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 Жыл бұрын
what is the speed limit on this highway? Any cops to worry about?????
@marypasco2213 Жыл бұрын
❤️
@keithcarey6312 Жыл бұрын
I bet u c millions of stars!
@lexbeltran1354 Жыл бұрын
I've been to Monument Valley, at night the whole sky is filled with stars and a silence that's awesome 😊
@sfmc98 Жыл бұрын
@@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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
what is the speed limit? If I drive 100 mph any cops to worry about???????????????
@johnburwell6609 Жыл бұрын
@@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.McCord8 ай бұрын
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!
@stevenkaskus61732 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your story
@kelly-b2r Жыл бұрын
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
@quad8track2538 ай бұрын
Go PHS! ! !
@Sharpbevel Жыл бұрын
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.
@CraigSkabo5 ай бұрын
Always take the old two lane routes if you can. You'll be relaxed and see more cool stuff.
@tettazwo98659 ай бұрын
I drove the entire stretch today, it won't be the last time I relive a "Sidetrack Adventure"! Great channel!
@CampingwithRadios_kg6dve Жыл бұрын
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.
@richardweaver9682 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
What is the speed limit and how fast can you go without worrying about traffic cops?
@Katmai_Bear_4804 ай бұрын
@@chadhaire1711 How many times do people have to answer this question for you?? Troll.
@chadhaire17114 ай бұрын
@@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???
@cynergy4 Жыл бұрын
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!
@audreykennedy90 Жыл бұрын
The desert has its own unique beauty.
@a990dna Жыл бұрын
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.
@raiderfan71269 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Sorry for your loss.
@raiderfan71269 Жыл бұрын
@@SidetrackAdventures Thank you. Great video by the way.
@Yagunitto5 ай бұрын
@@raiderfan71269sorry for your loss
@JamesBoddie Жыл бұрын
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.
@edwardaustin740 Жыл бұрын
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 KZbin that I have notifications turned on.
@marinegunny826 Жыл бұрын
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!
@tombstonegabby3 ай бұрын
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.
@RoadDogSteve Жыл бұрын
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....
@curtgomes Жыл бұрын
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.....
@danielcarroll5667 Жыл бұрын
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 .
@RandymanB Жыл бұрын
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.
@Porsche996driver Жыл бұрын
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.
@lawrencevandenberg7725 Жыл бұрын
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.
@deplepfan Жыл бұрын
Man I love your videos. You take me back in time. God bless you and your wife. Safe travels ❤👌🙏🇺🇲🥃🪖
@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@murlough23 Жыл бұрын
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.
@RS35cyl Жыл бұрын
I love your videos! You have covered the South East section of California so extensively! Thanks!
@kevinsantascott3688 Жыл бұрын
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.
@EmmasMom-vi8qf Жыл бұрын
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!
@fredferd965 Жыл бұрын
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.
@392nightrunner8 ай бұрын
Building is visible still on google maps
@ACEDIAMOND6665 ай бұрын
I live in Blythe, 40 miles south of Vidal. The ruins are still there.
@larrypotter8558 Жыл бұрын
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.
@paulevans64036 ай бұрын
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.
@DragonRiderProductions5 ай бұрын
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.
@deeexxx8138 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@SidetrackAdventures thank you for your service, Steve!
@heyoldman2003 Жыл бұрын
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 😞
@ScottDLR Жыл бұрын
Places that I would just blow through, you make incredibly interesting. Thanks for another adventure, Steve.
@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@junesorenson279 Жыл бұрын
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.
@reneejanieworrell2437 Жыл бұрын
So agree with you we have so much to explore
@InnocentsAbroad Жыл бұрын
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!
@angelmist4253 Жыл бұрын
The background music is beautiful. Oh, and my late friend spent time at camp Iron Mountain.
@garyrobbins9197 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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!
@colindean8261 Жыл бұрын
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!
@rrelectric5159 Жыл бұрын
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.
@chrisackerley1842 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
I always wanted one of them, l was given one,and before I got the chance to do the paperwork he passed away.
@deca717 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
I hope not. As I said to someone else here, anywhere human beings go, they screw it up.
@keithvertrees9008 Жыл бұрын
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.
@davidphoenix5352 Жыл бұрын
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.
@Camcos1970 Жыл бұрын
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.
@highdesertdrew1844 Жыл бұрын
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!
