{"id":2608,"date":"2012-08-07T04:28:55","date_gmt":"2012-08-07T04:28:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/?p=2608"},"modified":"2022-09-14T04:35:04","modified_gmt":"2022-09-14T04:35:04","slug":"forgotten-path-route-66","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/forgotten-path-route-66\/","title":{"rendered":"Forgotten Path of Route 66 in the Cajon Pass"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There is a forgotten road that passes through California’s Cajon Pass that was originally a wagon toll road built in 1861 and, later, was used by many people that also traveled early Route 66.<\/strong> Today, there are no signs pointing out this historic road or its connection to the Mother Road, but you’ll see evidence of where it once existed.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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This virtual tour focuses on a historical road that used to run through the Cajon Pass.\u00a0 Although this road was never used as an alignment of Route 66, it was used by Route 66 travelers occasionally as a shortcut.\u00a0 The road is steep and narrow which certainly seemed hazardous to early automobile travelers and adventurous to others.\u00a0 Unlike old segments of Route 66 in the upper Cajon Pass, sections of this old road can still be traveled on today.<\/p>

The Road<\/h3>

Our trip begins at the historic Summit Inn, located at the Cajon Summit where I-15 and Route 66 crests the highpoint of the San Bernardino Mountains.\u00a0 It ends next to the truck scales located halfway through the Cajon Pass along I-15.\u00a0 It can be traveled in either direction, however since it is on a rough dirt road, it might be easier to travel downhill.<\/p>

Half of the trip is on an improved dirt road and the other half is on pavement (highway 138).\u00a0 Although most of the dirt road is maintained by the Forestry Service, it is still subject to deep ruts and bumps that make it difficult for normal vehicles with limited clearance to negotiate.\u00a0 However, we’ve seen plenty of sedans on this road.<\/p>

Nevertheless, we strongly recommend to only travel on this road with a high-clearance vehicle, such as a truck or SUV.\u00a0 4WD is not needed, unless you are going up hill and the road is in bad condition.<\/p>

Summit Inn<\/h3>

As mentioned, our trip starts at the historic Summit Inn.\u00a0 It can be accessed from the Oak Hills Road exit of I-15.<\/p>

Summit Inn opened in 1952.\u00a0 Its current owner has owned it since 1966.\u00a0 Since Route 66 was a main thoroughfare for actors that traveled between Hollywood to Las Vegas, many of them stopped in for a snack at the Summit Inn.<\/p>

One of the most famous patrons of Summit Inn was Elvis Presley.\u00a0 Since Elvis wasn’t fond of flying from his home in Brentwood near Beverly Hills to his frequent stage shows in Las Vegas during the early ’70s, he traveled with his entourage of staff.<\/p>

Elvis enjoyed the food at the Summit Inn and his staff timed the trips to arrive at the Cajon Summit in time for a meal.\u00a0 It’s not clear what his favorite meal was, but if Elvis stopped for lunch, certainly it was one of Summit Inn’s cheeseburgers.<\/p>

Elvis and his entourage usually took up the one large booth in the roadside cafe.\u00a0 This large booth can be found by turning right just after entering the cafe.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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News Flash: August 2016<\/p>

Summit Inn RIP: 1952 – 2016<\/h3>

Sadly, on August 16, 2016, the Summit Inn burned down as part of the large Blue Cut fire, which also burnt a major portion of the Cajon Pass. \u00a0The Summit Inn was a historic icon along Route 66 for 64 years.<\/p>

What’s even more sad is that the Summit Inn was just purchased by a family in June, just 2 months before the fire. \u00a0The family was excited about breathing new life into the historic business which was owned by the previous owner for 50 years.<\/p>

Time will tell if the new owners will be able to rebuild the Summit Inn. \u00a0Certainly, there will be many negotiations with their insurer. \u00a0One can hope that this once classic diner will begin a new life along popular Route 66.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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