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.

In the late 80's early 90's I stopped there with my mom and sister. We ate at Roy's, and I noticed a picture of Dick Dale (King of the Surf Guitars) on the wall. It might have been autographed. My sister later claimed Dick Dale was the guy behind the counter. He did live at 29 palms and had a Cessna so could have landed at the old airport. Possible he was the guy and hung out there. Also remember reading a news article one of the times Amboy was for sale . One of the features listed in the deal was the "international" airport.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Great video invaluable service to people who are not mobile and want to view America it's really awesome that you took the time to share thank you

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.

Stopped by Amboy for the umpteenth time in Dec 20. Had a nice visit and was permitted to turn on the lights for the Hotel and Cafe' sign. My first visit was as a child and then I took my son through there on a re-bonding trip in 2007. Climbed the hills to the Northeast and then hiked the Amboy crater. What a wonderful trip and I've been back several times with friends from around the country as well as from Europe. Always a fun time revisiting and seeing the steady improvements. Some day they may actually be able to reopen food service and, with a lot of luck, the hotel on a small scale.

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

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

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

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 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.

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 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.

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.

This place reminds me of the little know movie Bagdad Cafe

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!

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.

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.

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.

Back in the day...Amboy was a pit stop on the way to Laughlin or Vegas. Last time I was through Amboy there were For Sale signs on each end of town (more than a couple of decades ago).

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

Glad to subscribe, very easy listening and viewing. I enjoyed the last few videos I’ve seen so time to commit!

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!

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!

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😎

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.

1970 We were hitchhiking and got ride with older guy who lived in the old train depot nearer to the highway 66 and right near the volcano. We hiked to the top just in time to see the sunset and stayed at the depot overnight. He told us they had filmed Journey to the center of the Earth there. Back then Barstow had two exits on the freeway. One on each end of town.

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

Thanks for doing these videos.

Passed by there years ago on the return from a California vacation. My daughters needed to use the restroom at the visitor area. I wanted to hike to the crater, but we encountered a guy who just came back from the hike and he was in a very bad way. He was red-faced and could barely talk but said he gave up half way there because of the heat (It was over 100 degrees). So we decided not to risk it. I always wanted to go back at a cooler time, but we never did.

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!

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

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

It was enjoyable... but what I enjoyed most I how you have progressed in your presentations .... thanks again for all your do to promote these out of the way places

More great stuff. Just spectacular.

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!

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

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

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.

thanks for the trip. I enjoyed that thoroughly

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.

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

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

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

Thanks for sharing another adventure

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 stop between vegas and palm springs

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

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

Beautiful walk and explore!

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.

Thank you! Great video!

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

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.

There's some stories on that road that's for sure! Rt. 66.

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”.

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

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.

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.

Very interesting and thanks for sharing! Well done!

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

Great side trip. Easy hike except if you want the rim. That pushes medium effort as does the crater. This not the only extinct volcano in the area. There is another about 400 yards from my house in 29 Palms.

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. 👍☮️🌞🌟🌋🚗🗺️

Thanks for sharing 👍

Excellent vid. TY

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.

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.

I enjoyed your presentation.

that was interesting. good job.

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.

Excellent.

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.😎

Great video.

There'd need to be man made shade or paramedics would be regularly going out there! Not a hike for me! Looks interesting, though, and I'm pleased to have gone along with you. Thank you.

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

Hello from Kansas 🇺🇸

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.