Journey Through Old Highway 80 in Southern California

TLDRJoin us as we travel Old Highway 80 through California's UA desert and explore its abandoned and forgotten towns, bridges, and landmarks.

Key insights

⛰️Old Highway 80 was one of America's first all-weather Coast to Coast Highways and played a significant role in connecting the east and west coasts.

🚗Despite being bypassed by Interstate 8, much of the Old Highway 80 is still drivable and offers a glimpse into the region's history and abandoned towns.

🏞️The drive along Old Highway 80 takes us through scenic desert landscapes, including the New River and the iconic Superstition Mountain.

🛣️The Old Highway 80 showcases the architectural and engineering marvels of its time, such as wooden bridges and historic landmarks.

🤠Exploring the forgotten towns along Old Highway 80 gives us a glimpse into the rich history and pioneering spirit of Southern California.

Q&A

What was the significance of Old Highway 80?

Old Highway 80 was one of America's first all-weather Coast to Coast Highways, connecting the east and west coasts.

Are there any abandoned towns along Old Highway 80?

Yes, Old Highway 80 passes through several abandoned and forgotten towns that were once thriving communities.

What are some notable landmarks along Old Highway 80?

Some notable landmarks along Old Highway 80 include the New River, Superstition Mountain, and historic bridges.

Is Old Highway 80 still drivable?

Much of Old Highway 80 is still drivable, offering a unique opportunity to explore the region's history and scenic landscapes.

What can we learn from the forgotten towns along Old Highway 80?

Exploring the forgotten towns along Old Highway 80 provides insights into the rich history and pioneering spirit of Southern California.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the journey through Old Highway 80 in Southern California.

02:51Starting the drive in Holtville, one of the oldest towns in the area.

06:26Exploring Cel, a small town with a rich history in the Imperial Valley.

09:43Reaching Dixie Land, a town known for its cotton farming history.

12:43Witnessing the artificial lakes of Imperial Lakes in the middle of the desert.

14:58Driving through Plaster City, a gypsum processing plant that dates back to the 1920s.

15:11Encountering an old wooden bridge on the Old Highway 80 that has been preserved for over 80 years.

16:24Observing the reasons behind the bridge being out and driving around it.