Exploring Amboy and Amboy Crater on Route 66 

I was working on the 29 Palms Marine Base in the area between the ridge line and Route 66 for about 25 days. This was in the late 80s and Buster still owned the town. The crew and I stayed at the old Motel in Amboy. Interesting experience in that there was no TV, Telephone, and the Shower pipes were midway down the wall, so you had to basically sit down to wash your neck and face. Also the walls did not go all the way down the floor, there was about an inch of space separating the floor and wall. You could buy breakfast and lunch at the Cafe, but if we wanted dinner we had to go into either Twenty-nine palms or Ludlow. Nowadays I look back on that experience as a highlight in my life experiences.

When I was stationed at 29 Palms in the Marines in the 80's I used to hangout there quite a bit. The area was still open to off roaders and I used to camp there off of my motorcycle just to get off base cheaply for the weekends and stargaze. I still have a teardrop shaped lava bomb I scarfed from there as a door stop out here in the AZ desert. I also found a 30 pound metallic meteorite a few miles west of the crater that I still have. When Buster still owned the town I used to stop at the café regularly. His wife made awesome burgers and lemonade plus Buster was a funny old coot to talk to. The guy who owned the Green Burrito chain bought the town in the 90's after Buster died, tried to renovate it and turn it into more of a tourist attraction but pretty much failed and it has went down hill since. I don't know if he still owns it or not. A few miles east there was another café near Essex that a retired Marine Corps Vietnam vet used to run. That guy was a character too. A little PSTD sketchy but he claimed to never sleep and ran his café 24/7. I used to stop by there on my way out or back in from leave heading to and from Indiana usually very late at night and he would still be open. Hot coffee, doughnuts and if you were really hungry he would cook up some vittles for you at 3:00 AM in the morning. He disappeared in the late 80's and the café is just ruins now.

1:18 Hi Steve I make neon signs, for about 40 years now. I am happy to see this classic neon sign renovated, I love the old motels, diners with their vintage neon signs!

I ate at Roy's Cafe in the 1950's. Dinner cost about $1.30. There were buildings across Rt 66 from Roy's but they burned down in the 1970's. In the 1960's, I bought gas, food, and ice there. You missed the church, school , old 66 alignment, and cemetery there.

2:47 - I was LUCKY enough to find the gas station open a few years ago while driving Route 66 towards Barstow, Problem was I noticed tank was low around Essex.....and going back to Needles was farther than Amboy so I guessed the station might be open. When I pulled up to the pump I had about 1/2 gallon left........Best $5.89/gallon gas I ever was able to buy!

You need a million subscribers dude. The videos are so nice to watch and you do a great job narrating through.

in 1965 & 66, I worked at the Leslie salt mines across the field form Amboy. Strip mining rock salt. Used to see the crater every day on my way to and from work. I lived in Twentynine Palms 50 miles away, over the mountains to the south.

Been reading your articles on southern California here on RU-vid for two-three months now. Todays about Amboy brings up memories first in the Marines, after Boot Camp, at 29 Palms base. In a training artillery battalion in 1954/55 we’d go out on exercises in that blasted desert - saw it snow one time. Anyway on night shoots we’d see the “lights of Amboy” off far in the distance. LA/Hollywood on the weekends sometimes. Heady stuff for a 17 yo kid from Fort Worth texas. Next up was Japan at Camp Fuji. 85 years, man can life be any better? Again thanks for your stories.

Be sure to hit Kelso Depot if you are in the area.

Went there in 1997 on a Geology class field trip. There weren't all those signs and rest areas then, just the trail. The trail is super easy. We also visited Kelso. Fascinating cinder cone and expansive views.

Decades ago now I was on a solo road trip from the Salton Sea area to Death Valley. I took the roads through Kelso and Amboy, it was a very beautiful and desolate drive! Amazing how many houses there are scattered around that remote part of the desert and now long abandoned. Thanks for this video!

What about the elephant in the room--THE RAILROAD! The Atlantic and Pacific RR built sidings and stations along its route from Needles to Mojave--all in alphabetical order and Amboy was one of them, named by A&P's Lewis Kingman in 1883, long before Route 66 was completed in 1926. It's now BNSF's main route between Chicago and California.

2018 I was there on a motorcycle, I went to the store, the post office, really enjoyed the place, and admired the people were there before us.

