What's Hidden Down ZZYZX Road???

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Many have passed this sign driving between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, but very few have stopped to investigate.
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www.nps.gov/moja/learn/histor....
mojaveproject.org/dispatches-...
digital-desert.com/zzyzx/hist...
www.fullerton.edu/dsc/about/h...
Video Sources:
• Curtis Springer's last...
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www.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/mi...
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[@raypierce5818]

When I was working on a project in Vegas years ago, I would drive back to my home in LA every weekend, usually leaving Vegas around 10 PM and getting in around 2 AM. I would frequently get off at Zzyzx Rd and go just behind the hills bordering the 15. It will always be one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen. It’s far enough away from large populations an the hills help mask the car headlights from the freeway. I would just get out of the car and spend 5 0r 10 minutes marveling at the BILLIONS of stars that were visible there! It is breathtaking in every way. If you ever have a second free during a nighttime drive, try it!

[@deaconblooze1]

Definitely a better pee stop than Barstow.

[@apocyldoomer]

Yes, I used to live in Victorville, whilst station @ George AFB, early 80’s, we would drive way out in the Mojave Desert, at night, the view of the stars was amazing!!

[@Hans353]

I'll add a discretion for you: Be careful while stepping out in the wild. Lots of snakes and scorpions out there. The scorpions aren't deadly but they freaking hurt. As far as snakes go.... yeah look up Mojave Rattle Snake.. luckily local hospitals carry Anti Venom. Oh but if you do get bit make sure you call the hospital you are hauling ass to. Just to verify they do indeed have anti Venom stocked. It's possible for a hospital to run out.

[@johnpeters9793]

@@apocyldoomer GAFB alumni here!!! 80-84... Live in Vegas now....been by this offramp 1000 times, never explored and thanks to this video I don't have to...lol!!

[@rogerpt101]

But, isn't it scary to go there at night? Yay ehehe

[@janblake9468]

ZZYZX was never completely abandoned. Between the time Springer was evicted and UC ownership, care takers lived there. I and my 2 little kids visited at that time. After exploring the site, including the historic Army post, the care takers filled a pool (blue walled one) and invited my kids to play in it. It was a hot day so they did for a couple hours. Later these care takers were at Death Valley Jct maintaining the Amargosa Opera House & Hotel.

[@martymcgoober3106]

Honestly from experience, I live in the Midwest, and the smaller the town you are in, the people are usually very kind and are happy to have visitors.

[@uliseszambrano2761]

I worked as a wildland firefighter for that preserve. The station is by the hole in the wall campground. I had the privilege to explore all over that desert. It's beautiful and the sunsets are amazing.

[@ftworthxxx]

I used to drive from San Diego to Vegas once a month for several years and wondered what the hell the sign Zzyzx led to. Now I know! Thanks guys!

[@chueysmama2622]

So freaking cool! I have passed that sign several times in my life and never knew what was out there. Loved it!

[@MrHillbillyfromhell]

The ducks were not honking at you. They were telling you the guy that built the place was the king of quacks

[@OddityOdysseys]

🤣🤣

[@JamesDavidWalley]

Those weren’t ducks; they were coots.

[@MrHillbillyfromhell]

@@JamesDavidWalley Here in northern Manitoba we just call them mudhens but they do quack, and many are shot by accident by the newbie trigger happy duck hunters. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck..........

[@dandiaz19934]

This is so professionally done! I loved this, thank you!!

[@ScratchGlass9]

Far out !!! Passed it back and forth for 15 years !!!! 1982-1996. Always wanted to explore but ALWAYS had to get back to the beach. Thanks for taking us ! Cheers from the dismal Detroit area.🇺🇲

[@mikedelgado5144]

THANK YOU. I live in LA and have been to Las Vegas 50 times. Seen this Exit the past 35 years but no one has said anything about it. Now you gave us the answer. Thank you.

[@brillblonde6705]

There IS something about an empty pool in the middle of the desert. It's creepy. The oasis, trees, and fountain are lovely. Did you realize that Enrico Caruso was a very famous opera singer? I am wondering why the fountain was named for him. Maybe he came to ZZYZX for the spring therapy!