@HotDogLaws Жыл бұрын
Highly recommend Highway 58 between Santa Margarita and McKittrick. Similarly desolate but with much more varied terrain and environments. Really incredible road
@johnallred716 Жыл бұрын
Great video of one of my favorite state highways...with miles and miles of miles and miles. Breathtaking views.
@scottwilson9404 Жыл бұрын
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.
@DaveInLAS8 ай бұрын
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 🙌🏼👏🏼🏆🥇
@jpking51 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
what is the speed limit and how fast can you go without worrying about cops
@bobbyharris2302 Жыл бұрын
Love it - thank you for producing these videos. I also love lonely, desolate open roads.
@julieinthedesert420 Жыл бұрын
I'm so glad you waited and came out now. It's blooming everywhere around here, and it looks so fabulous! ❤❤
@michaelsimonds2632 Жыл бұрын
Another excellent presentation. Videography is superb.
@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@jq8166 Жыл бұрын
Your videos have a PBS quality to it which I love and have so much nostalgia for. Please keep making these videos, thank you!
@SigmaSheepdog Жыл бұрын
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.
@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын
I'm sure it hasn't changed much over the years.
@jimcrawford5039 Жыл бұрын
Very interesting . I enjoy your videos! Cheers from Australia.
@mirage711 Жыл бұрын
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.
@adventureseeker9800 Жыл бұрын
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.
@bobc-bobc Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@Lloyd-mo Жыл бұрын
your videos help me pass the time at work. night watchman
@johng5710 Жыл бұрын
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!
@vince1638 Жыл бұрын
A lot of single women have disappeared on this highway, truly frightening. Don't do it ladies, stay on 10.
@AV5Z4 Жыл бұрын
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.
@donaldjones9830 Жыл бұрын
There is a shoe tree near Brothers Oregon on Highway 20, which runs from Newport to Boston Massachusetts. It’s southeast of Prineville.
@jpetton Жыл бұрын
Hi Steve, Excellent Adventure but one major mistake. Twenty-nine Palms Highway (as we called it) was paved all the way to Parker prior to 1970. I can't remember the exact year but my brother and a friend rode their bicycles from 29 to Parker in summer of 1963 and it was fully paved. Lived in 29 from 1954 to 1965 just 3 blocks from Joshua National Monument Oasis. Prior to 40 Freeway being completed and the paving of Hwy 62 everyone with boats came thru 29 Palms, took Amboy Road over the hill to Route 66 and on to the river.
@YourAbeFroemann Жыл бұрын
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
@randydewees7338 Жыл бұрын
In the early 2000's I made weekly drives from Ridgecrest California to Tucson. I got so bored with the interstates that I drove every little variation sometime in that stint. I drove 62 a couple times. Vidal Junction is kind of eerie place in the middle of the night. I went through it north to south, south to north and came in and left west. I don't know if folks remember the horrendous airport foul-ups after 911. My travel was gov, and between the huge waits at LAX and Ontario and inflexible gov travel regs, I found it easier to just hop in the car and do the 8 hour drive. Well 9-10 hours if you did an obscure variation
@shutuplige6524 Жыл бұрын
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
@johnsaunders1435 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for another stunning video! I have a soft spot for this road as it is one of those roads that make you wonder, where does it go? I've been down this road many times, I even can recall that rice gas station being open and who would stop there? There are two simular road features features I was hoping you would have touched on but didn't. Maybe you missed them as you were driving. Both are splits in the road, one being closer to parker on the north side of the road, you can see where the highway was diverted and the original just fades away. The other one, the one I am more interested in is on the west side of that "s" curve area on the east end of 29 palms as you exit the main valley. There is another road diversion on the west side of the highway and it too fades away very close to 62. This one peaks my interest as my navigation in my car when heading eastbound, tells me to stay left on highway 62, but the alternative does not go anywhere and I've never been able to find any reference to this other road. Great video as always, keep them coming.
@JH_758 ай бұрын
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.
@jt66radioguy4 Жыл бұрын
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!
@trumer-and-co Жыл бұрын
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.
@ChrisW-17 Жыл бұрын
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. ✨
@evelynwinchester4726 Жыл бұрын
I thought he looked different somehow, the cap!
@TheRunningFatGuy Жыл бұрын
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!
@walkerk777 Жыл бұрын
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.
@julieclayton-west624 Жыл бұрын
Stunning scenery. Thank you for sharing 🫶🏼
@foxykc Жыл бұрын
Enjoying all the desert adventures
@pawfan Жыл бұрын
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!
@MorningLoud760 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@t.g.habgood6205 Жыл бұрын
OMG. I went to 29 Palms High in 1974 and 1975. My buddies and i would drive our Yamaha 125 to Parker. We did this at least 3 times. I guess I was riding on a newly paved road, but we had vibrated for 2 straight hours on these cheap motorcycles. We would also hang out on Friday nights at the A&W and watch all the cool boats drive through town on this highway. Thanks for vid!!
@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын
Wish there was still an A&W there!
@davevan8864 Жыл бұрын
Grew up in So Cal and love areas like this. Very different than WV where I live now. Thanks!
@reesenga95358 ай бұрын
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.
@broluv124 Жыл бұрын
I’ve been to that Chevron in Vidal quite a few times.
@gaius_enceladus Жыл бұрын
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).
@dzl8596 Жыл бұрын
Nice video. An interesting slice of history.
@eriktracy8578 Жыл бұрын
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! 👍
@doskraut Жыл бұрын
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
@ericbingham-kumpfcomposer5293 Жыл бұрын
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.
@crystals4023 Жыл бұрын
My husband and I started watching your videos a few months ago. You’ve become one of our favorites!
@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you!
@ddthompson42 Жыл бұрын
29! Loved that place. Still have a house less than a mile off 62 and hope to retire in the desert one day.
@timjones3094 Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын
Thank you as always. I really appreciate it.
@b2dary890 Жыл бұрын
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.
@wmjohns881 Жыл бұрын
Hey y’all, I am relatively new to this excellent channel so I’m not sure if any of Wyatt Earp’s travels in this area has been previously presented? On highway 62 traveling west from Parker Arizona you can access a very old dirt road heading north from 62. The road begins a few miles west of the Big River Community turnoff. Once at the turnoff site heading north about 1.7 miles is Wyatt Earp’s campsite and about 600 meters beyond the campsite is Wyatt Earp’s goldmine. I would not recommend driving to the goldmine and campsite locations without a 4x4 vehicle equipped with all terrain tires and high ground clearance. The old road is near a mostly dry river bed and the sand is very soft and textured.
@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын
I did a video a while back on Wyatt Earp's house and the town of Earp. I didn't go to the goldmine though, as I didn't have a vehicle that I was sure would make it.
@wmjohns881 Жыл бұрын
@@SidetrackAdventures thank you 🤠
@garychristensen83462 ай бұрын
THANKS Steve, your refreshing voice makes it enjoying to hearing the explanations of the video, 👍
@MikeJohnson-ld9rn Жыл бұрын
Thanks Steve! Been around and through the cities by Palm Springs. However, coming over from Phoenix or returning back to the valley, I have never been on Highway 62. Maybe someday I will give it a try, especially if I have a little extra time to kill .
@RN_BSN_PHN Жыл бұрын
My wife and I drove on 62 many times. On our way from 29 Palms to Laughlin Nevada. We enjoyed the views. The desolation is enjoyable because I find serenity to be calming from job related stress.
@tzafas2 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your vids. Greetings from Munich Germany
@jflemingsandiego8 ай бұрын
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.
@FYMASMD Жыл бұрын
This type of area is where I gravitate toward. In my state of Oregon I go to S.E. Oregon towards Nevada. The quiet solitude helps me recover from working 50 hour weeks in a hospital. Beautiful areas out West. Thanks.👍😎
@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын
SE and Eastern Oregon is great. I need to get back there.
@bobbid65 Жыл бұрын
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!
@vincentcalvelli6452 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Steve, I have driven Hwy 62 from Desert Hot Springs to Parker always an interesting drive.
@TinyTrailers4BigAdventures Жыл бұрын
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
@CarsandCats Жыл бұрын
$7.89 a gallon! Reminds me of that gas station on the corner of the road that leads to Yosemite. It had the highest prices I have ever seen.
@heyoldman2003 Жыл бұрын
the bottom of Death Valley is very pricey too 😮
@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I was counting the cars at first but forgot about it after not seeing a car for awhile. For whatever reason it seemed like we wouldn't see a car for awhile, then when I was talking to the camera one would drive by.