Old Trails Bridge, Through arch bridge across Colorado River between San Bernardino County, California and Mohave County, United States.
Old Trails Bridge is a steel arch bridge spanning the Colorado River between California and Arizona, with a central curved section forming its main structural element. The structure combines multiple steel framework components that work together to carry traffic across the river.
Old Trails Bridge was built in 1915–1916 as a brace-ribbed through arch bridge carrying the former U.S. Route 66 across the Colorado River. It served as a highway bridge until 1947, when the Red Rock Bridge was modified for highway use. The Old Trails Bridge was later converted to a pipeline bridge and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 30, 1988.
The bridge gained fame as a backdrop in classic American films that captured stories of families traveling westward during hard times. Its appearance in these movies made it a recognizable symbol of that era's journey and struggle.
The bridge is best viewed from Interstate 40, particularly near the Park Moabi exit, which serves as the final California exit when heading eastbound. The viewing area is accessible directly from the main highway without requiring special detours.
The bridge appears in two road films: it is the crossing in The Grapes of Wrath and also appears in Easy Rider. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 30, 1988, and after 1947 it was converted to carry a pipeline rather than traffic.
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