[@chuckbrasch4575]

Been to Zzyzx many times as a 'extension student'. since 1990... The fountain was named after Enrico because his cousin designed and built the thing. One of the many projects from Curtis Springer.

[@chuckbrasch4575]

Another interesting fact is that Earle Stanley Gardner used to come to Zzyzx and shoot bullfrogs with a bow and arrow in Lake Tuendae.. I guess he was an old friend of Curtis....(?)

[@SantosChronicles]

I have seen this sign and never knew were it led. We love weird and wacky adventures and glad I randomly found your channel. Love how you have merged youtube style vlogging and traditional media. You guys are so polished and can’t wait to see more.

[@blast3001]

I have seen this sign a few times and had to click your video once I saw the thumbnail. Never heard of your channel before but totally blown away with your production value and research that went into this video. Really enjoyed it. You got my sub.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Hey Matt, we appreciate that. Grateful to have you as a subscriber!

[@scottrhodes6923]

Thank you for sharing this video with us. We appreciate how you show places that most people don't know exist 👍

[@mickeysplane7980]

As always: informative, entertaining an off-beat.

[@barstowsteve]

Well done. I have been to Zzyzx many times here are a few tidbits from times there. The Bblue painted part of the pool was filled up until the early 2000s, I actually swam there a couple of times. Some of the doors on the building came from WWII surplus battleships. A large portion of the buildings were built by people from skid row in L.A. Springer would bus them in from under the guise of getting them off alcohol. The fact he got free labor was a bonus.

[@dugroz]

WHat was the blue pool used for in the 90's / early 2000's if "the Quacks" retreat was closed in the 70's?

[@barstowsteve]

@@dugroz It was used as swimming pool. After Howe left the California Education System took it over a students took classes there and used the pool.

[@residentpotato6023]

Not sure what all can be found there but I’m ready to go looking for the bush Bethany peed behind.

[@thelegoshed]

Awesome, the scale of America is amazing to us UK folks. I'm in a relatively quiet bit of England, however the miles and miles and nothingness is brilliant. Thanks for all the work!!

[@stevekreitler9349]

It's really something that has to be seen to be comprehended. I'm a traveling sales rep in west Texas, and people who've never been here are always astonished.

[@musikbox83]

I grew up in Vegas and had family living in Southern Cali. I've passed by this road so many times but not once gone down it. I always thought it was some random road that had something to do with Baker. Thank you for answering the question 'is anything even down there?'. Also, pretty proud to confirm that the Pre teenager me was pronouncing it correctly, lol.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Hahaha, Pre-teen you knew what the real deal was! Thanks for watching. :)

[@djjoeking]

I was stationed at Nellis AFB, NV from 2005-2012. Every time I left Vegas to Cali, I would always see this exit. Never ventured out to see what was out there. Thanks for exploring this area.

[@KaiPonte]

Thank you! I often wondered what lay down that road but was too lazy to actually drive it.

[@darrellsinyard7890]

My wife and her family visited there twice when she was a kid. Her parents thought it was great but the kids didn't like it. The cafeteria just served health food, juices and vegetables. They wanted hamburgers. Her brother fell in the man-made lake. She was shocked to find out the hot water baths weren't natural. Curtis Springer was on the radio thru the sixties selling his 'Indian' cures. A few years ago we took the turn down the road to see what was there. It's kinda cool. 😎

[@gtrmike32]

If you're not used to driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the part that's so amazing is that there is a long stretch of land where there is no rest stop or Gas Station, and out of nowhere right before you get to the town of Baker, is an exit called "Zzyzx Road". It is basically in the middle of nowhere, and almost half the people who drive to Las Vegas from Los Angeles take this route and drive right passed it. Only people like Oddity Odysseys ever even take a look at what's there! Thanks Oddity Odysseys!!

