Abandoned and Forgotten Highway Stops in the Mojave Desert

[@loach392]

My Grandfather was killed in a auto accident at Halloran Springs in 1972. He was on the way to a family reunion. I wish he would have made it. RIP Grandpa.

[@johnkeith2450]

We need something other than a like button

[@angelmist4253]

Condolences.

[@shelzp7272]

Oh dear but good to pay tribute to him. 💕

[@secretdaisy6484]

Sorry for your loss 🙏.

[@ubroberts5541]

🙏

[@jodicreager]

When I was a child in the mid 50's my family traveled from Burbank, CA to Las Vegas where my Dad was a musician at the Golden Nugget for 3 months out of the year. At that time the highway you are showing was known as 'The Notorious Baker Grade' ...in the summer months there would be cars lined up along the highway with hoods up and steam pouring out.... (including us at times) although dads preferred time to travel was nighttime. I remember people stopping in Halloran Springs , there literally was a faucet that people would fill their containers with water available just so they could hopefully make it to the summit. That would have been a great time to come out with 'I survived the Baker Grade' T-Shirts. It was a challenge, scary...but families accepted it . We always had a Desert Water bag hanging on the front grill as backup...and my family had a tradition of stopping in baker to get a 10 lb block of solid ice out of the ice machine for 25 cents ...we would chip off chunks and my Mom would rub the back of my Dads neck with the ice chunk while he was driving and with the desert wind blowing while he drove acted as a pretty good AC...then we would save the rest as needed...we even shared more than once with those travelers who had no experience with traveling this highway.

[@BRLaue]

My uncle was a trumpet player in Las Vegas and would drive back and forth to LA for recording sessions especially when the casinos went to mostly canned music in the 80’s. He fell asleep on Baker Grade in 1994 and didn’t survive.

[@CasperLCat]

That’s a nice memory of your Mom with the ice chips, keeping your Dad cool. “Little” things like that are the best things in life, probably why you remember it. And a good reminder how pampered we are today by our better cars, better A/C, and better technology in general.

[@doneown503]

, great memories !! 👍👍❤

[@mattkobold6273]

Thank you for sharing.

[@douglasturner6153]

I well remember the Desert Water Bags and the 50s travelling. We often just camped off the side of the road 😂

[@yachtboy6756]

I wish people would just stop to admire something without vandalizing it. Time and the elements take their toll but more could enjoy these spots if they weren't trashed. Thanks for taking the time so we could see them.

[@ronm3245]

Almost all people are not vandals, but it just takes a few.

[@allanbeamer7110]

Hey Steve- retired trucker here. I was through there maybe 2-3 times a week between LA and Salt Lake mostly in the '90's. Back then I would suggest that Baker didn't have even half the choices then it does now. It's always been a fairly sleepy "town", and certainly a more visited spot along I-15 than either of the Halloran's. I remember trying to stop for the night at Halloran Summit and catching what-for for doing so, so never tried THAT again thinking it wasn't a very friendly stop... at least not for truckers anyway. Guess my money was better spent in Baker anyway! Or Vegas! Lol! Love your videos brother. Keep 'em coming. 👍😉

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Now these exits are pretty much only tuckers taking a break.

[@XC797]

My belated condolences. R.I.P.

[@mt3311]

I worked for Caltrans, and lived at Mountains Pass, in a house I rented from the State of California. We were responsible for the 15 from Rasor Road to the state line, which was about 300 lane miles. I was there when they completely razed the rest Areas on both sides of the freeway, and built them brand new from the ground up. Those rest area's were our responsibility to maintain. Where I lived at Mountain Pass, it snowed. In the summer it was about eighty degrees, and about 5 miles in either direction it was 20 degrees hotter. There is a new, port of entry, and Inspection Station. Also they put up a solar energy farm in the Ivanpa.

[@jgoff76]

My father in law used to teach at the school in Mountain Pass in the late 70s. Though closed the building still stands. He only lasted a year or two out there.

