Exploring California's Highway 62 - The Most Desolate Highway in California

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  • Опубликовано: 30 окт 2024

Комментарии • 842

  • @dandyfi4076
    @dandyfi4076 Год назад +239

    I’ve been driving this road from Joshua Tree to Tucson and back every year since 2016. What’s really cool is to pull over on the side of the road at night far from any civilization and turn off the engine and the car lights. On a clear night the sky and the total silence and remoteness is really amazing and unlike anywhere I’ve ever experienced.

    • @chadhaire1711
      @chadhaire1711 Год назад +5

      what is the speed limit on this highway? Any cops to worry about?????

    • @marypasco2213
      @marypasco2213 Год назад +3

      ❤️

    • @keithcarey6312
      @keithcarey6312 Год назад +8

      I bet u c millions of stars!

    • @lexbeltran1354
      @lexbeltran1354 Год назад +14

      I've been to Monument Valley, at night the whole sky is filled with stars and a silence that's awesome 😊

    • @sfmc98
      @sfmc98 Год назад +21

      @@chadhaire1711 The default speed limit on any 2 lane undivided highway in California is 55mph, even without signage.
      Here's the thing: This road is in the CHP jurisdiction. The 100 mile stretch belongs to the CHP Needles office 80 miles to the north on 95. The needles office has I-40 and US-95 to worry about.
      If there's a serious accident on that road, they'll likely respond. But as far as running speed enforcement? You do the math on if that's worth their time.

  • @garyvincent5619
    @garyvincent5619 Год назад +344

    I lived just to the right of the '100 Miles' sign! Used to drive 62 all the time to visit my mom in Phoenix. Weird to say, I always enjoyed that stretch out in the desert - but I always checked the gas gauge and the weather forecast. Enjoy all your videos. Keep up the great work!

    • @StrongmanTaylor
      @StrongmanTaylor Год назад +21

      I use it quite a bit to visit my family in the high desert while traveling from Phoenix. Probably passed your house more than a dozen times over the past 15 years. Small world.

    • @T-Babbbldot
      @T-Babbbldot Год назад +11

      My wife & I spent our honeymoon at Palm Springs, the Tram, Joshua Tree Park, 29 Palms, Desert Hot Springs. In the 1980s there was an earthquake in the Hwy 62 area.

    • @johnburwell6609
      @johnburwell6609 Год назад +6

      There's a wash just east of the 177/62 intersection that always floods dirt and rocks onto the road if a storm hits the area. It's been improved recently but there's only so much that can be done for road built at grade level. The highway dept. is pretty good at cleaning it up but the highway can be closed for a while.

    • @chadhaire1711
      @chadhaire1711 Год назад +3

      what is the speed limit? If I drive 100 mph any cops to worry about???????????????

    • @johnburwell6609
      @johnburwell6609 Год назад +4

      @@chadhaire1711 Mostly 65mph, 55 when closer to Parker where it's more narrow. As far as enforcement it's there but mostly during peak times. I set the cruise to 72mph and I've never been stopped.

  • @J.L.McCord
    @J.L.McCord 6 месяцев назад +19

    I've had a soft spot in my heart for Rice since May 1967. My grandpa died at age 85 in Oracle, AZ on May 14, 1967...Mother's Day...and by the 17th my mother and I headed out from the SF Bay Area to go help Grandma. This was before I-10 was complete and we had always taken Hwy 62 as part of the trip down to Arizona. We had a very nice 55 Chevy 210 with a Power Pack 283 from a 58 Chev. Beautiful car, very frisky with the upgraded 283 (and thanks to my late brother Tom for doing an excellent rebuild!). The generator froze as we approached Rice, and there was a nice young guy, perhaps 25-30 years old building that gas station by himself. I think there were one or two houses around, but he was the only person we saw. This fellow didn't have any parts, but made a suggestion that we put oil in the bearings (the generators of this vintage had spring-loaded caps that you could add a few drops of oil into to keep them lubed). He didn't have any oil, but suggested a trick that I've used dozens of time since--pull out the dipstick and let a few drops of oil drip off of it...but the bearings were too far gone and it wouldn't unstick. What to do? I think my mother came up with the idea...take off the fan belt, start the car, accelerate up to 70 or so, take it out of gear and then coast with the engine off. Once it got down to about 10 MPH, push in the clutch, turn on the ignition, let out the clutch, reaccelerate again and repeat as necessary. Each cycle would get us about a mile and we made it to Parker in good order. The Chevrolet dealer was closed for the day so we stayed overnight in a very modest 20's to 30's vintage motor court, and Parker Chevrolet took care of switching out the generator the next morning. The mechanic there talked my mother into refilling the radiator with antifreeze...said it was a new thing that was becoming popular. It took some jawboning on his part but she finally agreed to the extra $3.00 and the rest of the trip we had no problems. When we finally got back home Dad was incredulous that she had allowed such a thing--everyone knows you only use antifreeze in the winter! Back then he would drain out the antifreeze each spring and refill with water and water pump lube, about a pint of white liquid. Now its unthinkable not to keep antifreeze in all the time. I didn't get back to Rice until decades later and by that time the gas station was in ruins but still had the building standing. I love that area and can't wait to get back again. I'll always remember the nice young guy that did his best to help and the clever solution to getting back to civilization. I took my two youngest daughters there on road trips and they know the story by heart. While we were poking around the desert in the area I found a mangled hood from a 39 Ford out in a field but the hood release with the Ford V8 emblem was intact. Yup, still have it. Thanks for putting Rice back on the map!