[@random22026]

We strike CALIFORNIA GOLD yet again, with another wonderful OO adventure! (BONUS: Desert Ducks! 🤗🤗🥰🥰)

[@RickHowell89]

Grew up in Baker, CA in the '80s. If you don't go towards the "resort" and head the other way, there are dozens of mines, some are unclaimed. With some help, me and a few friends claimed two of them and were able to pull some bits of gold from them that the bigger mining operations left behind as it wasn't worth their time.

[@mojavewander9308]

I'm about to drive out there to take a look at Blue Bell Mine, you know if the road was washed out last summer?

[@RickHowell89]

@@mojavewander9308 I couldn't tell you. I live up in the pacific north-wet now.

[@broadcasttttable]

Driving from Vegas to socal I'd get off at the zzyzx exit to pee. Would turn right from the off ramp, go a couple of hundred yards to do my business. There was a dirt turnaround with a couple of car wrecks there. So the road, such as it is, continues, I'm guessing north, towards some mines? How far from I-15?

[@RickHowell89]

@@broadcasttttable I'm not sure. It's been almost 35 years since I lived in Baker. What I do remember is I believe they are off the powerline road that is running through the area just to the west of the exit.

[@jflow1334]

Outstanding content! I live in Vegas and always wondered what was on that road. Well done :)

[@OddityOdysseys]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@dougf94912]

ZZyzx Road features in one of Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch novels 'The Narrows'.

[@leslieschott754]

Well, as a road traveler from Fresno to Las Vegas, I’ve passed that weird roadside sign many a time! Had no idea how to even start to pronounce it, let alone that it actually had a town at the end of it! Thank you for a very interesting journey to the end (of nowhere)? Next time I’m headed to Vegas I’ll try & make a stop at the “ mineral springs”!

[@johnscannell4189]

Well, very nice seeing you two again. As far as Zzyzx goes, being from Southern California, I have passed that sign many times without giving a thought of what's out there. Nice video and am waiting to see you two again, hopefully real soon. Happy New Year!

[@noahcount7132]

Thanks for showing us this fascinating and very definitely off-the-beaten-path oasis, developed by the King of Quacks. Speaking of quacks, the "ducks" you videoed on the man-made lake are actually coots, a different species of waterfowl altogether, sometimes referred to as mud hens.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Love that info, thank you Noah! Hope you enjoyed the kick off to 2023.

[@VRuby14]

They're not really proper waterfowl either, but commonly lumped together with them.

[@danceswithowls4000]

Yes I have seen the sign and I giggled

[@steph8782]

Saw that sign so many times going to Vegas, very interesting to see what's actually down there, thxs.

[@mrbunny630]

I accompanied my daughter's 8th-grade class on a week-long field trip to the Mojave Desert. Zzyzx was one of our day trips where we took a guided tour.

[@vkmoreno8763]

It is a great place for one day road trip. It is worth going there. Especially now. The weather is suitable for visiting desert. Thank you for the new video. Also, the quality of editing, filming and directing became a lot better. Thank you for the hard work you do!

[@chuckbrasch4575]

Very good video you guys... It brought back lots of memories.. As a high school teacher, I started taking 'field studies' classes in 1990. I took classes for over 30 years, so know the area VERY well!!! I probably have ended up with more than 70 classes to my credit... (I actually lost count)... The first ones were for credit, but after about 11 years they were just for fun! Thanks again...............................

[@KU25746]

Nicely done! Neat that the fountain was on when you were there. When I was there about 6 or so years ago it wasn't on. But it was early summer already super hot so maybe that's why. I definitely need to take another trip out there in the near future.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you! Yes, we were quite surprised that the fountain was running. Hopefully you get a chance to see it again soon!

[@jonathanlapham2374]

Happy New Year! Thanks for this little stop along the way. Have heard of the road but never saw what was at the end. Interesting bit of history. Glad to see the University was able to repurpose some if the buildings. You two are awesome! Looking forward to more of your adventures in 2023

[@hildatgutierrez2233]

I just want to Thank each of You for doing a Great job as Hosts and doing the Research to help keep everyone informed. You are both Lovely and Great Californians as Well. Have a Great New Year!!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you so much, Hilda. Happy 2023 to you!

