California Historic Route 66 Needles to Barstow National Scenic Byway

Story of the Byway

Historic Route 66 is significant as the nation’s first all-weather highway linking Chicago to Los Angeles. Known at the time of its establishment in November 1926 as U.S. Highway 66, the route was part of the first nationally designated highway system. Route 66 exemplifies the transition of a transportation corridor from Native American footpaths to the Interstate highway. According to the National Park Service, Route 66 “represents an outstanding example of the transition from dirt track to superhighway. Not only does Route 66 underscore the importance of the automobile as a technological achievement, but, perhaps equally important to the American psyche, it symbolized unprecedented freedom and mobility for every citizen who could afford to own and operate a car.” Route 66 has been popularized in story, song, film, and urban myth and continues to attract visitors despite being decommissioned over 35 years ago. Smithsonian Magazine named U.S. Route 66 to its list of “15 Must-See Endangered Cultural Treasures.”

Westbound travelers enter California Route 66 from Arizona 66, crossing the Colorado River with a view of the Trails Arch Bridge and the vast desert. Driving on Interstate 40 for a short distance, visitors exit at Five Mile Road, the site of a Route 66 interpretive kiosk constructed by the Bureau of Land Management.

The gateway town to California Route 66 is Needles, well equipped to address traveler needs. Among the many historical sites is the restored El Garces Harvey House, the “Queen Jewel” of the Fred Harvey chain. Brightly painted murals, old gas stations, motels, and a regional history museum greet the traveler.

Route 66 then heads north on National Trails Highway to Camp Ibis, with vestiges of the Desert Training Center, established in 1942 to prepare U.S. troops to enter World War II in the deserts of North Africa. More than one million troops were trained in the harshest desert conditions. Route 66 through the area was an important corridor for the transport of troops and supplies. Nearby is the town of Goffs with its beautifully restored 1914 schoolhouse and outdoor museum.

Leaving Goffs, the next 150+ miles of Route 66 are virtually undeveloped deserts, very popular with motorcyclists experiencing the wide-open roadway and the scenic desert area. There are unique engineering and roadside features adapted to the difficult Mojave Desert conditions, including nearly 150 timber trestle bridges across desert washes and berms to divert the water. This section maintains much of its original integrity as Interstate 40 bypassed this area rather than building along the original Route 66 right-of-way. (Note: check road conditions as there are closures due to bridge washouts.)

Midway along the route is the town of Amboy, with much to see, including the iconic “Roy’s” café neon sign, gas station, small motel cottages, and a desert church. Across the highway is Amboy Crater, a National Natural Landmark. Route 66 continues as the National Trails Highway to the popular Ludlow Café. Newberry Springs is the next town, populated because of abundant water. It is home to the famous Bagdad Café, popularized in the movie of the same name with a cult-like following among international visitors. The Barn Dive Bar is also a step back in time. Newberry Nic, the Barn sign man holding the pool cue might remind you of Vegas Vic.

The town of Daggett once prospered because of its proximity to the Calico Mines. Several buildings which predate Route 66’s period of significance remain.

The western gateway town for the byway is Barstow. Named after the president of the Santa Fe Railroad, William Strong Barstow, the town has always been an important transportation hub Railroad, William Strong Barstow, the town has always been an important transportation hub dating back to Native American trade routes and the Santa Fe Trail. Barstow highlights its history through a series of murals along Main Street/Route 66. The restored Fred Harvey Casa del Desierto houses the popular Route 66 Mother Road Museum and the Western American Railroad Museum. The Mojave River Valley Museum is nearby. Several historic hotels remain.