  • @Sharpbevel
    @Sharpbevel Год назад +12

    Just drove it today back to Yuma. We loved the drive and now appreciate the history thanks to this video. Beats driving Rt. 10. You don’t have to compete with hundreds of truckers.

    • @CraigSkabo
      @CraigSkabo 4 месяца назад +1

      Always take the old two lane routes if you can. You'll be relaxed and see more cool stuff.

  • @tettazwo9865
    @tettazwo9865 7 месяцев назад +9

    I drove the entire stretch today, it won't be the last time I relive a "Sidetrack Adventure"! Great channel!

  • @JamesBoddie
    @JamesBoddie Год назад +93

    I think it is nice that the locations of the important WWII training bases are memorialized with the stone markers. Thanks for taking us to such interesting places.

  • @kelly-b2r
    @kelly-b2r 11 месяцев назад +16

    I was born and raised in Pasadena Ca (just east of LA). In 1969 while in High School, we 'found' the Colorado River (Crazy Horse Campground, Big Bend, Cat Tail Cove, 'wet teeshirt contests', etc). As teenagers we drove this road many times getting to 'the River'. I have not seen the road for many, many years, and tho the desert has not changed much, everything else has (I can't believe that the Rice gas station was 'new' when we drove past it and now it is long gone). Thanks for the memories.
    John Embree

  • @CampingwithRadios_kg6dve
    @CampingwithRadios_kg6dve 11 месяцев назад +9

    Owned a trailer just south of Vidal, Ca at Lost Lake. Drove that road weekly in the 1970's. Love the beauty of that area. Great Job, Steve.

  • @cynergy4
    @cynergy4 Год назад +65

    I live along the western portion of the highway in Yucca Valley and love this cruise to the river. I love the beauty of this wide open space! I grew up in L.A. county and we took family trips along the 62 to camp along the river at Parker. Most people think of it as empty and desolate but there is life and amazing topography all around, it's just that few appreciate it. It is our own "Big Sky Country". Thank you for highlighting this special place!

  • @edwardaustin740
    @edwardaustin740 Год назад +59

    I really appreciate what you do Steve. I love history and the way you do it is awesome. You are one of the very few channels on RUclips that I have notifications turned on.

  • @richardweaver9682
    @richardweaver9682 Год назад +42

    I take 62 to my parents house in Havasu several times a year and prefer 62 over the interstate. There is a spot about 25 miles outside 29 Palms just before dropping into Rice Valley that on a clear day you can see the road heading down the hill and accross the entire valley. The area of what I call "the underware fence" was a 76 gas station and small motel back in the mid 70's and replaces what was a shoe tree near the old entrance to Rice Field. and the loading ramp next to the tracks.

    • @chadhaire1711
      @chadhaire1711 Год назад +1

      What is the speed limit and how fast can you go without worrying about traffic cops?

    • @Katmai_Bear_480
      @Katmai_Bear_480 2 месяца назад

      @@chadhaire1711 How many times do people have to answer this question for you?? Troll.

    • @chadhaire1711
      @chadhaire1711 2 месяца назад

      @@Katmai_Bear_480 how many time do you have to read it Goober?? Oh you dont have an answer for that, nor do you have an answer for the original question do you Goober???

  • @a990dna
    @a990dna Год назад +4

    Back in the 70s we'd take highway 62 to Parker Dam. Once a Corvette passed us doing about 100mph. Several miles up the road where it curves left and follows alongside the river, we saw a ball of fire off to the left in the desert. It was that Corvette... dude rolled and was upside down in a ball of flames.

  • @deplepfan
    @deplepfan Год назад +15

    Man I love your videos. You take me back in time. God bless you and your wife. Safe travels ❤👌🙏🇺🇲🥃🪖

  • @RoadDogSteve
    @RoadDogSteve Год назад +12

    Great video. Last June I returned from Lone Pine to Phoenix and rode my 400+cc motorcycle on this road. It was amazing. And warm... Very little traffic and the solitude was refreshing. Thanks for showing this highway....

