Gateway to California on Route 66—Needles, CA
In the 1930s and 1940s, Dust Bowl refugees rumbled across the country on Route 66 toward a better life in California. Crossing the Colorado River marked their entry to the state of their dreams, and Needles was the first Californian city they arrived at.
Ever since its founding in 1883, Needles has been a transport hub. What began as a tent town for railroad construction crews turned into a major railroad stop, and Needles was also the largest port north of Yuma, AZ, on the Colorado River.
At this point in history, Needles gained one of its most significant buildings. The Fred Harvey company built the neoclassical El Garces hotel to cater to travelers arriving by train. The restored hotel stands to this day and is free to visit, although you can’t stay overnight there anymore.
However, Needles really came to its own when the Mother Road was born. Motels, garages, bars, and more popped up to serve the incoming masses, first those escaping the Dust Bowl and then motorists roaring through Route 66 just for the heck of it.
Today, the city remains a significant stop along the decommissioned highway across America. Needles has preserved a lot of its past, while also embracing its rugged and gorgeous surroundings to fashion itself as an outdoors tourism center.
You can explore some of that past in the Needles Regional Museum. Its displays and exhibits cover the breadth of local history, from Mojave Indian handicrafts to the Santa Fe Railroad, El Garces Hotel, and Route 66.
Just like so many other Route 66 towns, Needles boasts murals that commemorate its history. The prime piece of wall art is right by the Needles Regional Museum, so check it out when you visit. In addition to a Santa Fe train, a R66 shield, and the Star-spangled Banner, it features Spike—Snoopy’s Needles-dwelling (and a bit loopy) brother from Peanuts.
While at the museum, you should also go get a photo at the nearby Route 66 Monument. Another old Mother Road relic is Carty’s Camp, a derelict campground near the 66 Motel that was briefly featured in the 1940 film rendition of The Grapes of Wrath.
Motoring out of town on the old alignment of Route 66, you’ll hit Goff, where you’ll find the Goffs Schoolhouse Museum. Farther down the road, on what is now the National Trails Hwy, you’ll find another Route 66 monument with informational plaques and the Guardian Lions of Route 66, a pair of Chinese-style lions off the road.
If you’d like to explore local Native American history, head south out of Needles to see the Topock Maze, a place that was once a purification site for native warriors, and the Hum-Me-Chomp petroglyphs.
You also shouldn’t miss out on a visit to the Topock Gorge, a gorgeous (pun intended) canyon area of the Colorado River. From there, you can also spot The Needles, a striking group of rock pinnacles that gave Needles its name.
Other outdoor adventures in the area await in the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses Topock Gorge and has excellent fishing opportunities. You can also explore the dry beauty of the Mojave National Preserve right from your saddle.
If you’re up for venturing farther, you can visit the Amboy Crater to see striking natural formations and Lake Havasu City for some resort fun. That is, if you can resist Route 66’s call for that long.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Needles Regional Museum
- El Garces Hotel
- Route 66 Monument
- Hum-Me-Chomp Petroglyphs
- Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Nearby Roads
Following Route 66’s alignment through Needles is straightforward, as the entire section is signed CR 66. The stretch begins at the intersection of I-40 and Broadway St in the south, from which it continues up to Needles Hwy. Hang a left, follow Needles Hwy until the National Trails Hwy branches off it to the left, and ride until you hit Park Rd.
Speaking of Needles Hwy (not to be confused with a similarly named route in South Dakota), it takes you on a leisurely desert ride to Nevada. Motor up to the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area for some pretty views of the Colorado River.
For a unique (if brief) desert scene, head back east across Colorado into Arizona and head south on US 93. Between the ghost town of Nothing and SR 71, you’ll find the Joshua Tree Scenic Byway, where the funky-looking titular trees dot the roadside.
Off-road riders should head to the Mojave Road OHV Trail to rip through the desert. However, this route can be closed and/or restricted, so check the conditions beforehand.
Recommended Lodging: Rio del Sol Inn
The Rio del Sol Inn is located on the Route 66 alignment in Needles. This motel offers a comfortable stay in Needles with easy access to everything the city and its surroundings have to offer.
The motel isn’t fancy, but you’ll find everything you need for a memorable stay in Needles. The rooms are big enough to spread your gear around, everything is clean, you can leave your bike right by your front door, and the price is right.
There’s no on-site dining, but the Wagon Wheel Restaurant on the other side of Route 66 will stuff your stomach after the day’s ride.
Food & Dining
The Wagon Wheel Restaurant on old Route 66 serves all-American breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. Whether you’re starting or ending your riding day, these comfort food classics will leave you satisfied. Find it at 2420 Needles Hwy, Needles, CA.
For a taste of California’s Latino heritage, pop over to Munchy’s. This tiny local hole-in-the-wall knows how to make Mexican food right, whether it’s tacos, burritos, or flautas. Remember to bring cash, though, as they don’t take cards! Find it at 829 Front St, Needles, CA.
The Colorado River is beautiful, and the Riverfront Cafe north of Needles lets you enjoy a meal while admiring the waterway. The menu features tasty pizzas and classic sandwiches. Find it at 3520 Needles Hwy, Needles, CA.
Best Time to Travel
Although the river is right there, Needles is a desert location, and so summertime temperatures can reach highs that I can only describe as “hellish.” It’s best to ride through here in the spring or fall when the air is still warm but not as scorching. Winter riding is an option, too. The North American monsoon hits this area between June and September, and can dump extreme amounts of water in a very short window.