Historic Route 66 is a 2,400-mile highway that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. The highway enters California at Needles and passes through Amboy and Barstow on its way to the ocean. Ernest Figueroa says the historic highway just earned another designation…
Historic Route 66 from Needles to Barstow has beautiful desert vistas and more than 120 wooden bridges. The highway travels through small historic towns and connects visitors to the Mojave Trails National Monument. Last week, the section of Historic Route 66 between Needles and Barstow was designated part of the Scenic Byways program.
Research shows that a scenic byway designation results in increased tourism and economic benefits for local communities. This portion of the highway is a treasure trove for history buffs and travelers alike. The landscape has changed very little since Route 66 was formally opened in 1926.
Note to travelers: The highway between Kelbaker Road and Fenner has been closed since 2014 due to storm damage that washed out bridges.