  • @DaveInLAS
    @DaveInLAS 6 месяцев назад +1

    Your production is super slick Steve, I’d say you’re more of a cinematographer than just a cameraman. Gorgeous shots reminiscent of John Ford movies. Also really nice music choices on the soundtrack 🙌🏼👏🏼🏆🥇

  • @RandymanB
    @RandymanB Год назад +15

    Awesome video! My Family had a "desert house" in Yucca Valley, up highway 247, for years when I was a kid. Many great memories back then. But I got much more familiar with the easter portion of Hwy 62 on our frequent trips to Lake Havasu. I love that road, true California desert.

  • @RS35cyl
    @RS35cyl Год назад +25

    I love your videos! You have covered the South East section of California so extensively! Thanks!

  • @heyoldman2003
    @heyoldman2003 Год назад +14

    that discribed me . i love the wide open desert … and truly being “ in the middle of nowhere “ . i can only hope i can go there again someday soon 😎. thank you again Steve 🙏🏼 your shows are so good to watch as i look at the wet , grey north west 😞

  • @danielcarroll5667
    @danielcarroll5667 Год назад +12

    The Marine Corps liked its rocks lined up AND painted white ! Ask me how I know haha , thanks for another beautiful video , I just love the Desert but I'm 2,000 miles away in Maryland so thanks for bringing it to me Steve .

  • @EmmasMom-vi8qf
    @EmmasMom-vi8qf Год назад +6

    I so enjoy your videos! The narrative, the history, the filming, the drone footage, and the soft music. I just get in a comfy chair, sit back & watch!

  • @jimcrawford5039
    @jimcrawford5039 Год назад +3

    Very interesting . I enjoy your videos! Cheers from Australia.

  • @curtgomes
    @curtgomes Год назад +39

    How interesting. The concrete marker for camp Rice indicates that the 5th Armored Division trained there. I had a wonderful friend, Marlon "Red" Bingaman, now deceased who was with the 5th Armored from Normandy to the end of the war. He was a tank commander. He was quite a character and had seen a lot of action in WWII. While on a trip to Europe in 2004 he told me of many incidents and places the 5th visited and battles fought. I didn't realize the unit trained at camp Rice. I have been to the Patton tank museum at Chiriaco Summit in the California desert. 'Red' was truly part of the Greatest Generation.....

  • @ScottDLR
    @ScottDLR Год назад +8

    Places that I would just blow through, you make incredibly interesting. Thanks for another adventure, Steve.

  • @Lloyd-mo
    @Lloyd-mo 10 месяцев назад +2

    your videos help me pass the time at work. night watchman

  • @angelmist4253
    @angelmist4253 10 месяцев назад +2

    The background music is beautiful.
    Oh, and my late friend spent time at camp Iron Mountain.

  • @raiderfan71269
    @raiderfan71269 Год назад +34

    Grew up in 29 Palms. Father was a retired Marine. Driven that stretch of road many times. From Phoenix where I"ve lived for almost 30yrs. Parents passed away and house was sold last year. Drove it last year to pick up some things before it was sold. Probably for the last time.

    • @SidetrackAdventures
      @SidetrackAdventures  Год назад +10

      Sorry for your loss.

    • @raiderfan71269
      @raiderfan71269 Год назад +8

      @@SidetrackAdventures Thank you. Great video by the way.

    • @Yagunitto
      @Yagunitto 3 месяца назад

      ​@@raiderfan71269sorry for your loss

  • @rrelectric5159
    @rrelectric5159 Год назад +8

    Thanks for sharing this one Steve. It brought back memories of my trip over that highway some 15 years ago. I was headed west from Parker and broke down in my van somewhere past Freda which also happens to be the same spelling as my mother-in-laws first name. With my own tools and the help of a passing RV motorist I got going again and mad it to 29 Palms. Quite an adventure when you are on one of the lonliest roads in the country. Keep up the good work.

  • @foxykc
    @foxykc 10 месяцев назад +1

    Enjoying all the desert adventures

  • @jq8166
    @jq8166 Год назад +1

    Your videos have a PBS quality to it which I love and have so much nostalgia for. Please keep making these videos, thank you!

  • @InnocentsAbroad
    @InnocentsAbroad Год назад +5

    Exceptional. As a travel documentarian (Cruise industry), I really enjoyed this very professional production of CA-62. You captured nostalgia very well, and let the film be center stage of the story. This was great!

  • @kevinsantascott3688
    @kevinsantascott3688 Год назад +2

    I rode my Schwinn 10 speed bike down that Hwy in 1973, we were a group of high School kids with one adult with us. We went from Costa Mesa to Parker and back over Easter vacation. about 2.5 days each way.

  • @julieinthedesert420
    @julieinthedesert420 Год назад +2

    I'm so glad you waited and came out now. It's blooming everywhere around here, and it looks so fabulous! ❤❤

  • @larrypotter8558
    @larrypotter8558 Год назад +11

    Great video, Mr. Steve. I live in Riverside County and Hwy 62 is my favorite road to get to Lake Havasu, Oatman, Bullhead and Laughlin. Coming back, I like to go down Route 66 to Amboy to stop at Roy.s Diner. I love roads where I can set the cruise control and look for those points of interest.

    • @paulevans6403
      @paulevans6403 5 месяцев назад

      But you wouldn't set the cruise control on Rte. 95 from Laughlin to Vidal Junction. That is just constant washboard up and down and you'd be bouncing all over the place.

    • @DragonRiderProductions
      @DragonRiderProductions 3 месяца назад

      We usually ride old rt 66 through Amboy, became a favorite riding out to Laughlin. Then 62 back for a favorite restaurant in 29 palms. Love it out there.

  • @davidphoenix5352
    @davidphoenix5352 Год назад +1

    That video brings back memories when my wife and I drove along Highway 62 about twenty years ago ! we're from the UK and have done lots of road trips throughout the USA and Canada and last month we did a 3500 miles' drive from Denver to San Francisco. The trip was just fabulous. Thanks for your video.

  • @colindean8261
    @colindean8261 Год назад +10

    Really enjoy your series of videos. If there's anyone who can persuade me to come back to the States again it's you. Great simple presentation, not too much music, good camerawork. Thanks!

  • @walkerk777
    @walkerk777 Год назад

    Thanks for this video. We traveled from Henderson, Nevada to Palm Desert two weeks ago and would not have known about the many sights along the way without having seen your video first.

  • @dzl8596
    @dzl8596 Год назад +1

    Nice video. An interesting slice of history.

  • @JH_75
    @JH_75 7 месяцев назад

    Well done, Steve. I enjoy these videos immensely and this one is great. I AM a fan of desert vistas and lonely highways and what an interesting stretch of road 62 is.
    Over the last week I flew from MN to Phoenix and road tripped to Silver City, NM, explored and hiked the area including the Gila Cliff Dwellings, then drove through southern NM and crossed into Bisbee, AZ, stayed two nights and had a very memorable time, then on through Tombstone, Tucson, Oracle, Florence, and back to Phoenix. I thought of Sidetrack Adventures a few times while I was out there road tripping. You're quite the inspiration, Steve! Keep up the good work.

  • @Porsche996driver
    @Porsche996driver Год назад +22

    9:47 Love that monument placed in 1993 - 5th Armored Division was among the first to land in France and into Europe! Really hard to believe they trained in this forgotten desert.

  • @bobbyharris2302
    @bobbyharris2302 Год назад +2

    Love it - thank you for producing these videos. I also love lonely, desolate open roads.

  • @marinegunny826
    @marinegunny826 Год назад +5

    Wife and I drove this stretch westbound in 2009. Route we took from Virginia is as follows: Route 11 to Vicksburg Mississippi. Route 80 from there to Dallas Ft. Worth. Route 180 from there to Seminole, Texas. Route 62 to Carlsbad NM. Route 285 up to Roswell. Route 70 out of Roswell to Las Cruces. Interstate 10 to Deming. Route 180 to Silver City. 90 to Route 70. Route 70 to Globe, AZ. Route 60 from there through Phoenix to Hope. 72 from Hope to 95 and then to Parker. Cross the Colorado river and took 62 to 29 Palms. From there to my Mom's place in LA. Very cool trip!

    • @tombstonegabby
      @tombstonegabby Месяц назад +1

      Love the sign as you leave the 'settlement', "You Are Now Beyond Hope". Spent a couple of nights in the RV park there many years ago.

  • @jt66radioguy4
    @jt66radioguy4 10 месяцев назад +1

    Really enjoying your Channel / Videos… great topics, the historical info & tid bits you share are great. Nice to see your family included in these adventures, I’m sure you guys are making great memories as well as great content. I’m looking forward to what’s next. Safe travels!

  • @michaelsimonds2632
    @michaelsimonds2632 Год назад +5

    Another excellent presentation. Videography is superb.

  • @junesorenson279
    @junesorenson279 Год назад +5

    I enjoy this channel, I am a California girl . . Born and raised and there are some places that I have never been to OR through and this is one of them. Thank you for the time it takes to do these videos.

  • @vince1638
    @vince1638 Год назад +10

    A lot of single women have disappeared on this highway, truly frightening. Don't do it ladies, stay on 10.

  • @julieclayton-west624
    @julieclayton-west624 10 месяцев назад +1

    Stunning scenery. Thank you for sharing 🫶🏼

  • @SigmaSheepdog
    @SigmaSheepdog Год назад +3

    Nice video! It's been about 12 years since I was on 62, and I remember just about everything along the road that you featured.

  • @johnallred716
    @johnallred716 Год назад +3

    Great video of one of my favorite state highways...with miles and miles of miles and miles. Breathtaking views.

  • @mirage711
    @mirage711 Год назад +1

    Went on highway 62 a few years ago by accident traveling from Las Vegas to Palm springs. Since we have an electric car we had to get more power in Needles and almost didn't make it to Palm springs. It was a really nice highway we really enjoyed it watching all the trains. Thank you for bringing back the memories.

  • @garyrobbins9197
    @garyrobbins9197 Год назад +5

    I live in Flagstaff Arizona, and have driven to San Bernardino a couple of times taking this interesting route. You are correct, there is very little traffic here. Now I will want to stop to see the Shoe Tree and so forth.

  • @DesertRockfall
    @DesertRockfall Год назад +10

    Old time desert dweller, here. I had relatives that lived in 29 Stumps since the old days. I remember, in the early 60's, the numerous huge dips on Hwy 62 as it headed north from I-10 towards Morongo pass. Over the years it was re-aligned, but you could still see the old "dip" road off to the side. I think your videos are excellent, and I'd love to see an Episode about Berdoo Canyon, off of Dillon Road. It's been years since I've been able to get over that way. Keep up the good work!

  • @YourAbeFroemann
    @YourAbeFroemann Год назад +1

    Thanks for covering this stretch of highway.
    I drove this section for the first time this past
    December, and it was wonderfully scenic in
    its isolation.
    Cheers

  • @adventureseeker9800
    @adventureseeker9800 Год назад +3

    The mix of the road trip and the history, which let's face it, who doesn't like history, is very cool!
    I've lived in California my entire life and there's still plenty I don't know about the state but am eager to explore.
    Thanks for taking us along.

  • @reesenga9535
    @reesenga9535 7 месяцев назад

    Thanks for showing this to all of us who can’t make the trip out there. Love the history and the peacefulness of it all. Your delivery is excellent and the background music is chill.

  • @TheRunningFatGuy
    @TheRunningFatGuy Год назад +1

    What memories. Last time I was on that road was an Easter vacation pilgrimage to Parker. That had to be 45 years ago. Thanks Steve!

  • @pawfan
    @pawfan Год назад

    This is the first time I get to see this highway in the daytime. I have taken this hwy a few times when westbound I-10 was jammed up at Blythe. All the alternate trips on SR62 where at night. So, I saw nothing till I got to Yucca Valley to get back onto I-10. One time, I got disoriented and ended up on the 15 to head back to Santa Fe Springs...Thank goodness🐻
    Always nice going on a virtual roadtrip with you...Tanks!

  • @lawrencevandenberg7725
    @lawrencevandenberg7725 Год назад +3

    I set my heart to walk across the US. Started from Ventura, CA. Got to the small town, just before the No Sevices sign. Okay--100 miles. I had a gallon jug of water, a guitar, a little back pack, & a sleeping bag. Made it to the Colorado river. In 2012. I was 68. Made it to NYC, too. Thanks. Made me a citizen.

  • @johng5710
    @johng5710 Год назад +1

    This past spring I visited both Joshua Tree NP and Death Valley NP. I drove Amboy Rd from 29 Palms up to Amboy, then Kelbaker Rd from there up to Baker, then CA-127 from Baker to Death Valley Junction, and finally 190 into Death Valley. Another very desolate route and I loved it!
    Great video!

  • @keithvertrees9008
    @keithvertrees9008 Год назад +4

    Back in 2000 or 2001 I had to drive back from Vegas but the pass was closed. I heard about a southern route through the desert and decided to take that. Ended up being 95 to 62 to 10. Took like 10 hours, but made me fall in love with the desert. I grew up in Claremont but didn't really learn how amazing the Mojave is until that trip. The pre-GPS/Google Maps era of exploration just can't be beat.

  • @eriktracy8578
    @eriktracy8578 Год назад

    I just drove this stretch of 62 going east from I-10 as a back road adventure to Las Vegas! Very well done - I learned some new things from your video. Thanks for sharing! 👍

  • @haroldkendra7283
    @haroldkendra7283 2 месяца назад

    Once owned a home in Cathedral City near Palm Springs. The original homeowner told us he and some friends had commandeered bricks from Gen. Patton’s Officer’s “cantina” at that military training center. He ended up using the bricks in the home’s remodeling with two “archways” from a dining room and kitchen to the add-on family room and master bedroom. It was a stunning feature, but also dear to us since both of our fathers served in WWII and knew of General Patton’s importance with aiding the British in the North Africa campaign against Germany’s General Rommel. Your video gave me a visual of where those bricks actually came from! Thank you for these sidetrack adventures!

  • @trumer-and-co
    @trumer-and-co Год назад +2

    Thanks Steve! I love little out of the way places like this. I'll be checking this out next time I'm down that way.

  • @doskraut
    @doskraut Год назад

    Living in the desert for 70 years I've seen most all there is to see, Sidetrack Adventures brings back a lot of wonderful memory's. Thank you for sharing

  • @deeexxx8138
    @deeexxx8138 Год назад +13

    Steve!
    Another great vid! You do know the significance of shoes hanging over wires by the laces? In the US armed forces, that was done to signify "I'm leaving this base/town and never coming back."

    • @SidetrackAdventures
      @SidetrackAdventures  Год назад +5

      There may or may not be a pair of boots in my size hanging on a telephone wire at Ft. Bragg. (there is no way those boots are still there.)

    • @evelynwinchester4726
      @evelynwinchester4726 Год назад

      @@SidetrackAdventures thank you for your service, Steve!

  • @jpking51
    @jpking51 Год назад +2

    I love this drive. I've taken it several times-- east to west -- on trips from my home near Santa Fe, NM, to Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs, and nearby areas. I usually spend the one night on the road in Lake Havasu City, AZ. I am always fascinated by the desolation of the gorgeous desert and skies, which you captured so well. I too noted the -- I'll call it graffiti -- on the railroad embankments that goes on for miles. Signs of civilization westbound begin with Wonder Valley, where a few off-gridders have taken to living just east of Twentynine Palms. I usually turn south in Twentynine Palms and take the north-south road through Joshua Tree NP to I-10. Thanks for this video -- the lovely, melancholy music is the perfect accompaniment.

    • @chadhaire1711
      @chadhaire1711 Год назад

      what is the speed limit and how fast can you go without worrying about cops

  • @ericbingham-kumpfcomposer5293
    @ericbingham-kumpfcomposer5293 Год назад +4

    My parents used to talk about California State Route 62 when they took their vacation to California every year. I can see why they loved it and went there so much.

  • @MorningLoud760
    @MorningLoud760 10 месяцев назад +1

    I live in the area. When i was younger me and my buddy did a 2 day off-road adventure on our dirtbikes and while going through the sheephole pass area we found an old mine with cabins and old machinery. We opened the door to the cabin and it looked as if the miners made their beds, got up and left, and never came back. I've been eager to get another dirtbike and go looking for that area again, such a crazy experience. I wonder if anyone else has found it.
    The trail to that area was nearly blown over, looked like no one had been there for 10s of years.

    • @MorningLoud760
      @MorningLoud760 10 месяцев назад +1

      Surprised you didn't mention the pumping station at iron mountain where that post was on the side of the road!
      I worked at a salt mine east of there off cadiz rd. We lived on site during the work week and came home on the weekends. One of our guys dad was a life long worker at the water pumping station that pumps water to L.A. He invited us to the pumping station for an anniversary. The station is multiple stories tall inside the mountain. Spic and span! The people who work there also live there in homes that are 2-3 bed rooms and they all have familys who grow up there. It's wild! Still like that today.

  • @HotDogLaws
    @HotDogLaws Год назад +4

    Highly recommend Highway 58 between Santa Margarita and McKittrick. Similarly desolate but with much more varied terrain and environments. Really incredible road

  • @b2dary890
    @b2dary890 11 месяцев назад +1

    Drove this road in February of 23. Took I-10 from Phoenix to Joshua Tree, then decided to take scenic drive on 62 and glad I did. At the time so had no idea how desolate it was until I actually drove it. So awesome to see this video now.

  • @highdesertdrew1844
    @highdesertdrew1844 Год назад +6

    Over Labor Day, I was out at Pahrump for an event, and with all the thunderstorms and flooding wiping out roads, and causing delays on the major highways, I took 95 south to Vidal, and headed west. Might have been the only time I have ever seen traffic on that road. I think that was the first time I drove the length of the road, I've driven the Cadiz Rd a few times (it's a dirt road you catch between Rice and the junction with Rice Rd, that goes to Cadiz) Definitely a remote place in the desert. Last time I drove Cadiz Rd was right after that major flooding event that wiped out most of the eastern half of Rt 66 east of Amboy in 2014, it badly damaged Cadiz Rd, and it took us over 10 hours to make the drive. I don't know if you had the time, but If you take 62 east, 95 north, I-40 to Kelso rd, 66, to Amboy, and then either take 66 back to Ludlow, or down through Twentynine Palms you can complete the loop. Safe travels out there, watch out for T-storms!

  • @tzafas2
    @tzafas2 11 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you for your vids. Greetings from Munich Germany

  • @garychristensen8346
    @garychristensen8346 18 дней назад

    THANKS Steve, your refreshing voice makes it enjoying to hearing the explanations of the video, 👍

  • @ChrisW-17
    @ChrisW-17 Год назад +4

    Initial reaction... What, no Padres cap? So not used to seeing you without it.
    As for the video, another great adventure! Between driving, researching, scripting and editing, I always appreciate the time you put into these. I've never travelled that far east on 62, but will definitely have to check it out. Amazing scenery! Must be stunning on a starlit night with not a soul in sight. ✨

  • @murlough23
    @murlough23 Год назад +1

    I wound up driving most of Highway 62 unplanned back in 2012, coming home to L.A. after a road trip to Arizona. We had spent the last night in Lake Havasu City, and I guess we were far enough south of I-40 at that point that the GPS routed us south along 95 to the end of the lake at Parker Dam. Usually I map out routes ahead of time when I'm on a trip like this, but this time we just went with the flow, and I was surprised to end up back in California as soon as we did when we took the hairpin turn up and over the dam. It was definitely a part of California that I was unfamiliar with - all the RV parks and old resorts along the west bank of the Colorado river until we met up with 62 near its east end. We followed it west from there until the junction with 177, which took us to Desert Center and I-10. The main thing I remember about 62 was the seemingly endless number of gullies it dipped through on its way through the desert - it felt like a roller coaster ride. I suppose on a larger and more heavily used route like I-10 they'd build bridges across those gullies, but for 62 they probably decided, eh, not worth it.

  • @crystals4023
    @crystals4023 Год назад

    My husband and I started watching your videos a few months ago. You’ve become one of our favorites!

  • @AV5Z4
    @AV5Z4 Год назад +1

    My favorite SoCal drive is the length of 62. I used to drive it when I would drive to Albuquerque. Lot of great vistas on that drive.

  • @bobc3174
    @bobc3174 Год назад +13

    Hi Steve, I really enjoy your videos, including this one. I was recently on 62, between the Junction of US 95 and Parker, AZ. I also just traveled US 93 through Nevada - now THAT'S desolation. IMO the most desolate highway in Northern California is 89/44 between Mt. Shasta (I-5) and Susanville, CA. This route is forested but just as desolate; there was nary a town or even a gas station the whole length of that trip.

    • @andyjay729
      @andyjay729 Год назад +4

      Also Highway 96 just south of the Oregon state line, which goes from SR-299 just east of Eureka north and east to I-5 just north of Yreka. Part of it is called the Bigfoot Scenic Byway.

    • @gotaylor
      @gotaylor Год назад +1

      We have driven Hwy 93 2 time a years for the last 5 years. This last time was the busiest. Usually we never see another vehicle between Ely and Pioche. This year it was different almost never by ourselves.

  • @davevan8864
    @davevan8864 Год назад +2

    Grew up in So Cal and love areas like this. Very different than WV where I live now. Thanks!

  • @jerryferko8309
    @jerryferko8309 Год назад +1

    Cool Ride .... Thanks

  • @chrisackerley1842
    @chrisackerley1842 Год назад +19

    The custom of people writing their names in rocks along a desert dyke or berm that you document @8:05 is also seen along old US 66 East of Amboy. This custom is peculiar to the California desert. Never seen it anywhere else. You didn't show them, but there used to be dozens, perhaps even hundreds of little square concrete block houses, each on its own five acres of land East of 29 Palms. Most were abandoned the last time I passed through there in the early 1990's. Those were the remains of the "Jackrabbit Homesteads." in 1932 Congress passed a law alowing Americans to "homestead" five acres in certain areas, almost all of which were in the desert. If the "homesteader" built a small dwelling and used the property so many days each year, after 10 years they were given a deed. The idea was to encourage city dwellers to own their own property in the desert. The Jackrabbit Homesteads were enormously popular and new homesteads were added right up to the time Congress repealed the law in 1962. By the 1990's most of the people who homesteaded those little parcels had passed. Their children were scattered to the four winds and many had no interest in desert property. The little homes their parents built so painstakingly were abandoned. I have often wondered if a new generation has foind a use for them.

    • @jr2904
      @jr2904 Год назад +2

      So that's what all the shacks are out there, good to finally know, thank you. Unfortunately most of them are still rotting in the weather

    • @dougtodd305
      @dougtodd305 Год назад +1

      I always wanted one of them, l was given one,and before I got the chance to do the paperwork he passed away.

    • @deca717
      @deca717 Год назад +1

      I mentioned this in another comment, but the coastal highway 19 on the big island of Hawaii also has miles upon miles of rock graffiti on the roadside, mostly written with white rocks on top of the black lava.

    • @indianapatsfan
      @indianapatsfan Год назад +1

      The western half of interstate 80 in Utah that goes through the salt desert has got to be the rock writing capital of the world. There's thousands and thousands of designs, names and messages written in rocks. It goes on for a hundred miles or so.

    • @ApartmentKing66
      @ApartmentKing66 10 месяцев назад +1

      I hope not. As I said to someone else here, anywhere human beings go, they screw it up.

  • @fredferd965
    @fredferd965 Год назад +10

    In the early 1970's we drove from Needles to Blythe. There was an ancient gas station at Vidal, near the railroad tracks. They had the oldest working gas pumps in the United States. The pumps had big glass bowls on top and, as the gas went into your tank, flags inside the bowl would fall over, indicating how much gasoline you had purchased. The building itself was ancient. People at the station said that movie outfits would come out there and use their station as a backdrop. Somewhere near there there was an outfit selling old telegraph pole insulators. They had huge piles of them, along with wheelbarrows to carry wire, and so forth. It's all probably gone now. That was a long, long time ago.

    • @392nightrunner
      @392nightrunner 6 месяцев назад +1

      Building is visible still on google maps

    • @ACEDIAMOND666
      @ACEDIAMOND666 3 месяца назад +1

      I live in Blythe, 40 miles south of Vidal. The ruins are still there.

  • @semisikaufusi2467
    @semisikaufusi2467 Год назад

    This was a really great visual and graphic summary of this route which i have driven many times plus bonus historical maps. Great job!

  • @MountainHighSnow96
    @MountainHighSnow96 4 месяца назад

    Great video, amazing drone shots, and beautiful music. Thank you for sharing with us.

  • @Buckshot9796
    @Buckshot9796 Год назад

    Thanks guy ! I always enjoy going with you!

  • @gaius_enceladus
    @gaius_enceladus Год назад +2

    Great video!
    This looks like an awesome drive! The wonderful wide open spaces - plains that seem to go on forever!
    Great scenery too - the hills change along the way and it looks like interesting geology too (I'm a rockhound and wouldn't be surprised if some interesting stuff could be found in this area).

  • @TinyTrailers4BigAdventures
    @TinyTrailers4BigAdventures 10 месяцев назад

    Just found your channel. Living in Oklahoma City but being from San Diego, it's cool to see places I've been again and one's I haven't. I'm impressed with your videography. Smooth, informative and easy to watch

  • @markmann6796
    @markmann6796 3 месяца назад

    Thank you, Steve. A well done narrative. But then again, all of your work is well done. I enjoy the excursions, so please carry on.

  • @ddthompson42
    @ddthompson42 Год назад +1

    29! Loved that place. Still have a house less than a mile off 62 and hope to retire in the desert one day.

  • @alanogilvie4504
    @alanogilvie4504 4 месяца назад

    Thanks for posting. Very interesting video, presented well, good drone footage and some excellent history to be learned! Thanks again

  • @shutuplige6524
    @shutuplige6524 Год назад +1

    i traveled this stretch of road on my SW road trip in 2022. Joshua Tree NP is a jewel. i hope to one day revisit this area. sad what California has become. it's a special place

  • @scottwilson9404
    @scottwilson9404 Год назад +4

    I drive from Wickenburg AZ to San Bernardino occasionally to visit family. Occasionally I take this Hwy for a change of pace. Go in the spring. The desert floor is covered in flowers.

  • @frontier_etc
    @frontier_etc Год назад

    I've been binging your videos and I know you're mainly a luxury travel guy, but these Amtrak videos are the best. Thanks!

  • @56Sheckles
    @56Sheckles 6 месяцев назад

    I drove a large stretch of this road once with my grandfather while he was a traveling salesman. I remember being in awe by the surroundings, and so entertained by simple things on the side of the highway. We went to all the major retailers for what felt like hundreds of miles. We talked for hours that day and left when it was way dark. The sunset in yucca valley was absolutely gorgeous. At the time it was just a moment, but it was such a great day looking back at it.

  • @Camcos1970
    @Camcos1970 Год назад +4

    The Rice RD Shoe Tree was actually well East of the old gas station. Yes, it burned down. The 'under wear tree' was known as the Bra & Panty Tree. Recall it was more of a fence line than a tree. It was just East of the gas station remnants. Unfortunately, Rice Rd is known for many bad accidents. In many places the shoulders do not support a vehicle. When traveling to Parker AZ from I-10, Ehrenberg Rd has become the preferred route by many. Many years ago the road from Desert Center to Parker passed thru Hell CA. That road was rerouted and the tiny town of Hell disappeared. South of Vidal Junction is the tiny settlement of Vidal. Wyatt Earp once lived there. The house is still there and it is now a monument.

  • @milojanis4901
    @milojanis4901 Год назад

    Nice job, as always. You're one of the select few people making travel videos that I watch. 👍👍

  • @bobbid65
    @bobbid65 Год назад

    My sister and I visited the Grand Canyon and drove from Williams as far as Seligman on Route 66. I soooo wish I had known about the drive to the bottom of the Canyon. Thanks for your video and my vicarious experience. What a treat!

  • @hackfabrication139
    @hackfabrication139 Год назад

    I've driven that stretch of road. It is desolate. I took the turn and headed north toward Las Vegas, and that's also an interesting route. Enjoying your channel!

  • @henryhillebrecht9589
    @henryhillebrecht9589 Год назад

    Outstanding blog👍🏻 I have been on the 62 numerous times but not in the past 25 years. Will have to go that way next I go to Parker.

  • @nd7434
    @nd7434 Год назад

    i love your videos, was always curious about these desolate CA highways. thank you!

  • @jflemingsandiego
    @jflemingsandiego 7 месяцев назад

    In June 1987, my brother-in-law and I road our bikes from Joshua Tree to Rice. He was biking across the USA and I joined him for this desert stretch. We didn't see any of these sights along the way. I'm tempted to go back. When we finished at Rice, the gas station was still there, but it was not open at the time. We rested in the shade under the awning (no shoes at that time). My wife was in the car following along. We packed up and drove to Needles. It was too desolate for him to ride the rest by himself.