CA. State Route 247

  

click photo to enlarge		 While volunteering at the Route 66 Museum in Barstow we occasionally get people on their way to Palm Springs. I have been know to tell them to take State Route 247 instead of the freeways to avoid the traffic. It is actually a few miles shorter and according to Google Maps a few minutes shorter. Since I have never been on this stretch of road and it goes though some pretty desolate areas I decided I needed to drive it myself. We stopped at a few places in Barstow before heading off on the journey.

click photo to enlarge		 Of course our mascot alien L'ill Umberto loves desert adventures and went along with us. We stopped at the Slash X Ranch Cafe. This is in the Stoddard Valley Off Road Area and is mostly frequented by people out riding all kinds of off road vehicles on weekends and in particular on holiday weekends. There are long stretches of Highway 247 that have no services but usually no more than 30 to 40 miles. It was a very scenic route and traffic is very light. We decided this is a good alternative to send people on their way from Barstow to Joshua Tree or Palm Springs. But we will make sure to let them know have a full tank and water with you.

click photo to enlarge