Amboy, Abandoned railroad settlement on Route 66 in Mojave Desert, California.
Description
Amboy is an abandoned settlement scattered across the flat Mojave Desert landscape with low-lying structures and vacant spaces. The Granite Mountains rise to the north while the Amboy Crater sits visible to the west.
History
Lewis Kingman established this railroad settlement in 1883 as a key stopping point for travelers. It flourished during the Route 66 era before declining in the early 1970s.
Culture
Roy's Motel and Café showcase mid-century design and reflect the era when Route 66 was a main travel route through the desert. The buildings stand as reminders of when travelers regularly stopped at such wayside establishments.
Practical
Roy's gas station operates throughout the day and provides fuel and basic supplies for travelers. The location on Route 66 makes it a useful stopping point between larger towns across the desert.
Did you know?
The entire town was once listed for sale on eBay before being purchased by Albert Okura for restoration. This unusual auction made the place a curiosity in online marketplace history.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (San Bernardino County).
The United States have hundreds of abandoned towns. This selection includes 100 of these places where time seems to stand still. Most grew rich in the 19th century through gold or silver finds. They attracted miners, traders, and whole families. When the veins were empty, people left. They left...
Mojave National Preserve
36.4 km
Amboy Crater
4.5 km
Kelso Dunes
39.3 km
Mitchell Caverns
47.7 km
Mojave Trails National Monument
20.8 km
Old Woman meteorite
47.5 km
Old Woman Mountains Wilderness
51.6 km
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
48.6 kmCleghorn Lakes Wilderness
34.1 kmCadiz Dunes Wilderness
38.7 km
Clipper Mountain Wilderness
36.1 km
Bristol Mountains
43.2 km
Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center
55 kmFountain Peak
47.3 kmBull Canyon
34 kmScenic viewpoint
3.3 kmGuardian Lion - West
6.6 kmFigura Buddha
131 m29 Palms Art Gallery
55 kmGuardian Lions - East
7.1 kmScenic viewpoint
47.9 kmScenic viewpoint
47.9 kmTrail to dunes
39.3 kmScenic viewpoint
48.1 kmScenic viewpoint
47.9 kmJoshua Tree National Park
9.4 kmBoulders Viewpoint Area
30 km
Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark
3.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes