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 miles, is a junction. Right goes to Owl Canyon Campground. Straight is the start of the One Way scenic drive through Rainbow Basin.

The scenic drive enters the grey hills and heads north before turning west in the heart of the basin. About 1.6 miles into the loop from the start of the One Way, there is a large pullout on the right. The parking area is the best spot to start wandering the basin from and has several social trails leaving it.

Hiking
We headed north in the main wash and found the third side of this main wash on the left to be our favorite (shown on the map). The bottom end of this canyon has steep dirt walls. Just when it appears the canyon is going to end at a very steep dirt slope, a natural tunnel presents itself and provides a 2-stage passage through the dirt hills. Not far beyond the end of the tunnel, an impassable dryfall is reached.

Back in the main wash, following it up to its end is another impassable dryfall where the layers change and we thought it was a lovely colorful section to visit.

Scenic Drive
From the trailhead, the scenic drive continues through the basin, before exiting through a tight cut and wash. The road heads south and reaches a major junction. Go left here to circle back to the road you drove in on.