Newberry Spring
Newberry Spring flows at 77°F (25°C) near Barstow in the Mojave high desert at 1,847 feet elevation with roadside accessibility, though the modest thermal elevation (just 7 degrees above ambient) offers more geological interest than thermal utility.
The spring emerges virtually at roadside on the National Old Trails Highway (66 meters) in an arid, high-desert landscape of creosote scrub and scattered juniper. The surrounding terrain rolls gently in shades of tan and gray, with sparse vegetation typical of the inland Mojave Desert. Mineral deposits and geological evidence reveal the spring's geothermal origin despite its subtle warmth.
Newberry Spring sits within the Mojave Desert's complex geothermal province, where Basin and Range extension creates distributed heat flow across the landscape. The spring's relatively low temperature suggests circulation through shallow, cooler portions of the geothermal gradient compared to more dramatically hot features.
Roadside parking along the historic National Old Trails Highway provides straightforward access via a brief 66-meter walk. The nearby Sawtooth Canyon Campground (33 kilometers away) offers camping facilities. Spring and fall present ideal visiting temperatures in the Mojave; summer heat exceeds 100°F regularly. The spring's modest thermal enhancement offers modest warm water rather than hot soaking.
Is Newberry Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Sawtooth Canyon Campground, also know by its nickname “New Jack City,” is located approximately 3 miles west of California Highway 247 and 20 mile south of Barstow, California. In this “Limited” use area there are many different recreation activities: camping, wildlife viewing, hunting, rock climbing, and picnicking. The name "New Jack City" is the most widely used name and originates for the rock climbing community who use the area. However, the historic name for the canyon is “T...