Daggett California is a small desert community located east of Barstow in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County. Established in the late 19th century, Daggett developed as a railroad and mining support settlement during the expansion of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (ATSF), which built key rail infrastructure across the region to support freight movement and passenger service.
Railroad: BNSF Railway
Subdivision: Needles Subdivision (Southern Transcon)
Typical Traffic: Intermodal, manifest freight, automotive trains, and unit trains
Estimated Train Count: 80–100 trains per day
Passenger Service: Amtrak Southwest Chief (passes through, no local stop)
Railroad operations have remained central to Daggett’s identity, with tracks continuing to pass through the area as part of an active freight rail corridor. In addition to BNSF Railway activity, nearby routes operated by Union Pacific Railroad highlight the area’s long-standing role in connecting Southern California with the broader Southwest. Daggett’s desert setting and proximity to major rail and highway corridors reflect the enduring influence of railroad transportation on the community and surrounding region.