[@Nickolaswright]

Thank you John & Jane for another interesting adventure. 😉

[@flyingspirit3549]

Thanks for making this video! I've driven by the ZZYZX exit several times on my way back to the mountain west from visiting relatives in California, and always wondered what was at the end of that strangely-named road. Now, thanks to your video, I know!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Glad you were able to check out the episode!

[@ktvindicare]

What a wonderful idea for a video. I like pretty much everyone that's ever driven to Vegas from LA has wondered what the heck is down that road and now we know.

[@dychui]

Wow that transition at 4:20, awesome work you guys ! Really helped connect past with present

[@xvsj5833]

“OO” thank you for explaining this the puzzling road sign!!! ❤❤✌️

[@solohoh]

Thanks for the great video. I spent a night camped just outside the locked gate last October 2022. The combo lock/gate was open at 9 pm and still open the next day at 6 am...it is far enough there to be away from I-15 to be quiet...I wrote down the combination lock number at 9 pm and it was unchanged the next morning so the watchman wasn't consistent in his daily duties.

[@AlmightyArceus]

My favorite road to pass on the 15! I play a song by the same name when I pass by. Pretty fun!

[@OddityOdysseys]

That's awesome!

[@matthewbutler9388]

Happy New years to you both 💐🎇🎆💕 keep making such awesome videos they always take me away when I need to be gone but you can't leave.

[@MrJojo2go]

Nice I seen this sing for years but never been there. Nice that you're doing a video about it!!! 👍🏿😷👍🏻🇨🇦🇵🇭🇺🇲

[@richardparrott7192]

Always love the weird yet wonderful places OO take us! 🦆

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thanks for coming along, friend.

[@theathjr]

I ALWAYS GET EXCITED TO SEE A NEW DREW & BETHANY VIDEO !!

[@barbzaenglein5418]

We’ve actually driven by Zzyzx road in our travels and took pictures of the sign. Thanks for showing us what’s down there. BTW, those were American coots in the water. 😊 Love your posts and look forward to the next one.

[@seemajamuna1929]

Love the history, the exploration, the mystery but mostly the fun!!!

[@stellatuifao2]

Happy New Year 🎆🎊 Oddity Odysseys and thank you for new episode ❤

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you & Happy New Year to you!

[@Wolfspirit50]

Another really Awesome video!! Thank You Drew & Beth!!

[@robbyglenn4790]

Great job as usual!!!

[@mastermindmartialarts]

This is so cool. I attended UNLV and would drive the 15 all the time to visit family in California, I've seen this sign so many times, never knew there was something this cool out there.

[@imthenats]

Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@gwolfeman]

Great to see your back at it! Love your videos!👍👌

[@yawndave]

Hey Jane and John, thanks for the virtual visit to Zzyzx! (By the way, what does "Q" stand for? 🙂) Maybe someday when you're in the area you could check out the Mojave Megaphone...but I don't know if you could make it there in your car. Happy trails!

[@glennbellman1100]

Thanks for another adventure!

[@jewllake]

Happy New Years!

[@maryjanegreen7601]

I've noticed that road, and wondered about it. Now I know. Thanks.

[@vixstert.5642]

I have driven past that exit many, many times..... Have always wondered what was there and why it was there. Zzyzx Road... Never new it was pronounced that way... Always thought it was just a jumble of letters for a deserted desert road. Now, thanks to you, next time I'm in the area I'm going to take that exit off the 15 and go check it out!

[@zeusv9804]

like well deserved. great video showing us what's there and how it came to be. keep up the great work!

[@Patriot-American]

Glad to see another episode drop! What an interesting place and appreciate you all sharing this adventure with us. Wishing you both a Happy New 2023 and looking forward to many new adventures to come ...

[@peggycarlyle6409]

Excellent video. I remember that sign driving from texas to California. Great info!

[@DPImageCapturing]

“Cool” video B&D! You always have a RR reference in there for me, THX!! 😊

[@azmike3572]

For odd names of towns, there's also a Texas ghost town called "Welfare" in Kendall County.

