interstate 40, and State Route 58 converge in the area, providing major transportation routes connecting Barstow to surrounding communities across California and the southwestern United States.

Top Attractions

Barstow offers museums, historic sites, and desert recreation areas that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, the Western America Railroad Museum, and nearby Rainbow Basin Natural Area with scenic desert formations. The city hosts community events, heritage festivals, and outdoor recreation programs throughout the year.

Transportation

Barstow is served by Interstate 15, Interstate 40, and State Route 58, offering convenient highway access throughout San Bernardino County and the Mojave Desert region. Public transportation includes regional bus services and Amtrak rail connections linking the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is Ontario International Airport, located approximately 75 miles to the southwest.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Barstow City Website.

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Barstow City Facts

CityBarstow
StateCalifornia
CountySan Bernardino County
CountryUnited States
RegionMojave Desert - High Desert
IncorporatedSeptember 27, 1947
Founded1885
Total AreaApproximately 41.4 sq mi (107.2 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 41.4 sq mi (107.2 km2)
ElevationApproximately 2,156 ft (657 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 26,000+
Population (2020 Census)25,415
Population DensityApproximately 610 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes92311, 92312
Area Code760, 442
Major HighwaysInterstate 15, Interstate 40, State Route 58
Public TransitVictor Valley Transit Authority Bus
Major AttractionsRoute 66 Mother Road Museum, Mojave River Valley Museum, Barstow Outlets
Official Websitehttps://www.barstowca.org/

Distance from Barstow City, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Victorville, CA – 33 miles (53 km)
  • Adelanto, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Hesperia, CA – 38 miles (61 km)
  • Apple Valley, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Needles, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
  • Baker, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Ridgecrest, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • San Bernardino, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Fontana, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Rancho Cucamonga, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Ontario, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Redlands, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Riverside, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Corona, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Palmdale, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Lancaster, CA – 100 miles (161 km)
  • Los Angeles, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
  • Bakersfield, CA – 130 miles (209 km)
  • Palm Springs, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
  • San Diego, CA – 160 miles (257 km)

Barstow, California Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg HighAvg LowAvg Precipitation
January61°F37°F0.6 in
April77°F49°F0.2 in
July106°F76°F0.4 in
October86°F57°F0.2 in
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate TypeHot Desert Climate (BWh)
Annual RainfallApproximately 4 inches
Annual SunshineMore than 290 sunny days
Average SnowfallTrace amounts only
Main Weather RisksExtreme Heat, Dust Storms and Drought

Driving Distances from Barstow, California

DestinationDistanceDistance (km)Drive Time
Lenwood4 mi6 km5 min
Daggett11 mi18 km15 min
Yermo13 mi21 km15 min
Newberry Springs22 mi35 km25 min
Victorville34 mi55 km35 min
Apple Valley37 mi60 km40 min
Hesperia42 mi68 km45 min
Baker62 mi100 km1 hr
Las Vegas, Nevada156 mi251 km2 hr 30 min
Los Angeles, California115 mi185 km2 hr

Transportation and Connectivity in Barstow, California

Nearest AirportBarstow-Daggett Airport
IATA CodeDAG
Major AirportOntario International Airport (ONT)
Major HighwaysInterstate 15, Interstate 40, California State Route 58
Rail ServiceAmtrak Southwest Chief and BNSF Railway
Public TransitBarstow Area Transit
  • Barstow is a major transportation hub in the Mojave Desert.
  • The city sits at the junction of Interstate 15 and Interstate 40, making it an important gateway between Southern California and the Southwest.
  • Logistics, transportation, military operations and tourism are major parts of the local economy.
  • Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow is one of the area's largest employers.
  • Barstow serves as a popular stop for travelers heading to Las Vegas, Los Angeles and national parks in the desert region.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Barstow, California

LandmarkType
Route 66 Mother Road MuseumHistory Museum
Western America Railroad MuseumRailroad Museum
Outlets at BarstowShopping Destination
Mojave River Valley MuseumMuseum
Rainbow Basin Natural AreaGeological Attraction
Calico Ghost TownHistoric Mining Town
Marine Corps Logistics Base MuseumMilitary Museum
Mojave National PreserveProtected Natural Area

Colleges and Universities Near Barstow, California

InstitutionTypeDistanceNotable For
Barstow Community CollegeCommunity College3 miTransfer and workforce programs
Victor Valley CollegeCommunity College35 miCareer and technical education
California State University, San BernardinoPublic University70 miResearch and professional programs
University of RedlandsPrivate University72 miBusiness and liberal arts
National University - San BernardinoPrivate University70 miAdult and professional education

Waterbodies in and Near Barstow, California

Mojave River, Barstow Marsh, Afton Canyon wetlands, Silverwood Lake, Lake Gregory, Hesperia Lake, Soda Lake, Manix Lake Basin, Harper Lake and Coyote Lake.

Golf Courses in and Near Barstow, California

Barstow Golf Course, Green Tree Golf Course, Spring Valley Lake Country Club, Apple Valley Country Club, Ashwood Golf Course, Hesperia Golf and Country Club, Desert Dunes Golf Club and Victorville Municipal Golf Course.

Barstow, California - Key Historical Facts

  • Barstow developed as an important railroad town in the late nineteenth century.
  • The city was named after William Barstow Strong, a president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.
  • Historic Route 66 passed through Barstow, making it a well-known stop for travelers across the American West.
  • The area played an important role during World War II due to military training and logistics operations.
  • Transportation and commerce have remained central to the city's economy for more than a century.
  • Today, Barstow continues to serve as a key crossroads in Southern California's desert region.

References

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