From Main Street in Barstow California, go north on 1st Ave. The road crosses above railroad tracks, then bends east before quickly turning north. Just after it turns north, go left on Irwin Road. Follow Irwin Road for 6.0 miles as it heads north out of Barstow. At 6.0 miles, turn left off the paved Irwin Road onto the signed, graded dirt road to Owl Canyon Campground.

2.9 miles down the dirt road, turn right toward Owl Canyon Campground. At 3.2, turn right again and follow the road to the campground. The Owl Canyon Campground is about 4.6 miles from Irwin Road. Continue straight through the campground to the north end and a parking area at the trail start.

From the trailhead, the well-worn trail heads north up Owl Canyon. Side trails exist, but it is easiest to just stay in the canyon bottom. The initial section is wide open as it heads through brown and grey terrain. As you head up, keep an eye out on the left for a small cave. It does not go anywhere but is fun to climb into and check out.

Continuing up the canyon, keep an eye out on the right side for a cave coming in on a bend where the canyon turns east, around a bend, then west. The cave is hard to miss if you keep an eye out. Unlike the first cave, this cave goes completely through a mud and rock tunnel and out to an open wash behind. It is an incredibly unique feature! Though short, it is dark enough a headlamp or flashlight is required to make it through safely.

Back in the main Owl Canyon, keep heading north up the canyon bottom. A couple of bends above the cave, the wash cuts through a grey rock layer and narrows. A few minutes more, and the grey rock gives way to tan rock at the base of the two dryfalls. The first dryfall seems most easily passed by climbing up the left, then traversing over. Easy, but a little exposed for kids and dogs. Immediately around the bend from the first dryfall is the second. This second requires chimneying up between the canyon wall and a chockstone. At about 7-9 feet (2-3 m) it is reasonable to lift kids and dogs if you have a person on top to help them.
Beyond the dryfalls, the canyon opens into a wider brown canyon. This seems to be the turnaround spot for many groups, as the number of footprints above greatly diminished. If you continue, the brown canyon passes through a red layer before a final very colorful section of bluish greys and whites. I highly recommend this upper section; the colors are unique. In this upper section a side road comes in on the left, and the canyon opens and reaches a well-worn dirt road. Return the same way.