National Old Trails Highway Road Trip

National Trails Highway, located just west of Needles, California, was once the main route for travelers from New Mexico to California.

Our road trip takes us along the iconic National Trails Highway named after the coast-to-coast highway predating Route 66, but today, only a few ghostly shadows remain in the Mojave Desert.

First Stop Oro Grande, California

Starting in Victorville, California, the National Old Trails Highway crosses the Mojave River on a 1930s steel truss bridge and heads east to what remains of Oro Grande’s town. Built on the hopes and dreams of the area’s early prospectors, the city would have dried up entirely if it hadn’t been for the discovery of limestone.

The area features several historic structures, including the Iron Hog Saloon, the unused Mohawk Mini-Mart, and the Antique Station, the most significant antique mall in the high desert. Additionally, there is an old graveyard that dates back to the mining era of the town.

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch

Next up, about 4 miles down the highway, is Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch.

Elmer created a masterpiece of a bottle tree using pieces from a junkyard and hundreds of bottles. As you drive along the National Trails Highway, the Bottle Ranch is an absolute must-see. It is located at 24266 National Trails Hwy Oro Grande, CA 92368. Although Elmer passed away in 2019, the ranch remains open to the public with the help of a group of volunteers.

Heading further east lies the remnants of the town of Helendale, with only a few buildings still standing among the rattlesnakes and sagebrush. Among them, you can spot the old Burden’s Store and a U.S. Post Office, one of the oldest buildings on Route 66. It was built in 1926. Additionally, the remains of Potapov’s Service Station and Auto Court are scattered around, initially constructed in 1943.

Barstow California

East of Helendale, sparse remnants of the Mother Road can still be seen as travelers make their way towards Barstow — one of the bigger cities along this stretch of the National Old Trails Highway. Named for the president of the Santa Fe Railroad, Barstow thrived along with the nearby flourishing mining towns of Daggett and Calico during the late 1800s and grew into a significant rail center by the turn of the century.

Casa Del Desierto Barstow

During the 1920s, Main Street in Barstow was taken over by the Santa Fe Railroad, and in 1926, Route 66 began running through the middle of town, catering to automobiles. Casa Del Desierto, the Harvey House Railroad Depot established in 1911, is a must-visit destination in Barstow. The depot has been refurbished to almost brand-new condition and now houses both the Route 66 Museum and the Western America Railroad Museum.

Daggett California

After leaving Barstow’s city limits, the National Old Trails Highway is sprinkled with abandoned towns and remnants of the past. The first is Daggett, a dusty and depleted town located 12 miles to the east.

Daggett was founded in the 1860s. Its growth was fueled by the discovery of silver in the nearby Calico Mountains and later supported by three borax mines. Some original structures, such as a blacksmith’s shop and a hotel, still stand today.

Bagdad Cafe Newberry Springs

The next stop on Route 66 is Newberry Springs, where travelers can find a surviving relic from the past – the Bagdad Cafe. This famous watering hole and eatery is still popular among travelers today. Near Bagdad, visitors can explore the remnants of Fenner and Essex’s towns, including the post office and the remains of an old gas station.

Amboy Crater Loop Route 66

A summary of the significant features of the National Old Trail Highway that runs from Ludlow to Essex, California.

El Garces Station Needles, California

El Garces Fred Harvey Hotel

Route 66 passes through the center Needles, where several old icons, including the recently restored El Garces Fred Harvey Hotel, can still be seen today. The building now serves as an Amtrak Depot and the Needles Area Transit office. During its heyday, El Garces boasted 60 guestrooms, a lunchroom, and a dining room. El Garces is located at 900 Front Street Needles, California.

The distance from Victorville to Needles is 175 miles, best traveled during the day. There are a few services and minimal overnight accommodations along the way, so travelers should plan accordingly.

More Southern California Road Trip Ideas

Grand Canyon Caverns

Rhyolite Ghost Town