Exploring the Historic Road That Preceded Route 66

🛣️The road we will be exploring existed long before Route 66 and was originally a wagon toll road named the Brown Toll Road.

🚗In 1914, the road was improved and paved, and later became known as the National Old Trails Highway.

🔁When Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, it bypassed this segment of road, but people continued to use it as a shortcut.

🏢The road was also shared with another road called the Arrowhead Trail, and it was once home to a popular landmark named Camp Cajon.

🌉The journey ends with an overview of the historic wagon road and a hiking trail that leads to Crowder Canyon.

What was the original name of the road we will be exploring?

—The original name of the road was the Brown Toll Road, and it was established in 1861.

Why did Route 66 bypass this segment of road?

—Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, and it followed a different path that bypassed this segment of road.

What other road shared the same route as the one we will be exploring?

—The road also shared its route with the Arrowhead Trail, which was a popular road from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Los Angeles.

What landmarks can be found along the road?

—Along the road, you can find the site of the Summit Inn, an old restaurant and garage, as well as the remains of Camp Cajon.

Are there any hiking opportunities along the road?

—Yes, there is a hiking trail that leads to Crowder Canyon, and it is also part of the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans Mexico to Canada.

00:00Let's go back to 1914 and explore a segment of road that was a precursor to Route 66.

06:42We reach an overlook of the Cajon Pass, where you can see the path of the road and the railroad.

09:08We pass through a road cut that was made when the original Brown Toll Road was built.

09:48We cross several railroad tracks owned by Union Pacific and BNSF, some of which date back to the late 1800s.

11:30We reach the intersection with Highway 138 and continue downhill on the new alignment.

13:30We pass by the site of the old Summit Inn, which was a popular stop on Route 66.

14:28We turn onto the original alignment of Route 66, which is now a two-lane road.

16:18We reach the end of our trip at a monument that commemorates the historical wagon road.