Leaving the high desert of Arizona behind, you will notice little difference in the California landscape. Fasten your seatbelts, for this next stretch of Route 66, from Needles to Barstow, is an unending vista of rocks, scrub, desert hills and mountain ranges. After cruising through this barren climate for a few hours its easy to see why the United States Army trained here during the second World War in preparation for tank battles in the deserts of Northern Africa.
Barstow is the first true sign of urban California, with its red tile roofed housing developments and obligatory "strip" lined with fast food establishments and motels. From Barstow, Route 66 swings south towards Victorville, home of the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum. The road then passes through the San Bernadino Mountains, and down into the valley floor of urban Los Angeles. From there, Route 66 shoots west through the Valley's streets, to the north of Downtown LA and along Santa Monica Blvd. into Hollywood, Beverly Hills, West LA and finally, Santa Monica.
Once in Santa Monica the beach is not far, you can spot it from the car just past the 405 Freeway on old Route 66. Park the car at the Santa Monica Pier and walk out over the Pacific to end the journey. You can look out westward towards Asia and inland towards the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and LA high-rises. It's been a great trip, so linger here a while and remember all those spoken with along Route 66. Then, make plans for that next Route 66 journey.
Additional Information
California Route 66 Association ΓÇó Contact this organization for information regarding Route 66 in California. Like many other associations and organizations, if you become a member, you will receive a quarterly newsletter packed with interesting Route 66 facts and stories. Located at the Rancho Cucamonga Visitors Center and Route 66 Museum, Thomas Winery Plaza, Suite F-5, 7965 Vineyard Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91730, tel# 905-592-2090
Books
Guide to Historic Route 66 in California ΓÇó by Vivian Davies and Darin Kuna, (1988, Edited by the California Historic Route 66 Association) This book is a great guide to the old alignment of Route 66 in California, including sites and mileage. Use this book to follow the Route from the high deserts of the Mojave, down to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