Last time I was out there was in 88, drove my Hummer off base to go see it, first time I drove to the crater was in 77 I was driving a M249 Mule with a 106mm rifle. Loved my time in the Corps but it takes a toll on you. Great video. 👍🇺🇸❤

I grew up in Southern Ca and lived all over the military bases in it til i left in 88.....thanks so much for making these videos....it brings back so many memories....graduated in 29 palms and used to go by Roys on our way to Vegas.

That Amboy Motel has a charm to it, I really hope it get's restored and put back into operation soon.

Went trough there when I was fifteen, from Garden Grove, Cal. to Bradenton, FL. In 1973 Picked up all hitch hikers, partied across America, did maetie gruea , the most memorable of trip was Ludlow to Needles, still go trough bout 3 times a year and take the old road all the way, they have it closed for flood damaged bridge repair, just prior to bridge there's a turn trough sand going into wash equipment uses for construction, I take it and roll on. Can't remember when, the cat that owns Juan Pollo restaurants in Orange County, Cal. (Real tasty I might add) bought the entire town of Amboy maybe 15 years ago. Like your broadcast, all the best to you.

Really enjoyed the video. Good narration too. I live on east coast in connecticut and may never get to see that so, you video was all i'll ever see of that crater. Getting to old to travel.

I was in a movie that filmed a scene in the diner!

Nice! My parents took us to California a couple of times via Route 66 in the 50s, staying in similar motels. Another ECV Brother says Satisfactory!

Roy's looks pretty good. They did a good job cleaning that up.

When I was in college back in the 1980s, we would stop at Roy’s Cafe as we were passing through on geology field trips. Back then, they had the best strawberry shakes available anywhere. Yes, for a price, but they were worth it.

Great video. Amboy is an interesting place. I'm a member of the Historical Society that erected the 2 monuments in front of the restaurant in Ludlow. The owner of Roy's owns Juan Pollo. ECV Thank you for sharing.

I remember reading in "Readers Digest" i think. The town could not pick up a TV signal. Some guys took an old box spring up to the peak of a nearby mountain. The springs reflected a TV signal from L.A. and they got TV coverage in Amboy. Albeit one channel.

Spent the day hiking to, in, and along the rim in late November about 5 years ago. Not a difficult hike (and I'm 76) but a very worthwhile time to enjoy to crater and what's left of the town of Amboy.

so amazing that place is still there. love the old americana things like roy's.

Steve, this is one of my favorite videos of yours. I love your narration, and you even provided some suspense. I love that you keep bringing these places to us. Thank you and keep it up!

This place reminds me of the little know movie Bagdad Cafe

My wife and I spent 4 weeks touring Route 66 back in 2012 and 13. Stopped by there in 2013. Excellent preservation. Everybody that is interested in road tripping and American History should spend some time on old 66.

I went to Amboy in 2017 and went into the school and took pictures of the actual hotel from the back. Definitely a cool place. I wish I was making videos back then. Maybe one day I will be back camera in hand.

So here I am at #4 in the Sidetrack Adventures way-back machine video count up from the very beginning to present day. Right before Covid hit with this video. When I bought my Tacoma in 2004 first thing I did was take the back way to the Bagdad Cafe and Route 66 from San Diego. Basically took the 78 to 86 to 62 and Amboy Rd. I remember passing the crater and kicking myself for not going in while passing through. So thanks for taking me in. I really like your drone footage, btw. So, like I said when I found you a couple days ago, I’m going back to the very beginning and watch your story and channel unfold. Being a SoCal native makes me appreciate your stomping grounds. Happy trails!

Bro I was hooked already but then at the end you show that you guys are Galaxy fans! Hell yeah! G’s up baby! From one G family to another! Thanks for the great content!

Loved the ending with your family waving.

Thank you for showing me this part of Route 66 - I am just mapping out where I want to go, what I want to see when I visit and do the historic route - and this is one piece of the route few have mentioned, and I have not found anyone else showing it as you have. A few show the nearby motel - but not the volcano - clearly some people do not walk far from their cars. This is one now on the list to do, see and enjoy, so thank you for sharing with us.

Thanks for going to places that I would never be able to see. The views look spectacular even on video but nothing like being able to see in person.

This was a very interesting video, both of the town and the nearby crater! I heard that Amboy Crater was the site of an obnoxious prank started by some high-school kids in the 1970's. It was said that these individuals put a huge pile of old tires in the middle of the crater and set them on fire, and drove back to town telling people that the crater was erupting.

I have a fire pit and place for flowers built out of Lava Rocks in my back yard from back in the 70's😎

I really enjoy your videos. I would love to come out west and explore some of the sites you've recorded. Both of my knees are in bad shape so that stops my from hiking and climbing until I get around to having both knees replaced. I have to say, I watch a lot of RU-vid videos and I think you do a great job. Keep up the good work and I'll keep going through your videos until I've seen them all!

that was such a cool ending, with the drone moving away with your, your wife, and son there!! Very nice! I've went through there in '19, but didn't know where the heck we were. We just stopped there, from Vegas, and then onto 29 Palms USMCB. No one said anything about where /why we stopped!

I just watched one of your older videos and when compared to your more recent videos, you’ve improved your narrative skills markedly. Good job and keep it up!

It's been years since I've been by there but it wasn't painted. This is fantastic that there's been some restoration.

I always wondered about this place. I was stationed at 29 Palms in the early 90's, and also did a few CAX out there and would look at the town through our binos. We would see lights going up the crater at night and was told this was a devil worshiping town by another Marine. No sure if it was true, but great story anyways. Thanks for bringing back good memories.

Lived out here for 12 years from the early 80s to the early 90s. Have a few crazy stories about this place.

Great stop between vegas and palm springs

The horse place is called Ingles Equestrian center. My husband and I used to board our horses in Norco. I've not been up there, but I've been on the hills close to pumpkin rock.

We drove through just a couple of weeks ago. Next time we will make sure and do the hike. Thank you!

That looks suspiciously like a '58 to '60 Lincoln in the Motel front. Dad bought a second hand one for Mom to drive around in Miami in the late sixties.

For all the times camping in the Mojave, I can't believe we never visited this cool place.

excellent tour guide.,....thanks again!

"get your kicks on Route 66" Anyone who grew up in the fifties heard that slogan.

Thanks for doing these videos.

A wonderful and informative video of the California desert. I am happy you did not photograph your face via the narration or use you fingers to point. Your narration painted a wonderful image of Amboy. The major fault of youtube travel videos is the maker is more intent seeing their face and hands on the flat screen rather than the view. Thank you

Many years ago, as a teenager, I hiked around near the volcano, and enjoyed seeing the creatures a vegetation. I remember seeing Chuckwallas and one Sidewinder that was apparently so hot that he didn't move even when I lifted him up with a little twig. There were a few birds like Road Runners.

woow. this time i saw your family . pay my regards to them . btw california has so much to explore and visit . thats why i love california more than any state else . 2nd favourite state is texas and 3rd is florida .❤

Beautiful walk and explore!

Thank you for taking us on exploration of this awesome place! Great job

I used to work right down the Street in Essex.....it's WEST of Essex .......

Around 1965 i worked for a co. that mined the lava rock from the base of the volcano. And yes in the summer it was very hot. The lava was crushed up for the railroad to be placed under the tracks to support the ties and rails.

thanks for taking that walk out to the crater. I was exhausted just from watching you do all that walking 😸

I've watched and enjoyed several of your videos. I pass through Amboy about once a month on my way to Kingman.

Was up there 12 years ago. Saw a really huge lizard on the rim. It didnt seem to be afraid of anything. The thing just stared streight back at me as I looked at it. Lots of smaller ones up there too.

More great stuff. Just spectacular.

I have heard of these places but I like you visit them so I get more detail to go to them. I love all your adventures off of rt 66 and what to see unusual along the way

So hard to believe that Roy's was once a 24-hour operation back in the day. I was there about 12 years ago and still have my Roy's fridge magnet on the door.

That looks interesting. I'm a Geology freak & also interested in Route 66 as my family drove from Kentucky to California on it in the 60s when it was intact. BTW several years ago a friend & I drove north & east I think out of Redding into the mountains. We passed an active volcano 🌋 that you could hike to from a roadside parking area. I don't remember the name but I want to go back & hike to the volcano. I'm sure it's very interesting. I loved the paint pots in Yellowstone & am sure I would like to see a volcano up close. 👍☮️🌞🌟🌋🚗🗺️

Years ago while on a photographic work shop at the Kelso dunes after a couple days we drove to Amboy for a break. A burger and a malt tasted very good after camping in the desert. We had seen a plane landing on an adjacent road to the dunes and told a CHP officer about it, Turns out he reported it and they busted a drub dealer dropping off his goods in the desert. You run into curious things in the desert. Personally, I always had a gun with me. It's a long wait for 911 call in the desert in case you see something that someone doesnt want you to see..

I've been through Amboy I don't know how many times. I lived north of Goffs when the Amboy school was still operating. My brothers and I rode the school bus - it ran from Amboy to Needles, and we caught it at the Mountain Springs exit on I-40, 16 miles from the house.

Great video to watch if you're planning a trip out to Amboy, thanks! Glad you took your family out adventuring, but not on a crazy dangerous adventure!

The church at Amboy is pretty interesting, too. They had been refurbishing it in recent years.

I have been watching your videos for a while now. I think you do a really good job. Thank you for doing all the work to create them, and please keep it up!

I was raised in Palm Springs, with family in Henderson during the 70s. That was our shortcut to family. We passed through Amboy numerous times. The town was always abandoned with signs "For Sale". My brother and I would pass the travel time, imagining what we would do if we owned an entire town. Do an episode on Goffs.

That was awesome! Glad I found your channel :-)

Steve...I've just had a ball watching this Vid and reading all 192 comments. Of course, when I was there with my Corvette group 15 years ago, I didnt have the time to do the walk to the crater. Now, because of your efforts, I have!

Amboy looks like the setting for an Edward Hopper painting.

Out on the West Mesa in Albuquerque NM you used to be able to collect Lava Rocks. Now it's against the Law to do so, that Law passed in the late 70's. My dad built a small Creek in our front yard because of the run off. It was cool with flowers growing along it.😎

Thank you. I’ve riven by this numerous times. I’ll have to hike it on the next trip.

That's another great video Steve, thank you. What a view from the top. David

I went to Amboy Crater in 1997 or so when you were still able to drive all the way to the base, which was much preferred over this hike in the summer.

Went there today as I saw this. Had a great time

did the amboy crater hike in the night was pretty cool used offline maps alltrails its open 24hrs

We did rock collecting and hiking in the area in winter. We also sort of found the famous Bagdad cafe down the road. It was also called " the land of 2 suns" because of the scorching summer heat.

In the sixtys I remember traveling old 66 hippies would write their names and sayings and peace signs with rock's on the side of the road.

Love your videos!!! Great history and you feel like you are actually there!!!

Part of the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth was filmed on this volcano. The OG version. In the beginning where they are climbing the side.

Did you ever cover Essex, the town that Johnny Carson made famous by recording an episode of his show in "The Town Without Television". My memory, from 1972. Step into the public phone booth, the sign on the phone, "Turn Crank For Operator". A dozen phones in town, all on one party line. I-40 was under construction, which was why I was there. The contractor had three 70ft truck scales for weighing fill material for the road bed. As they advanced, the rear scale would be leap-frogged to the front. The new setup had to be checked by San Bernardino County Department of Weights and Measures, early morning, before the wind got up. I was the scale technician, just in case any adjustment was needed. Overnight in Needles, be on the job site when the test truck arrived. "It's OK." Drive to Essex, call the shop in Colton, "All done. I'll be in tomorrow morning." (I was on salary, hours didn't matter. Over the years, the company got their moneys worth.) Did stop at Roy's several times, for something cold and wet. One occasion, the "patio style" thermometer under the awning showed 128°F. Ouch.

As a rock hound it looks like this would be a cool place to visit. Too bad the people that print the sign at the first rest stop don’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re”.

Thanks for sharing another adventure

We used to go through Amboy all the time going to the Colorado river. I remember in the early 80s after Mount Saint Helen irrupt somebody put a little wooden sign near the crater that said Mount Saint Amboy.

Excellent.

I came back to this video to review it and as I though several murals had been painted over that had been there for years. Lucky enough I did photograph them, if you wish to have copies of them we could make some type of arrangement.

I enjoyed your presentation.

Hit the cinders outside of Flagstaff AZ, and run your dune buggy up the cinder hills

that was interesting. good job.

Do a trip out to the Alabama hills in Inyo county and lone pine. Do a trip to Corriganville movie ranch or William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy.

Thr Roy's sign took me right back to an old Qwest commercial. Guy checks in to Roy's and desk person tells him: "We have every movie ever made, in every language, any time, day or night..." Something like that. Weird after all these years.

I just have to visit that crater! Thanks for the great video.

Great video.

Amboy Crater is just the newest eruption of a mantel hotspot. similar to the Hawaiian Islands and Yellowstone. The older part of this chain of volcanos are in Death Valley. There was a movie about a volcano erupting in LA, which is millions of years before its time but does have a plausible aspect to it. I did not see if you got to the Kelso Dune in the Mojave yet,. If not that is a must hear. The sand dune hums or booms as you sand surf down it.

I've been through there more than once.

Hi Sidetracked Adventures - I grew up in Amboy from 1952 - 1960 and then moved to Cadiz from 1960 - 1963 went to Amboy school and eventually moved to San Bernardino, if you need any additional info let me know.