Things To Do
in Fort Irwin
Fort Irwin National Training Center sits in the Mojave Desert of Southern California, serving as a major U.S. Army training installation. The vast, arid landscape features expansive ranges, rugged backcountry, and military infrastructure that supports large-scale exercises. Public access is limited, so visitors typically travel to nearby Barstow or Mojave-area venues for sightseeing and outdoor recreation.
The surrounding desert offers dramatic light, wide horizons, and stark, photogenic beauty typical of the California desert region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Fort Irwin and check into your accommodations. Attend the welcome briefing where you will learn about the base's history, mission, and the unique desert environment. Take some time to settle in and familiarize yourself with the facilities.
Join a guided tour of the base to see key areas and have a chance to interact with military personnel. Learn about the operations and training exercises that take place within the National Training Center. Capture photos of unique desert landscapes as you explore.
Conclude your first day with a group dinner at the dining facility. Share your experiences with fellow travelers and make plans for the days ahead. Enjoy a relaxing evening by gazing at the stars in the clear desert sky.
Start the day with an early morning hike in the surrounding desert hills. Enjoy the stunning views and the unique flora and fauna of the area as the sun rises. Keep your camera ready for the wildlife that may greet you along the trail.
Take part in a hands-on survival skills workshop led by experienced instructors. Learn about navigation, making shelter, and foraging for local edibles. Engage with other participants and build camaraderie while honing your outdoor skills.
Spend the evening around a campfire, sharing stories and experiences from your day. Participate in a stargazing session with experts explaining constellations and celestial phenomena. End the night with some warm refreshments under the twinkling sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏨Lodging per night (mid-range) | $60-150 |
| 🚗Gas per gallon | $4-5 |
| 🛒Groceries per week | $60-120 |
| 💡Utilities per month | $100-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Extensive desert landscapes with photogenic light
- Close proximity to Barstow and Mojave-area attractions
- Various outdoor activities and scenic drives within a short distance
- Public access to Fort Irwin is limited; plan around base rules
- Very remote location with limited nightlife and services
- Extreme heat in summer and long travel times between amenities
Places to Visit in Fort Irwin
Visit one of these nice places.
A preserved mining town with weathered buildings, narrow streets, and colorful history—great for atmospheric desert photography.
Public art and murals along Barstow’s Route 66 corridor provide vibrant, nostalgic backdrops.
Towering dunes with sweeping desert light and dramatic shadows, ideal for wide-angle sandscape shots.
A volcanic crater with lunar-like terrain, offering stark volcanic rock textures and expansive skies.
Open desert viewpoints that showcase expansive night skies and distant town lights.
Food in Fort Irwin
Fort Irwin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked beef or goat served with consommé for dipping; widely available in Barstow’s Mexican eateries.
Must-Try!
Fries topped with grilled steak, cheese, pico de gallo, and crema; a popular casual option in many Barstow taquerias.
Smoked or grilled ribs with a robust rub, common in American-style barbecue joints along the Route 66 corridor.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering fresh produce, regional goods, and street-style bites from local vendors.
Casual roadside options and snack stalls that reflect classic desert road-trip cuisine.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Do not trespass on restricted Fort Irwin areas. Follow posted signs and guidelines; photography of sensitive facilities is prohibited in many zones.
Pack out trash, avoid loud disturbances at night, and respect quiet hours in residential and wildlife areas.
Barstow and surrounding communities are diverse; friendly, patient communication in English or Spanish is common.
Safety
Tipping in Fort Irwin
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., a 15-20% tip is customary for restaurant service. For counter service or takeout, tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service.
Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants and shops. ATMs are available in Barstow; on-base purchases may require military IDs and approved payment methods.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot days (often 100–120°F / 38–49°C) with dry conditions. Plan early-morning activities, stay hydrated, and seek shade. Monsoon potential in late summer can bring sudden storms and flash floods in wash areas.
Mild to cool days and chilly nights. Expect cool mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures, with possible frost in the mornings. Night photography can be excellent due to clear skies.
Pleasant daytime temperatures with blooming desert flora. Ideal for hikes and outdoor photography, though afternoons can still be warm.
Crisp evenings and mild daytime temperatures. A comfortable window for road trips, hikes, and stargazing.
Fort Irwin at Night
Hiking in Fort Irwin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Impressive dune field in Mojave National Preserve offering broad desert vistas and sunset/sunrise photography.
A volcanic crater with a relatively short hike and lunar-like landscape.
Several routes offer pull-offs and overlooks for photography and short walks.
Airports
How to reach Fort Irwin by plane.
Small regional airport near Daggett; limited commercial service, best for general aviation and private flights.
Major commercial airport about 70–90 minutes from Barstow; frequent domestic flights and car rental options.
Large international airport about a 2.5–3 hour drive; served by numerous carriers and extensive amenities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population in the Fort Irwin corridor is associated with the Army installation, including service members, civilian employees, and dependents.
A mix of local families, retirees, and road-trippers drawn to Route 66 and desert recreation.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Desert trails and sanctioned off-road events are popular in the broader Mojave region.
Common in community and school settings around Barstow and nearby towns.
Popular due to the rugged terrain and striking desert landscapes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fort Irwin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose bean- and cheese-based dishes, veggie burritos, salads, and veggie burgers. Many Mexican and American restaurants offer vegetarian options; ask for modifications when ordering sauces or toppings.