Sweetwater Spring, Calico, CA 92398

## Overview Sweetwater Spring is a natural desert spring located approximately 1.7 miles north of the historic Calico Ghost Town in Southern California's Mojave Desert, near the community of Yermo in San Bernardino County. Situated in the rugged Calico Mountains — a region famous for its silver mining boom of the 1880s — this spring has likely served as a vital water source for travelers, miners, and desert wildlife for generations. In an arid landscape where water is scarce and precious, Sweetwater Spring is a remarkable find. The spring produces a slow but steady flow of water. Visitors have reported that the water tastes clean and sweet, which likely accounts for its name. As with any natural, untreated water source, conditions can vary over time. ## Directions 1. Head to **Calico Ghost Town**, located off Interstate 15 near Yermo, California (exit Ghost Town Road). 2. From Calico Ghost Town, travel approximately **1.7 miles north** into the Calico Mountains. 3. The spring is located at GPS coordinates **34.971781, -116.850415**. A GPS device or offline map app is highly recommended, as the terrain is remote desert with limited signage. *Note: Access may require a high-clearance vehicle or a hike over rough desert terrain. Road and trail conditions can change with weather and seasonal flash flooding.* ## What to Expect Sweetwater Spring sits in the stark, beautiful landscape of the Calico Mountains — a region of colorful, mineral-rich rock formations that give the ghost town its name. The surrounding terrain is classic Mojave Desert: dry washes, creosote scrub, and exposed geological layers that tell millions of years of Earth's history. The spring's flow is slow, so visitors looking to collect water should bring patience and a container that can catch a thin stream. The area is remote and exposed, with little to no shade. Temperatures in the Mojave Desert can be extreme — summers regularly exceed 100°F (38°C), while winter nights can drop below freezing. Plan your visit accordingly, and bring plenty of your own water supply for the trip. The Calico Ghost Town area is a popular tourist destination, so combining a visit to the spring with a tour of the historic mining town makes for a rewarding day trip. Keep an eye out for desert wildlife, including jackrabbits, lizards, and the occasional desert tortoise.