Explore Historic Route 66: Iconic Stops from Needles to Barstow
Known as Route 66, the Will Rogers Highway, Main Street of America, or simply the Mother Road, this legendary 1926 highway stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Immortalized in pop culture and Dust Bowl lore, it remains one of America's most iconic roads.
California claims over 300 miles of Route 66, including a captivating desert stretch from Needles near the Arizona border to Barstow. While many opt for the faster interstate, this route offers unparalleled natural beauty, rich history, and quirky attractions worth every detour.
Old Trails Bridge | Colorado River
Just over the Arizona border, the Old Trails Bridge arches 600 feet over the Colorado River. Once part of Route 66, its deck was removed in 1948 to accommodate a natural gas pipeline.
Topock Maze | Needles
Near the Arizona border, take the Moabi exit right onto Route 66. A left at the white bridge leads to the Topock Maze, a 15-acre geoglyph of parallel lines etched into the desert over 600 years ago by the Mohave Tribe. Modern Mohave believe it served as a portal to the afterlife.
El Garces | Needles
At 950 Front Street in Needles, El Garces is a historic Fred Harvey rail stop. Restoration continues on this grand restaurant and hotel site.
Goffs Schoolhouse | Goffs
From US 95, turn left on Goffs Road to the Goffs Cultural Center & Mojave Desert Archives. Highlights include the preserved 1914 one-room schoolhouse and archives chronicling this former railroad town's history.
Mitchell Caverns | Essex
Northwest of Essex in Providence Mountains State Park, the recently reopened Mitchell Caverns offer guided tours (reservations required). See more here.
Roy’s Café | Amboy
Amboy, once a mining and rail hub, features the 1938 Roy’s Café, motel, and iconic gas station sign. Now owned by Albert Okura (of Juan Pollo fame), restoration plans are in progress.
Amboy Crater | Amboy
A National Natural Landmark since 1973, Amboy Crater is a symmetrical 250-foot volcanic cinder cone in Mojave National Preserve. Enjoy panoramic views of a 26-mile lava flow, Bristol Dry Lake, and Marble Mountains. Discover more geological wonders here.
Bagdad
Once a bustling railroad town with its own Harvey House, Bagdad now holds only a small cemetery and ruins.
Ludlow
Not a full ghost town, Ludlow has evolved. The original motor court, café, and gas station are gone, but a 1970s revival offers gas stations, a motel, Ludlow Café, and Dairy Queen for modern travelers.
Bagdad Café | Newberry Springs
Nestled at the mountains' base south of Route 66, the Bagdad Café (formerly Sidewinder Café) gained cult fame from the film Bagdad Café. French tourists flock here, drawn by owner Andrea Pruett's charismatic presence.
Daggett
Originally a milling hub for Calico silver mines, Daggett shifted with mining's decline. Today, it hosts solar projects, an airport, light industry, and the landmark Stone Hotel.
Barstow
- The Harvey House, Barstow: This 1910 National Register landmark blends Spanish Renaissance and Classical Revival styles. It served as Fred Harvey's elegant rail depot, restaurant, and hotel.
- Route 66 Mother Road Museum: Explore historic photos, artifacts, and exhibits tracing Route 66 from pioneer trails to the automobile era.
- Barstow Murals: Discover 15 historic murals along Main Street with a self-guided tour of local history.
Find more on Barstow here.
