Mojave Trails National Monument

We're pleased to note that we have the new Mojave Trails National Monument to share with our visitors. This brand new (as of 2016) national monument covers much of the territory along historic Route 66 across the Mojave Desert, from Needles to Barstow, just north of our area. The national monument is easily accessed from Twentynine Palms, and makes for a wonderful day trip from the Joshua Tree Gateway Communities.

Things to Do

Amboy Less than an hour away from Twentynine Palms lies America’s “Mother Road,” historic Route 66. Take Amboy Road from Twentynine Palms through Wonder Valley, over Sheephole Pass, and past the chloride mining operations on the dry lake bed, and you’ll reach the “town” of Amboy. The town of Amboy is owned by one man. It’s only services are found at Roy’s where you can find simple snacks and drinks, last chance gas, basic restrooms, and a whole lot of stories.

Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark About 10 minutes west from Amboy on Route 66, you can visit Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark. You can walk through lava flows into the center of the 250 foot high crater. If you can, hike up to the rim of the crater and look across the landscape of the desert. There are 24 square miles of lava flow and lava lakes, collapsed lava tubes and sinks, spatter cones and massive basalt flows. To the west along Route 66, and to the north in the Mojave National Preserve, lie many more signs of the desert’s volcanic history.

Amboy Crater can be an excellent site to view spring wildflowers, and is always home to a variety of lizards and snakes. There are picnic and restroom facilities on site. Be cautious when hiking to the rim as much of the volcanic material is loose.

Trainspotting

The section of Route 66 between Amboy and Ludlow is excellent for train watching. Train lovers can follow Route 66 west all the way to Barstow where you can visit Casa del Desierto, the classic Harvey House railroad station that is home to the Western American Railroad Museum and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail company has one of its largest railway yards in Barstow with 48 classification tracks.

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