Afton Canyon
Afton Canyon, which is between Barstow and Baker off I-40, is called the “Grand Canyon of the Mojave.” This one of the few places where the Mojave River flows above ground. Here one can do a spot of birding among the willows and reeds which line the “River” (stream) or do some great railspotting, since the main line of the Union Pacific between Los Angeles and Chicago runs through the canyon. There are three railroad bridges here which date from 1938 when the previous bridges were washed away during a heavy storm.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/barstow/afton.html
http://desertusa.com/mag99/jan/stories/afton.html
Trails and Treasures Home Page Journey to the American Southwest 2003