[@secretdaisy6484]

This is the great thing about what Steve is doing with his channel. He goes places then it brings out peoples’ history and personal stories. Even more interesting! 👍🏼

[@mt3311]

@@jgoff76 We did a biology class, and lunch in that schoolhouse. The State was widening the 15 through the pass, and we had to take a turtle class. So we were all morning going through the desert identifying different turtle habitats, and trails. Then we had lunch at the schoolhouse. I lived about a half mile from the mine. We couldn't drink the water, but could bathe in it. The state paid for drinking water to be delivered from Vegas.

[@xtbro78]

Yes, I so much agree! I watch and study the video, because I love history & old stuff. But I also try to read all the comments, because of the additional history the people there bring. Steve's channel draws a high class of viewer.

[@jerrysanders9101]

Solar farms.. what a waste of plastic and money. Cancels out any benefit unfortunately.

[@squangan]

My uncle and father had one of these type roadside stops they built in the 50’s and it was gone by the 80’s. Nothing is left and they have both long since passed, it amazes me how something like that which was once a going concern and important in people lives can just cease to exist like it never happened.

[@Jake-yx7ct]

Im 75 and when a lot younger I traveled that road and thanks for your stopping to read those signs. Keep your travels going Steve.

[@trainman1209]

This must be very special for you after all these years.

[@mrDmastr19]

I’m always blown away at videos like these. Mentioned it’s only 20 years done that was abandoned. It really shows how we and the thing we build are just temporary on this planet, without maintenance- the earth begins to cover it all up with vegetation. Concrete slabs, tanks, structures, it just ultimately gets taken over by nature.

[@dougpeters1625]

very true!

[@adventurevin7600]

You do a great job of adding history and the changes through the years.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@cat3crazy]

I know I'm old but when you talk about the 2000s, it seems like it was only a couple of years ago. It's so sad to see the conditions of the abandoned places. It's like we are leaving our trash everywhere and we leave nature to take care of it for us.

[@gdb5448]

For Real...instead of pissing away BILLIONS on Ukraine and illegal aliens they should spen that money cleaning all these abandoned places.

[@manfredolson6889]

Almost two years ago I was going the Mojave Trail with my ailing father. We decided to hop off the trail to get a room in Baker for the night instead of camping. We could see Baker off in the distance. When we got there we found 4 hotels. All of them long since closed down. It seems we are past the local heydays of the area. Love your vids. !!

[@larryt510]

Hilltop mart gas station closed in 2004. Lo-Gas also around that same time. Both of these gas stations were famous filming scenes in the 1999 movie "Play it to the bone" (Woody Harrelson). Definitely worth a watch. At that time both stations were still in operation.

[@dethray1000]

i knew the owner of lo gas--he had a gas station in bishop ,calif that has been closed for about the same time--the owner of the gas station next door bought the place

[@mt3311]

Right there at Halloran Springs Road down the embankment of the NB onramp, we found a complete set of tandem axles from a semi truck or trailer.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'll have to check it out.

[@kevinslater4126]

It seems unreal to me how much destruction can occur within 25 years.

[@larryt510]

@@kevinslater4126 It doesn't take long. I've seen abandoned houses completely trashed in only 4 or 5 years.

[@danielolivier5599]

How amazing that your English, for an American, is so good an articulate that it is easy to understand for a French Canadian like me. Thank you for taking me on a journey for a moment.

[@glc1183]

Love how your videos are straightforward - no nonsense or hyperbole. The contain interesting material that is presented well - good job

[@charliesierra6919]

Wow those views are majestic! Fantastically beautiful! Always had a thing for those lonely small desert outposts, like a two-pump station, on the road. And when my day is finally done, I'll just rest out there in the desert and let the sun bleach my bones and the wind tell my story.

[@WildWestGal]

Steve, you find the most amazing places to explore! Excellent video docu that most of us knew nothing ab out... even this old native Cali gal!