[@matthewanderson6423]

Thank you!!!!! I had no idea all that even existed, I'm just blown away! I'll be making a stop on my next trip to Vegas

[@grant2584]

Great content as always, thanks and Happy New Year. 🇨🇦

[@OddityOdysseys]

Happy New Year!

[@ivanramirez4195]

Good to see you guys back 🎉

[@obgarcia6859]

Just stumbled upon your channel..Love it !! Keep up the great work !

[@OddityOdysseys]

Glad to have you! Hope you have a great rest of your weekend. :)

[@keith2059]

Hello Drew and Bethany, Again I feel SMARTER after watching your video! I feel as though, Drew and Bethany when ZZYZX road a long ago? I know there are songs, movies, and game about Zzyzx road. Hope you, your families, friends, and fans are having a Wonderful New Year! Take care and be safe!!

[@waderidsdale402]

Hey !!! Huell is back !!!

[@davjs1]

Thank you for the great video! I was always curious about this place.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Glad you enjoyed! :)

[@danchan5028]

always wondered about that sign. thanks for the info!

[@Horizon3165]

Thank you. This was an information worth while to know.

[@skinnygirl10]

That's cool you were able to walk around the area. Did you have to ask permission to walk around? We went there about a year ago and there were no trespassing sign. I wanted to walk around but we saw workers walking around so we didn't want to get into trouble. My bf and I love your videos. You both are such a great team. We love your videos it has excellent and thorough content. We are huge fan of your videos!

[@maindrianpace6898]

Your content is gold I truly enjoy your vids thanks.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Thanks for sharing this place😊

[@songsan807]

Thanks for this informative video. Drove to Vegas from LA three times the last 12 years and always wondered where that leads to. Now I got a good view. Thanks.

[@rhowell0317]

Thanks for sharing. You have cured my curiosity!

[@swaggersonchannel7255]

This is so cool!

[@ericwantsbbd]

Thank you! This was cool.

[@toma2667]

Quality video like always.

[@taterkaze9428]

Nicely done.

[@jimdordan1794]

Very cool video, thanks.

[@cyndykated358]

I would have never thought that road had all those stories! Thanks!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I have driven by that sign dozens of times over the years and always wondered about it. Thanks for the info.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Appreciate you checking out the episode!

[@leonstarrksantiago3507]

When I was a little boy . I remember Zzyzx being a question in Fox Kids . Thank you ☺️ for making this video .

[@edmain1137]

Great video, you pronounced the name correctly, which was a pleasant surprise. My father often told me the story of this place. Springer used to fly to L.A. every weekend for his radio church. As an trucker whose been by there hundreds of times thanks for showing me what was there.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you for checking out the video. Stay safe out there!

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Very interesting documentary. I've driven past this exit a few times, now I know what lies five miles away. Thank you !

[@artamutt5485]

ZZYZX (or maybe XYZZY?). In any case, it must be a real Adventure.

[@Bearfoot_boy]

I’ve always wondered. Thanks for showing me what’s down that road.

[@HungVu-vs3dv]

Thanks for this

[@heynowls3058]

Love the fun and happy travelers bit. Hah. Always saw this sign too. Never took the road.Thanks.

[@desmondorsinelli8850]

Very cool video; thank you

[@garyjones3142]

Make sure to Gas UP in Baker !

[@brandyhouston2105]

Thanks for making the video.

[@thatportlandguy8593]

Thanks for posting this. I've driven by that road multiple times and always went..."huh....interesting" .

[@james_baker]

It's also a great exit to use when you want to do stuff you wouldn't want your mom to know about. 😸miss you mom😻

[@JP1970]

Wow, I had no idea about any of that...thanks for the informative, fun video. 👽

[@travelmoto2619]

Great tour, some of the areas were restricted entry when I went there. There's also what seems like a grave yard of old cars close to it.

[@prinseteine6721]

I've passed this sighn/exit turn off so many times and my wife & l wondered what it was. Thank you so much for the info !