Leaving the Wigwams behind we ventured on for the Rialto to Barstow portion of Route 66, towards San Bernardino and the site of the first McDonald’s.
We passed the magnificent Art Deco building which has housed the California Theatre since 1928. Unfortunately, we were unable to pull over to snap a pic, because this being somewhat of a dodgy area we thought better of parking and walking. So, onto McDonald’s!!!
MCDONALD’S
San Bernardino is the site of the very first McDonald’s which opened its doors in 1940 to flip those first burgers. Whoever would have thought, that this tiny burger joint would be a worldwide franchise and a household name. A small museum now occupies the site.
- Address: 1398 N E Street, San Bernardino
- Opening hours: Monday through Friday 9 am – 5 pm. Saturday/Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
- Free to get in, donations welcome
To read more about the McDonalds and see fun pics click the button.
On route out of town, we did see a few old motel signs and the Mitla Café, which is a Route 66 Roadside Attraction. A family-owned and run Mexican restaurant since 1937. The traffic was so busy we were unable to stop.
cajon pass
Driving through the Cajon Pass is such a pretty journey. Even though the freeway runs parallel, the old road is low enough so that you only hear the hum of the traffic. I love stopping in this section, especially after rain and the stream is full. In spring, the banks are full of wildflowers. Steven’s Grandparents live not far from here, so whenever we visit, we always use Route 66 instead of the scary freeway.
victorville
Victorville was a happening place in years-gone-by. Today, however, it is somewhat rundown.
One of the main attractions for Route 66 travellers is the Victorville Museum which has Mother Road memorabilia. It was closed when we drove by although looking at their website it does seem to be worth a visit—an added bonus is FREE admission.
- Address: 16825 D St, Victorville, CA 92395
Emma-Jeans is a well-known truck stop along the route, serving comfort food and burgers since 1947. We were 100% vegan the times we drove past, so we didn’t stop. It seemed very popular since the carpark was full.
I’ve since learnt that they only accept cash, so if you decide to stop, be prepared.
- Address: 17143 N D St, Victorville, CA 92394
ORO GRANDE
Crossing over the bridge, we reached the quirky town of Oro Grande, with lots of Route 66 memorabilia.
It is definitely worth stopping to mooch around. We came across all sorts of things including Mohawk Mini Mart, which was one of the stops back in the day when this was a bustling town.
Today the small town is filled with antique and bric-a-brac shops. So lots of pics!
They even have a small pizza joint called “Cross-Eyed Cow” where you can grab some lunch.
Some History on this Quirky Stop
Father Garces first used the Mojave Trail in 1776 on route to the Hopi Nation in Arizona. It linked Spanish colonies in New Mexico, Arizona and California, crossing the Mojave desert to the north of the present US 66 and I-40..
In the mid-1880s, this town became a mining camp and was named “Upper Crossing” then renamed “Halleck.” The railroad came through in 1885, and more people made their homes here.
Farming became big business along with horse ranches, and then, of course, the cement plant. The latter was established in 1907 by the Riverside Cement Co. and is still in operation today.
Finally, in 1927 the town was given its current name, which translates to “Big Gold” in Spanish.
The old bank was established in 1860 to hold all that gold! (I was unable to find any information about this bank. It may be a façade!)
IRON HOG SALOON
Further along the road, there are more Route 66 icons like The Iron Hog Saloon, offering steaks and ostrich steaks from a nearby ostrich farm.
This waterhole dates back to the 1930s and has appeared in several movies: Erin Brockovich and Easy Rider to name but two.
The building has served as many establishments over the years—a farm equipment dealership, a roadhouse, biker bar, strip club and supposedly a brothel.
The singing cowboy Roy Rodgers has carved his initials in the bar, and Johnny Cash has performed here as well.
It’s a great place for pics too!
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
I first became aware of Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch from Billy Connolly’s Route 66 British travel documentary. It’s free to get in and is open from sunrise to sunset. Donations are welcome.
