Cajon Pass Crossing, Route 66 by RV Rental
Victorville is at the halfway point between Barstow and San Bernardino on Route 66. It nestles within a valley on the edge of the Mojave Desert. The Cajon Pass crossing on Route 66 is south of Victorville some 39 kms from San Bernardino. From there we plan to continue on to Santa Monica. We collect our motorhome or RV rental after landing at South California Logistics Airport, book in at a local campsite, and head for Victorville to see what we can find.
Cajon Pass Crossing on Route 66 by Motorhome or RV Rental
Restoration of Old Town, Victorville
We discover the local people are in the process of revitalizing ten city blocks along the historic Route 66. They have taken down a number of dilapidated buildings, but are working through the rest. The town is still taking strain from the closure of the old George Air Force Base that became the local airport. A large ‘aircraft boneyard’ remains. We stop nearby to enjoy the view while we brew a fresh pot of coffee in our comfortable rental campervan.
The adjacent town of Spring Valley Lake continues to be an attraction, being a large body of water feeding from the Mojave River on the edge of the desert. The Old Sheriff’s Office is worth a look, and the Victorville Film Centre, where they made ‘It Came from Outer Space’ and ‘From Dusk Until Dawn’.
Up and Over the Mighty Cajon Pass to San Bernardino
The Cajon Pass crossing on Route 66 rises to an elevation of 3,777 feet about two-thirds of the way on our journey the next day. The San Andreas Fault created it in the heart of the Mojave Desert, and it produced challenges for pioneers, railroad builders, and the highways that followed. Mormon settlers opened the route in 1851 on the way to establish Salt Lake City.
The steam loco-hauled excursion train is a delight for tourists, children, and railway buffs alike. A modern freeway replaced the old road in 1969. There are diversions affording great photos of trains challenging the slopes; then proceeding gingerly down on their brakes on the far side.
We arrive in San Bernardino several hours later, after making numerous delightful stops in safe places on the way from Victorville in our rental camper van. We experience San Bernardino as a pleasant city set against the mountain. Having been up there ourselves earlier in the day makes the moment extra special for us.