Odessa Canyon (16.75 miles away)
Barstow, California
Fossil Bed Road
Scout Route
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Just north of Barstow is the entrance to Fossil Bed Road, HL7159. Starting in the east as a two-lane graded road, after four miles, it narrows to a sandy desert track, cutting west through the desert bush over its remaining 16 miles. Near its western end, the trail traces the southern border of the Black Mountain Wilderness, connecting with Rosewood Road to create a contiguous 39-mile adventure through the Mojave Desert ending at Highway 395.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Barstow Field Office oversees this region of mixed public and private lands and dispersed camping can be enjoyed only when on BLM land. Owl Canyon Campground near the eastern trailhead makes a perfect base camp to explore the many other trails in the area. Next to the campground is the Rainbow Basin Natural National Landmark, a great trail to explore.
During high fire danger, campfires may be restricted, and if planning to camp, one should review the current BLM Campfire Restrictions and have a Campfire Permit.
Fossil Bed Road is an easy, flat, sandy, sometimes rocky trail that requires a high clearance two-wheel drive vehicle.
