{"id":2620,"date":"2012-05-07T05:28:46","date_gmt":"2012-05-07T05:28:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/?p=2620"},"modified":"2022-09-14T04:36:18","modified_gmt":"2022-09-14T04:36:18","slug":"route66vv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/route66vv\/","title":{"rendered":"Route 66 from Victorville to Helendale"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Mother Road.\u00a0 America\u2019s <\/strong>Main Street<\/strong>.\u00a0 It would be a fair guess that everyone in the World has heard of Route 66. <\/strong>People make the trip down Route 66 to see the nostalgic sites and perhaps experience a once forgotten slower-paced lifestyle.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Many segments of the original Route 66 were literally erased when the more modern Interstate freeways were built on top of the old roadbed.\u00a0 When engineers building the Interstate system found shorter routes to use, some old segments of Route 66 were saved and remain in use today.\u00a0 Thankfully, some of the old nostalgia can still be seen along these segments, along with newer Route 66 pop-culture consisting of things that people have constructed after the highway was decommissioned in 1985.<\/p>

The segment of Route 66 that stretches between Victorville and Barstow, which passes through the towns of Oro Grande and Helendale, is a great 38 mile (60 km) mini road trip that can be experienced when driving I-15 in Southern California.\u00a0 Exit the busy freeway in either Victorville or Barstow and follow the signs for Historic Route 66 and get back on I-15 when you encounter it 38 miles later.\u00a0 It\u2019s a great little break from any hectic road trip and there\u2019s plenty of nostalgia and pop-culture to see along the way.<\/p>

About The\u00a0Trip<\/h3>

Our virtual road trip starts at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville.\u00a0 It covers half of the segment of Route 66 from Victorville to Barstow.\u00a0 This trip ends in the town of Helendale. \u00a0 Keep your eye out for the other virtual road trip that covers the segment between Helendale and Barstow.<\/p>

MAKE SURE that you are careful and mindful of the traffic along the route when you decide to pull over to take a closer look at the various sights. Between I-15 and Helendale, the road is very busy with traffic because of a large community near Helendale named Silver Lakes. \u00a0 Furthermore, there is a lot of truck traffic that uses the road to access a large cement factory in Oro Grande.<\/p>

We’ve written several\u00a0articles on things to see regarding Route 66 in this area. \u00a0Click here<\/a> to see a list of all our articles.<\/p>

Route 66 Museum<\/h3>

If you have some time while you are in this area and want to learn more about Route 66, we recommend that you visit the fine folks at the museum in Victorville.\u00a0 The California Route 66 Museum\u00a0is well stocked with historic and interesting items related to the Mother Road. See their website<\/a> for directions and when they are open.<\/p>

The Trip<\/h3>

Starting at the museum in \u201cOld\u201d Downtown Victorville on D Street, head northeast towards I-15.\u00a0 Make sure to watch the virtual tour to learn where you will see points of interest along this segment of the road.<\/p>

Much of Route 66 that passes through California is also known as National Trails Highway.\u00a0 In some cases, it\u2019s even known as National Old Trails Highway.\u00a0 This is what it was originally named before it got it\u2019s official U.S. 66 highway designation.\u00a0 Keep this name in mind when referring to maps and street signs.<\/p>

Cement Plant to Steel Bridge<\/h3>

After passing underneath I-15, you can’t miss the large cement plant on the right. \u00a0The roots of this large factory began around 1910. \u00a0Mining limestone around Victorville has been a key part of the local economy here for over 100 years.<\/p>

Originally, this was called the Southwest Portland Cement Company. \u00a0It mined limestone from several quarries nearby, but now its main quarry is north of Apple Valley. \u00a0It is serviced by a private railroad. This mine is now owned by a large Mexican company named Cemex.<\/p>

Hollandburger<\/h3>

Not far after the cement plant, you’ll spot Hollandburger on the left. \u00a0This famous eatery has been in operation for decades, including the time when Route 66 was in full swing (before the I-15 age). \u00a0It is still owned by the same family today and is still a favorite among Route 66 travelers. \u00a0The eatery has been showcased on several TV shows.<\/p>

If you are planning on making this road trip, try to schedule your trip for a breakfast or lunch stop here. You won’t be disappointed and the waitress might just spill some mustard on you.<\/p>

Shortly after Hollandburger, you’ll notice a lot of power lines. \u00a0 The oldest of these power lines were built in 1930 and are the main lines between Hoover Dam and Los Angeles. \u00a0Since 1930, many other lines have been built to help with increasing demand in Los Angeles.<\/p>

More…<\/p>

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