
Barstow Mural Trail
Vibrant murals celebrating Barstow's Route 66 heritage and history, offering a colorful glimpse into the town's past.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for viewing art & safety

Barstow Mural Trail
Best Time
Best for viewing art & safety

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant murals celebrating Barstow's Route 66 heritage and history, offering a colorful glimpse into the town's past.
"Impressive walls of murals that tell the story of Barstow and this portion of Route 66."

🚗 Drive & Discover
Murals are spread out; driving between them is recommended. Park safely and explore on foot where possible.
📸 Photo Ready
Bring your camera! These murals are perfect for unique travel photos. Some may be partially obscured.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Greetings from Barstow Mural
Main Street
A classic 'Greetings From' style mural, a must-stop for a fun photo op.

Southern Route of the Mormon Trail Mural
Main Street
A large, impressive mural depicting a significant historical journey.

Route 66 Themed Murals
Historic Route 66
A collection of murals celebrating the iconic 'Mother Road' and Barstow's connection to it.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Trail
Embrace the Art & History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive & Discover
Murals are spread out; driving between them is recommended. Park safely and explore on foot where possible.
📸 Photo Ready
Bring your camera! These murals are perfect for unique travel photos. Some may be partially obscured.
🧐 Look for History
Each mural tells a story of Barstow's past. Take a moment to appreciate the historical context.
⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings
While the art is beautiful, some visitors note the area can feel a bit sketchy. Stay aware.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive & Discover
Murals are spread out; driving between them is recommended. Park safely and explore on foot where possible.
📸 Photo Ready
Bring your camera! These murals are perfect for unique travel photos. Some may be partially obscured.
🧐 Look for History
Each mural tells a story of Barstow's past. Take a moment to appreciate the historical context.
⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings
While the art is beautiful, some visitors note the area can feel a bit sketchy. Stay aware.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Barstow Mural Trail to be a beautiful display of local history and art, particularly the 'Greetings From Barstow' and Mormon Trail murals. However, some note that the surrounding area can feel a bit sketchy, and parking can be difficult. Despite these concerns, many agree it's a worthwhile stop for a quick photo opportunity and a glimpse into Barstow's past.
"The area is a bit sketchy but the murals are beautiful. Some of the murals were closed off behind a fence that you can’t reach, the main ones are a bit spread out across the street, parking was a bit difficult but not impossible. The town gives an old town kind of vibe but you didn’t feel the safest as a female traveler. However cute paintings for a quick photo"
Odeta
"Few murals in the area. There's this Greetings From Barstow mural that I do wish was a little less cluttered so you could clearly see it's a "Greetings from Barstow" sign. But it is nice either way. Across the street there is another beautiful Barstow mural and a huge mural of the Southern Route of the Mormon Trail. If you travel further down Main street you'll see a plethora of great murals. I took pictures as I drove by. Worth checking out."
Roberta Peek
"Barstow’s Main Street murals are intended to illustrate Barstow’s past and enhance its future. The murals line historic Route 66, the Mother Road. They depict aspects of the history of Barstow and the surrounding area. New murals were added annually.
Working to build pride and unity within our community and revitalize Historic Downtown Barstow through the preservation and celebration of our rich cultural heritage through education programs, walking tours, public art and festivals."
Craig Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Barstow Mural Trail is primarily located along Main Street and historic Route 66 in Barstow, California. Many murals are visible from the road, but exploring on foot will allow you to see them up close.
Parking can be challenging, especially near popular murals. Look for street parking or designated lots. Be patient, as it's often possible to find a spot.
While you can walk to many murals, they are spread out across several blocks. Driving between sections of Main Street and Route 66 is the most efficient way to see them all.
Public transport options in Barstow are limited. It's best to visit with a personal vehicle or consider ride-sharing services if available.
While not widely advertised, the town aims to promote its heritage through walking tours and festivals. Check local Barstow tourism resources for any current offerings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Barstow Mural Trail is a free public art installation. You can view and photograph the murals at your leisure without any admission fees.
The murals are outdoors and can be viewed at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best visibility and safety.
Occasionally, some murals might be temporarily inaccessible due to construction or other reasons. Visitors have noted that some can be behind fences.
An official, comprehensive map isn't always readily available. However, many murals are clustered along Main Street and Route 66, making them discoverable as you drive or walk.
The town works to add new murals annually and build community pride. Information on supporting or participating in future projects might be available through local Barstow community initiatives.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'Greetings From Barstow' mural and the large Mormon Trail mural are popular photo spots. Many other Route 66-themed murals also offer great photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, reducing harsh shadows and glare on the murals. However, any time during daylight is generally good.
This mural can sometimes be a bit cluttered, making it hard to get a clear shot of the text. Try different angles and distances to capture the best composition.
Drone regulations vary by location. It's essential to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in Barstow.
The murals are not typically illuminated at night, so photography is best done during daylight hours.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The area has an 'old town' feel, but some visitors, particularly solo female travelers, have noted feeling unsafe at times. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings.
Depending on how much you stop and explore, seeing the main murals can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, especially if you're driving between them.
Restroom facilities might be limited directly along the mural route. It's advisable to use facilities before you start your mural tour, perhaps at a nearby gas station or restaurant.
The murals themselves depict Barstow's history, including its connection to Route 66 and the Mormon Trail. They serve as visual storytelling for the community's heritage.
It's generally safe to stop for photos, but as with any urban exploration, be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're alone or have valuables visible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider turning the mural hunt into a game, like spotting specific animals or historical figures depicted in the art. It’s a great way to break up a longer road trip and introduce kids to the concept of public art and local heritage in a visually stimulating way.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
It's not typically a destination in itself, but rather a charming addition to a larger journey. The murals provide a colorful and historical interlude, making your road trip more memorable. Just remember to check the time and ensure you have enough daylight to comfortably explore.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Barstow's History
New murals have been added annually, ensuring the trail evolves and continues to tell Barstow's story. This public art project is a testament to the community's effort to preserve and showcase its unique history for both residents and visitors. It's a visual journey that connects the present to the past, making history accessible and engaging for everyone who explores the trail.
Navigating the Trail: Practicalities
When planning your visit, consider that some murals might be partially obscured or behind fences, as noted by previous visitors. This means you might not always get the perfect, unobstructed shot. However, the overall experience is still rewarding for those interested in public art and local history. The trail offers a unique way to engage with Barstow's identity, even if the immediate surroundings require a degree of awareness.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit