6Route 66 – California’s Mojave Desert Section

While much of Route 66 has transformed into a popular tourist destination, the Mojave Desert stretch in California remains largely desolate.

This stretch from Barstow to Needles is far from urban amenities and cuts through eerie, abandoned roadside towns and dry, empty landscapes. The open, two-lane highway embodies a nostalgic sense of isolation, giving travelers a glimpse into the past while surrounded by the silent, open desert.