Old Trails Highway to Victorville, California

The allure of the open road, the romance of a bygone era, and the enduring spirit of the American West converge along the stretch of the Old Trails Highway that leads to Victorville, California. This path, much of which overlaps with the legendary Route 66, offers a glimpse into a landscape steeped in history, resilience, and the echoes of countless journeys. For approximately 30 miles, the Old Trails Highway meanders from Barstow toward Victorville, guiding travelers through a tapestry of desert scenery and fading towns, each bearing witness to the passage of time.

Leaving Barstow, the landscape transitions seamlessly. West Main Street blends into the Old Trails Highway, gradually pulling you into a world where the past and present coexist. This section of the road is a slate-colored canvas, painted with the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. The towns that punctuate this journey – Lenwood, Helendale, and Oro Grande – are not mere pit stops; they are portals to a different era, each with its own unique story etched into its weathered buildings and sun-baked earth. Once upon a time, Hodge existed between Lenwood and Helendale, but now all that remains are whispers of its existence.

Lenwood, the first community encountered after departing Barstow, is a subtle introduction to the road’s character. Buildings line the route, a reminder of the road’s past prominence. A sense of anticipation begins to build.

Further along the Old Trails Highway, about 18 miles from Barstow, a sign announces your arrival in Helendale. However, a quintessential town is not what awaits. Helendale has evolved into a collection of scattered buildings, a testament to the harsh realities of desert life and economic shifts. Sagebrush dots the landscape, framing the remnants of what once was a bustling community. Among these remnants stands the skeletal remains of Burden’s Store and Post Office, which was once the epicenter of Helendale’s social and commercial life. These fading structures serve as poignant reminders of the community that once thrived here.

Continuing along the Old Trails Highway, the road leads to Oro Grande, a town forged in the crucible of dreams and economic necessity. The dreams of early prospectors hoping to strike it rich fueled the initial settlement, but it was limestone, not gold, that ultimately became the bedrock of Oro Grande’s economy. Today, a large cement company provides the lifeblood of the community, sustaining it while preserving glimpses of its Route 66 heritage. The Iron Hog Saloon stands as a testament to the road’s enduring spirit, while the abandoned Mohawk Mini-Mart evokes memories of countless travelers who once stopped to refuel and refresh. Oro Grande also boasts the largest antique mall in the high desert – the Antique Station – a treasure trove of relics and memorabilia from bygone eras. Adding to the town’s historical character is an old cemetery, its weathered headstones bearing witness to the lives and struggles of the miners and pioneers who shaped Oro Grande’s early history.

As the Old Trails Highway nears Victorville, it crosses the Mojave River on a distinctive steel truss bridge, built in the 1930s. This bridge, a functional work of art, serves as a symbolic gateway to the city and a reminder of the engineering feats that made travel across the desert possible.

Victorville, initially known as Victor, traces its origins back to the mid-1880s. The town was named in honor of Jacob Nash Victor, a construction superintendent for the California Southern Railroad. The railroad’s arrival spurred the town’s initial growth, and the availability of water and fertile land attracted agricultural development. In 1901, the post office officially changed the name to Victorville to avoid confusion with Victor, Colorado, marking a new chapter in the town’s history. Around this time, the discovery of rich deposits of limestone and granite transformed Victorville into a hub for cement manufacturing, an industry that remains a cornerstone of the city’s economy to this day.

The establishment of Route 66 through Victorville in 1926 ushered in an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity. Businesses sprang up along the Mother Road, catering to the needs of the ever-increasing stream of travelers. Motels, diners, and gas stations became familiar landmarks, providing respite and sustenance to those traversing the vast expanses of the American West. The allure of the desert landscape and the proximity to Hollywood also attracted the attention of filmmakers, who used the Victorville area as a backdrop for numerous classic Western movies, further cementing the town’s place in American popular culture.

During World War II, Victorville underwent another significant transformation with the construction of Victorville Army Airfield, later renamed George Air Force Base. Completed in 1943, the base played a crucial role in the war effort and the subsequent Cold War, supporting two Tactical Fighter Wings of the Tactical Air Command and employing up to 6,000 people. The presence of the Air Force base brought a surge in population and economic activity, further shaping Victorville’s identity. Despite its growth and strategic importance, Victorville remained an unincorporated community until September 1962, when it officially became a city. The closure of George Air Force Base in 1992 marked the end of an era, but the base was subsequently annexed into the city in 1993 and transformed into the Southern California Logistics Airport, a testament to Victorville’s adaptability and resilience.

Today, Victorville has grown into a thriving city with a population of approximately 120,000 people. Despite its modern development, the city retains glimpses of its past, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the allure of the Old Trails Highway and Route 66. The New Corral Motel, located on 7th Street, offers a vintage lodging experience, while the Best Western Green Tree Inn on Green Tree Boulevard provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area. The California Route 66 Museum, housed in the former Red Rooster Café, is a must-see for history buffs and road trip enthusiasts. Established in 1995, the museum houses an extensive collection of photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia that chronicle the history of Route 66 and its impact on American culture. Operating solely on donations, the museum is a testament to the dedication and passion of those who strive to preserve the legacy of the Mother Road.

Beyond its historical attractions, Victorville offers a range of recreational opportunities for visitors. The surrounding area is ideal for boating, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, providing ample opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. The city’s location also makes it a convenient getaway from the bustling urban centers of Southern California, offering a respite from the crowds and a chance to reconnect with nature.

For those continuing their journey along Route 66, Victorville serves as a gateway to the Cajon Pass and San Bernardino. Travelers can rejoin I-15 to continue their westward trek, carrying with them memories of the Old Trails Highway and the enduring spirit of the American West. The road to Victorville is more than just a route; it’s a journey through time, a testament to human resilience, and an ode to the enduring allure of the open road.

© Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated July 2024.

Also See:

California – The Golden State

California Route 66

Route 66 Main Page

Route 66 Photo Galleries