All that remains of the Road Runner’s Retreat is its sign and a skeleton of a building. It was a bustling restaurant and truck stop as recently as the 1960’s.

Historic Route 66 Through California’s Mojave Desert

Heading on I-40 east in California, Route 66 closely parallels the interstate almost as a frontage road. At the town of Ludlow, fifty miles east of Barstow, the historic route veers well away from the interstate for about 75 miles before returning east of the town of Essex. This route through the heart of the Mojave Desert is highly recommended… More…

Roy's Cafe & Gas Station in Amboy, California on Historic Route 66.

Historic Route 66 Through California’s Mojave Desert (Part 2)

Heading on I-40 east in California, Route 66 closely parallels the interstate almost as a frontage road. At the town of Ludlow, fifty miles east of Barstow, the historic route veers well away from the interstate for about 75 miles before returning east of the town of Essex. This page covers Historic Route 66 from Amboy to Essex, California. More…

Town of Goffs, California on Historic Route 66.

The Goffs Schoolhouse and Cultural Center on Historic Route 66

Surprisingly, our final stop, the town of Goffs, California, population 23, is alive and well. Years of efforts by Mojave Desert historian and enthusiast, Dennis Casebier, have created a well-kept and fascinating historical center in this remote outpost, known as the Goffs Schoolhouse and Cultural Center. More…