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

Man those Gas Stations back in the day that had tow trucks and a mechanic I’m sure saved a lot of people from been stranded. Great Videos Steve as always. 👍

[@jeffhubbard3399]

I consider myself a bit of a desert explorer and western traveler and your channel is right up my alley. Thank you - it’s tremendously enjoyable

[@jeffreywollard922]

Your videos are always fascinating. I actually stopped at that Lo Gas station when it was open back in the late 1980s and was irritated because I paid the highest price for gas that I had ever seen. Keep up the good work, brother.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Its crazy that even with its high prices it couldn't stick around.

[@otomshiloh4467]

Traveled thru there hundreds of times while rodeoing in the 60's ..never knew how much I didn't know...thank u

[@JohnCouch-m4f]

Thanks Steve for yet another great video! I've spent countless hours exploring the area around Halloran Springs, even spent a summer day at the gas station broken down waiting for a good friend to come get me with a trailer ( somehow I knew better than trust that place ). I've spent plenty of time right next to those petroglyphs and never knew! You picked a beautiful day to be out, love that area there is so much history out there to explore!

[@bglrj]

Wonderful. Great choice of music. As always.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@Marthepav]

I have absolutely HATED the desert since I moved to California in 1979.... UNTIL I stumbled upon your videos. My son hikes the PCT regularly from Campos to Hearts Pass in Washington. For the first time I am almost thinking about taking that hike from Campos to maybe Kennedy Meadows... Who Knows? I am 70 now. I may not be able to go that far. But, the point is, you made the desert an interesting place!!! Thank-you :o)

Don't hike alone.

[@bobrocco4218]

I'm 70. Lived in Ridgecrest, CA from 1993 to 2000. We used to go to Kennedy Meadows every weekend in decent weather, and some times when the weather was a bitch. If you can make the trek, do it! I'm crippled, so the hike beyond my means.

[@xtbro78]

The desert has to "grow" on a person if they are not familiar with its quiet & vastness. But a lot of us have come to love it & enjoy spending time on the desert. Just not in summertime! Take your hike & be safe!

[@robertgriffin1881]

Great sky! Thanks for the beautiful view.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

No problem!

[@xtbro78]

I am completely hooked on Steve's channel, as he does exactly what I enjoy. The drone puts a valuable perspective on places, I'm glad you do that. And thank you for also sharing unique history of places too, crimes etc. That's just an added bonus & gives me even more to search for online. The commenters are so very interesting as well, as they often add personal tidbits only they might know. ♥️

[@carlupthegrove262]

This is an excellent series. not all of us have the opportunity to visit these places

[@armoredsaint6639]

You’re stopping at all the places we have all scenes so many times in our travels. This is great to finally hear the history of the places I have often thought about.

[@Kbrusky15]

Your channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites. You’re inspiring me to want to get out onto the road and travel more :)

[@adventurevin7600]

Agree 💯

[@Kbrusky15]

@@saminaneen it costs you zero dollars to not be a dick

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, it means a lot.

[@roywhitman7109]

Another great adventure! Bringing in your historical information adds life to these stories! And your soundtracks are impeccable!! Great job!!👍 Thanks!

[@JohnValdez-q9s]

Excellant presentation...Steve voice, introduction where we are going with him, his historical account of what took place a long time ago. Showing the beauty of the 🏜 desert the stark landscape. Steve remindeds oneself that no matter where the trail takes us, "desert people my family still are" never forget " the Sweat that pours down our ego, El "Tonatu rules the desert" ... Maybe some future time, this Yaqui indian of the desert will be fortunate enough to stumble upon Steve, and meet him...and his "Famila". Yo Tip my straw sombrero to Steve, his Wife, and Son...Happy Trails Ahead to "Side Track Adventures" 👣 Glancing upon the future to someday stumble upon you and see your "Iconic San Diego cachucha". Adios caminate...que te vaya bien con DIos...

[@itsjennijen9835]

So so interesting history and great presentation 👏🏾 👍🏾 👌🏾

[@leonajameson8902]

Good one. I don’t know how you find such interesting history but I am glad you do! Thanks Steve

[@esteve72]

Awesome video...going back in time, history lessons and deadpan humor (the cafe owner "re-tired" as showing old tires and the same owner shooting a rat inside the building as normal behavior!) all in one! 👍

[@johnsikes5404]

From Mecca (above Salton Sea)- Box Canyon Rd- through Joshua Tree National Park- to Roy's Cafe Amboy (and the awesome old tanker truck and water tower next door)- to Baker- to Kelso Depot- to Shoshone (outside Death Valley) is one of my favorite drives. Would not be far if drive on to Las Vegas. Get off the Interstate to find history. Awesome Video, Steve.