It is literally 200 or so trees made out of bottles, all different shapes, sizes and colours, and the sunlight dancing through gives it a kaleidoscope effect.
There are old typewriters, cars, wheels, signs, tools…you name it, Elmer has it all, and all tastefully arranged. It’s a fun place and a definite stop on the Rialto to Barstow route, so we took our time exploring this incredible, artistic creation.
UPDATE 2019: Elmer sadly passed away 22nd June 2019. His legacy remains, and The Bottle Tree Ranch is open to visitors. Click – For further updates.
helendale
One of the last remaining vintage Polly Gas signs is in Helendale. The prices are possibly that of the 50s.
Also near Helendale, we came across this mockup Old West Town. So we hopped out of the car to snap some pics.
HODGE ghost town
Named after ranch owners Gilbert and Robert Hodge it was once a railroad station and a desert stop for Route 66 travellers.
Now, this is one of those towns that if you blink, you’ll miss it. However, the Two 66 Co. sign is on the route and has been there for decades.
The Dunes Motel
A decaying Dunes Motel sits on the side of the road in Lenwood, set in an oasis of palm trees, now graffitied and boarded.
The old swimming pool is dry and empty. Void of laughter and splashing from happy people enjoying a refreshing dip, providing respite from the scorching Mojave Desert sun.
Yet again, those pesky vandals have graffitied, smashed and looted the place. We even found evidence of squatters or homeless people.
Note of warning. When entering places like this, please be careful. You never know what or who you are going to find! On our exploration, there weren’t any “Posted” or “No Trespassing” signs, and the back doors were open, so we did venture in….carefully armed with torches.
There are four buildings, each with four rooms inside which were quite a decent size. I’ve attempted to research the history of the Dunes, but to no avail. No-one seems to know if it was an actual motel or an apartment block, or even when it dates back to. I’ve read articles saying 1940s others 1950s. If you find out more information about the Dunes and its historical background, I would enjoy reading about it.
BARSTOW
At an elevation of 2,175 ft, located midway between Los Angels and Las Vegas, Barstow is the largest town on this stretch of Route 66, and the Main Street of America still runs through the centre.
Once a mining hub dating back to the late 1800s, this small city is lined with many mom and pop hotels and restaurants.
Unfortunately, most of the hotels are now low-income housing.
Casa Del Desierto is a former Harvey House and is now a museum. It was built in 1911 replacing the previous one which had been built in 1885 but burnt to the ground in 1908.
Harvey Houses were the first chain of hotels and restaurants, and by the late 1880s, there was one built every 100 miles along the Santa Fe Line.
Within the grounds of this magnificent building, there are a few train engines.
Other Route 66 iconic signs in Barstow
For those of you who are hardcore Route 66 enthusiasts, here are a few original signs from the bygone era.
No longer a hotel, turned into low-income housing 
Stardust Inn neon sign 
Cactus Motel neon sign 
El Rancho Hotel – now low-income housing 
Open for business
Although we didn’t stay in the Route 66 Motel, it did look quaint, with the grounds decorated with Route 66 memorabilia.
Barstow is proud of its Route 66 history. Throughout the town, there are several murals. You can download a map detailing their location.
This completed the Rialto to Barstow portion. The next leg of the journey is Barstow to Needles covering approximately 170 miles. Once again, depending on your time and interests, only you know how long that will take you. If you’re anything like us and fascinated with Route 66, then it could take a while!
Our Takeaway on Rialto to Barstow Route 66
There are portions on this stretch of Route 66 that are quite desolate.
Some of the things we enjoyed on this section of Route 66 were the McDonalds Museum. There is a lot of memorabilia stored in this museum, that will take you back to your childhood. The outside is also a work of art on its own. It is a fun stop.
Next would be Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. It is a work of art built by one man.
Lastly, enjoy the change of scenery and the open asphalt. That is what this ultimate road trip is about. Roll down the windows, carve the air through your hands and appreciate the quiet roads and vast landscapes.
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