Newberry Springs Is on a National Scenic Byway: What BLM Says About Historic Route 66

NEWBERRY SPRINGS, San Bernardino County — Newberry Springs lies along one of America’s most recognizable historic driving routes: Route 66, now designated as part of the California Historic Route 66 Needles-to-Barstow National Scenic Byway.

The Bureau of Land Management describes a 178-mile scenic byway traversing the Mojave Desert and connecting Needles, Goffs, Amboy, Ludlow, Newberry Springs, Daggett and Barstow. The route follows sections of the former National Old Trails Highway and the old Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway corridor.

Why does Route 66 matter here?

The historic road changed how people and goods moved across the desert in the twentieth century. Its development helped support roadside stops, service stations, restaurants and small communities that might otherwise have remained isolated from national travel networks.

Federal officials announced the National Scenic Byway designation in 2021. Recognition reflects the corridor’s historical, cultural and scenic significance, but does not mean every mile of the original alignment has been restored or is safe for ordinary passenger cars.

What can residents and travelers visit?

BLM points to historic Harvey House buildings and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, as well as historic communities and former World War II military training sites along the broader byway. Travelers through Newberry Springs can appreciate the former highway’s desert landscape while respecting private property and active businesses.

Many portions of the corridor pass through or alongside the Mojave Trails National Monument, a federally managed landscape covering approximately 1.6 million acres. Historic trails, wildlife habitats and archaeological materials are protected resources, not souvenirs for collection.

Plan the road, not just the photograph

Storms and flood damage can close portions of historic Route 66. Some older road segments are not modern highways and may be impassable. A historic route sign is not confirmation of through traffic. Check Caltrans QuickMap and relevant San Bernardino County road notices before departing, particularly if a navigation application suggests an isolated shortcut.

Carry water, monitor fuel range, drive only on lawful open routes and avoid damaging desert soil and archaeological sites. Route 66 can connect tourism with Newberry Springs’ local economy, but responsible travel depends on up-to-date information.

Sources: Bureau of Land Management Route 66 National Scenic Byway description, historic designation announcement and Mojave Trails National Monument overview. No current road-opening claim is made.

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