Calico Early Man Site Reopens to Public

The Bureau of Land Management is reopening the Calico Early Man Site, an archaeological site about 15 miles northeast of Barstow, after completing remediation to eliminate public safety hazards.

Since 1942, scientists have been studying the artifacts and nature facts at this ancient site, which is believed to be a prehistoric quarry, campsite and tool production area dating back 135,000 to 200,000 years.

Thousands of primitive stone tools have been discovered in the alluvial fan, which drew the attention of world-famous archaeologist-paleontologist, Dr. Louis Leakey. Leakey, known for his Olduvai Gorge African discoveries, worked on the site for the National Geographic Society between 1963-1972. 

Although no human remains have been found, there have been fossils recovered from Wooly Mammoths, snow geese, fresh water clams and prehistoric camels and horses. 

The BLM invites the public to visit the site for self-guided tours. For more information, click here.