[@sailingaeolus]

That's some of my favorite country too!

[@davidabbott7270]

Thank you for this history of this area of Nevada

[@corn677]

Really enjoyed this one, Steve. We head too Vegas or Laughlin from San Diego (Allied Gardens) three or four times a year. I love when you do your I-15 & 1-40 videos. As always, muchos thank you's!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chasingobscurity8212]

I've seen photos of these places but couldn't figure out where they are located. Thank you for this video. Now I can visit these places.

[@tedkerr2230]

Steve, you have the gift for Gab! Not to mention a dry wit!. Recently my wife and I were driving down 15 (we're from Lodi) and I recognized some od those sites . I wished I stopped now. Thanks to you, next time I will! Keep the adventures coming!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@brucebarnes9638]

Seeing the remains of Hill Top Gas reminded me of a road trip in the early 80's. Planing to make it to Vegas almost out of gas, Hill Top was a welcome sight. Stopped there a few times on latter road trips. Thanks for the memories Steve!

[@thesarge4457]

Places and it's stories. Thank You Sir. THE SARGE

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you for watching.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Always interesting videos! Keep ‘em coming.

[@namewithheldnamewithheld2725]

Thanks for the video ,stay hydrated 👍👍👍👍👍

[@kevinbarrett9615]

I love your videos, l live in Toronto Canada but had the opportunity to visit California a number of times as my wife worked for a Orange County company. I love deserts and the topography of Cali. Your videos really make these areas come alive, keep them coming !

[@heroknaderi]

What some cool finds. Very cool areas to explore. Nice to know a history there.👍👍

[@warpo007]

Hi Steve. Im from Perth, west Australia. i cant thank you enough for sharing your knowledge and time. I have no intentions of ever traveling to the US. so this is nice to see.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You are very welcome.

[@trainman1209]

Hello, Australia!

[@seanstenberg1559]

Thanks for your channel! No one can ever compare to Huell Howser. Ever. However, I dig your own style! Thank you!

[@timbukh3]

Nice tour. I saw a lot in 42 states as a truck driver. I'll see places I missed via YT. Thanks for the trip.

[@spartan8091]

The sky in your shots is breath taking.

[@stanstanly3812]

Great job Steve. I live in very close to all those towns and you are spot on!

[@The_Robert.Fletcher]

Another great video. Thanks, Steve.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@deetee6339]

Love these, my friend. Nice soft kick in the ass to start taking some slower drives and storing some new memories. I appreciate the work you've done on these vids.

[@artboy57]

Entertaining, relaxing and informative! Great job as usual.

[@wolfeadventures]

The video and editing quality has gotten incredible! Very well done.

[@progypsy2343]

Thank you for the time you took to make this, your soothing music and voice ..

[@carljoseph9170]

I just love watching those historical places.

[@trainman1209]

Me, too!

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

VERY very interesting - great video and content!

[@primefocusphotography]

Last time I was out at the Hiltop mart (around 2022) I was going back to get some updated footage for my channel. As I neared the station. a 14' bobtail darted out of the lot and started heading my way. As it got closer, I could see 3 guys in the truck. They started blaring their horn, pointing at me as when they were almost to me, they swerved into my path. I slammed on the breaks and they swerved back into their lane and stopped at the entrance to 15. I went past the station and did a U-turn and watched them for a few. They then slowly got on 15 and disappeared from sight. I got the drone out and sent it out. As I entered the first rollup door, I panned the camera down and noticed multiple coils of large copper on the ground. Ends still shiny so clearly freshly cut. Clearly the guys were scrappers and trying to scare me off. So as any logical person would do, I brought the drone back and got the hell out of there. lol

[@tropocal2343]

*Did that incident persuade you to get a CCW?*

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Pretty scary stuff. This is why if I see something that doesn't look right at all, like a bed setup in the back, I'm moving on. There was an upstairs area at the Hilltop Mart, but I wasn't about to find out if anyone was up there.

[@tropocal2343]

@@SidetrackAdventures *Ya, you did right, trust your gut feelings, and act on them, good or bad, there's a reason you get them.*

[@nathanielovaughn2145]

What'd you get for the s rapped copper tho?

[@donthomson6260]

My favorite is Roy's in Amboy. We used to stop their on the way to Needles on Route 66 when I was a boy. Last time I was there it was still standing, but that was 20 somewhat years ago.

[@primefocusphotography]

Not only is it still standing, it's still operating, at least the cafe and gas station parts. It's undergoing a slow preservation/renovation project.

[@lifewithjosef]

Roy's has an active Facebook page, it may be worth a peek.

[@travelingman21000]

@@primefocusphotography Stop by Roy's last month. They are installing new underground piping system and the sign lites up at night.

[@corilia9529]

Someone bought it and is fixing it up

[@kimballamram552]

@@primefocusphotography Gas Pump Rob who has a KZbin channel sold them one of his vintage pumps

[@brittburton3264]

Thanks for this, it’s to bad you couldn’t find the springs, I’d have liked to see that. Thanks again

[@timjones3094]

Thanks!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

These are the ones I enjoy the most Steve! Showing me those petroglyphs and other things as much as a thousand years old is so cool! I hope you get out more abandoned towns for us to enjoy! Now that I'm an old geezer, I love American history!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you. I plan on visiting some more soon.

[@biinkyreed8013]

We really love and enjoy your videos!!

[@DJG_Official]

I’ve stopped there myself , while on the road I’ve found this place has a special place in my heart just based off the old retro features , I’d love the opportunity to purchase the location and bring it back to life , many times though there’s just no real information on properties like the ones we see here in this video. However I never knew of the darker side of its history 👀 , love the way you uncover the deeper history of the place

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, sometimes its hard to dig up info on these places for sure. Hardly anything online about them.

[@atsf855sanbernardinocounty85]

@@SidetrackAdventures What’s the history background of Santa Fe Boxcar

I wonder how deep down you'd have to go to hit water for living ?

[@ksr1177]

Another great video and history lesson. Thanks again.

[@TRONABORON]

Appreciate all your videos!

[@mssixty3426]

Great video, as always, chock full of interesting history - love your humor "re-tired"😆😆😆

[@michelkieffer7901]

🇨🇵🇺🇸... magnifique paysage ☀️🌵 j'en garde toujours de bon souvenirs 🇺🇸✝️🇺🇸🌵☀️⭐ merci beaucoup

[@KrusinTheKingdom]

I had the laugh when you went by the petroglyphs. I do agree that people obviously should not damage ancient artifacts and they did do their handywork away from the originals, but a 1000 years from now when the interstate is long gone along with the ruins of the rest stop, some explorer will come through there and what you called vandalism is going to be just another fascinating petroglyph to be discovered and talked about. Love your videos, keep up the good work.

[@charlesyell6318]

I envy you being able to travel around and see places like you visit. I love the west desert . spent time out there at different times. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@bender7565]

Except for the ditch art all your vids are relaxing and informative. I lived in SD in the 80's and have been to so many of these places but with no internet I didn't know any of the extra stuff. Thanks.

[@sammysouth8372]

Your channel is wonderful. Have you been to Bagdad, CA?

[@KrusinTheKingdom]

Just a little curious.Why would he go to Baghdad? The mine wouldn't want him videoing there and the miners are really not that friendly. But the backroad going through Hillside on the way up to Prescott, there's a lot of good artifacts to find. Definitely very beautiful up there.

[@sammysouth8372]

@@KrusinTheKingdom what mine? Are you high? And it’s Bagdad. Get it? No H.

[@Domane-mh8wg]

I love the Mojave Desert whenever I drive to Vegas. Thanks for making these desert videos!

