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Barstow Mural Trail

4
·14 reviews·Barstow, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best for viewing art & safety

CrowdLow
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Mural

Barstow Mural Trail

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best for viewing art & safety

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4
(14 reviews)

"Impressive walls of murals that tell the story of Barstow and this portion of Route 66."

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TIP

🚗 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Greetings from Barstow Mural

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

Southern Route of the Mormon Trail Mural

Main Street

A large, impressive mural depicting a significant historical journey.

Route 66 Themed Murals

Route 66 Themed Murals

Historic Route 66

A collection of murals celebrating the iconic 'Mother Road' and Barstow's connection to it.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Trail

The Barstow Mural Trail spans parts of Main Street and historic Route 66. Some murals are spread out, so be prepared for a bit of driving between them. Parking can be tricky, especially on busier days. Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best viewing and safety.

Embrace the Art & History

These vibrant murals tell the story of Barstow's rich past, from its Route 66 heritage to the Mormon Trail. While some find the surrounding area a bit rough, the art itself is a beautiful way to connect with the town's cultural heritage and history.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best for viewing art & safety
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low

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. Reddit

📸 Photo Ready

Bring your camera! These murals are perfect for unique travel photos. Some may be partially obscured. Reddit

🧐 Look for History

Each mural tells a story of Barstow's past. Take a moment to appreciate the historical context. Reddit

⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings

While the art is beautiful, some visitors note the area can feel a bit sketchy. Stay aware. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 Photo Ready

Bring your camera! These murals are perfect for unique travel photos. Some may be partially obscured. Reddit

🧐 Look for History

Each mural tells a story of Barstow's past. Take a moment to appreciate the historical context. Reddit

⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings

While the art is beautiful, some visitors note the area can feel a bit sketchy. Stay aware. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(14 reviews)

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

Beautiful murals
Historical storytelling
Great photo ops

What People Dislike

Sketchy surroundings
Parking difficulties
Some murals obscured

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Public transport options in Barstow are limited. It's best to visit with a personal vehicle or consider ride-sharing services if available. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

The murals are outdoors and can be viewed at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best visibility and safety. Reddit

Occasionally, some murals might be temporarily inaccessible due to construction or other reasons. Visitors have noted that some can be behind fences. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Drone regulations vary by location. It's essential to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in Barstow. Reddit

The murals are not typically illuminated at night, so photography is best done during daylight hours. Reddit

🎫 📍 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Barstow Mural Trail can be a fun and educational outing for families. The colorful murals capture attention and can spark conversations about history and art. Driving between murals makes it manageable for younger children who might not enjoy long walks. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities can be sparse. While the art is engaging, parents should remain aware of their surroundings and keep a close eye on children, especially in areas that might feel less secure. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For those traveling along Route 66 or passing through Barstow, the Mural Trail offers a worthwhile quick stop. It’s an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs, grab some unique photos, and learn a bit about the town's history without requiring a significant time commitment. Plan your route to hit the most prominent murals efficiently. Be prepared for the parking challenges and the need to be observant of your environment. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Barstow's History

The Barstow Mural Trail is more than just street art; it's a vibrant narrative of the city's past. These large-scale paintings are strategically placed to illustrate key moments and aspects of Barstow's heritage. From its crucial role on Historic Route 66, the 'Mother Road,' to its significance as a stop on the Southern Route of the Mormon Trail, the murals serve as an open-air museum. The initiative aims to foster community pride, unity, and revitalize the downtown area by celebrating its rich cultural tapestry. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating the Trail: Practicalities

Exploring the Barstow Mural Trail requires a bit of planning due to the spread of the artworks. While some murals are clustered, others are located further down Main Street and along Route 66. Driving between mural locations is often the most practical approach. Visitors should be prepared for potentially challenging parking situations, especially during peak times. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for optimal viewing conditions and to enhance personal safety, as some travelers have noted concerns about the surrounding area's atmosphere. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider that some murals might be partially obscured or behind fences, as noted by previous visitors. Reddit 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. Reddit