[@glennk.7348]

Such beautiful clouds. 😊

[@michaelmccleary4665]

Thanks for all the history you share, I folder it as history. My adopted granddaughter Maria has told me she and her father have used your shares to go on their own adventures, so again thank you, and God Bless you and yours.

[@michaelmccleary4665]

I lived near hwy 20 up north, and it had many changes over the years, but I would scrounge the decommissioned turnouts for whatever I could find, log cabin cans, phones, glass etc...

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks. I hope they are having fun.

[@johnallred716]

Nice program, Beautiful day in the desert, especially with those clouds in the Hilltop Mart segment.

[@ignaciosanchez5813]

thank you man for this wonderfull video. i apresiate the time you took to make it

[@ramonsmobilemechanic3420]

Really enjoy what you do !

[@larryaldrich4351]

An outstanding video. Many are the mysteries of the Mojave.

[@stephenfuller300]

Steve, you make your videos interesting by adding the history to them. I've been to a lot of the locations that you visit. It's nice to see the quality videos that you make. Thanks.

[@dougpeters1625]

very well done and fascinating video, thank you!

[@BrettBogane]

Another place I'd like to stop by. I've done a few of those locations, and my wife always asks how did you know about these places? I just smiled smile... Thanks Steve!

[@martinmayfield1932]

These areas are always so interesting because you know at some point in time they were essential and places that people worked and or lived.

[@kevincozby]

Another great video!

[@dukeofearl4117]

I love watching your videos, I lived in the Mojave Desert in the 80s and early 90s. I explored the desert from Ridgecrest down to the Salton Sea and out to Las Vegas. I’m now in Virginia where I’ve explored all the civil war sites.

[@dezertraider]

THANK YOU STEVE,,SAFE TRAVELS..

[@phillipmurrieta1]

Im enjoying your content! Spent many years in Escondido, then Temecula, and now 14 years in Vegas. Brings back a lot of memories for me!

[@Michael-xv4zs]

Really enjoy these videos. Thanks so much for sharing with us!

[@sdvc244]

Cool and sad stuff Steve, Thanks again, Cheers!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@iansutton3176]

Hi Steve, another great quality video as always.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@sammysouth8372]

I usually don’t like background music but your selection is quite pleasant

[@Hey_Its_J_ay]

You do an excellent job of touring us through all your adventures. Bravado ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@travist.7279]

I stopped at Halloran Summit back in '99. It appeared to be already out-of-business! (but, without graffiti, yet) Another interesting fact about that spot---it has one of the best "Highway-to-the-Horizon" views, from the overpass. It's a really great image, with a telephoto lens. That was the whole reason that I stopped there. I only stayed long enough to get my photo though, as there was a rather unsavory-looking group hanging around the closed diner.

[@Lucedelsole269]

Steve, I really enjoy the stories you present!

[@U_ever]

Very nicely done. Shades of Huell Howser and "California's Gold"

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@revvyhevvy]

Beware, partially attached metal siding, Steve! Love that you give dates of origin!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah! If it had just banged one time before I went in there I'd have been expecting it, but the wind had to wait.

[@Chris...66]

@@SidetrackAdventures I would have used a different set of words than the ones you did 😄Love your videos....bring backs lots of memories from my SoCal days in the 80's

[@theinstructor2687]

Thank you, Steve, for another interesting and informative video. I always enjoy your content.

[@stevenkaskus6173]

On the way to Colorado one time I stopped at a gas station at top of Halloran grade on the I-15 North bound. Don't know if you showed it or anything but thanks for the tour. I didn't know about the history of ancient inhabitants and petroglyphs that was very interesting. Didn't realize turquoise mines were in the area either. Thank you

[@heyoldman2003]

once again thank you Steve . seeing what appears to be warm n dry is such a welcome site for a northwesterner. it’s gray n wet again today . oh how i wish… but your adventures are always welcome 😊take care n stay safe 😎

[@DapperManDan]

This my new favorite video of this place. Good job, loved hearing the history of it.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you!

[@bluebritten]

Excellent video, thank you.