The Tour Map has been sized to print as a
"landscape" oriented image on an 8 1/2 x 11 page.
Total mileage = 45
Approximate driving only time = 2 hrs.
Accessible by passenger car.
[Lat.] [Long.] accuracy within 100 ft.
Legend:
(D) = Drive by slowly.
(W) = Walk around.
(H) = Hike (short)
1. Starting point: (W) Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce
Information Center
Mile: 0 [34-49.61N] [116-41.24W]
At the Auto Parts Oasis. Pick up brochures, a Newberry Springs Map (small charge), a
copy of "A Short History of Newberry Springs."
Leave your car parked and walk next door.
2. Newberry Market (W)
In the 1930's this was known as "The Cliff House" It sported a gas station -
cafe - cabins for rent - general store - post office - public swimming pool - flag stop
for both Greyhound and Continental Trailways bus lines - and the location of the only
telephone in the community until the mid 1950's. The phone was an old wooden box with a
crank on the side to ring the bell. It had a mouth piece in the front and the separate ear
piece hung from cradle. Newberry was one long and one short ring. The Cliff House was a
welcome shady rest stop for travelers along Route 66.
If they aren't real busy, you may be able to talk the owners into showing you their old
photos of the place in its heyday in 1939, when the swimming pool first opened.
Walk around the East side of the building and a short way up the drive. Look ahead and
up to the right. On the side of the hill you will see one of the remaining stone water
tanks used to service the facility prior to pressure tanks and submersible pumps.
Load up on munchies and beverages for the rest of the tour. Set your trip odometer to
zero, then head East (right) on National Trails Hwy. ( Historic Route 66.)
3. Newberry Springs: (W) & (H)
Mile: 0.5 [34-49.52N][116-40.64W]
Just after you get through the road cut in the mountain, pull far over to the right
shoulder of the road and stop. (W) Get out of the car and walk across the road (North).
The old cottonwood tree stump on the N.E. corner of the little hill marks the approximate
location of the original springs. If you look out N., E, & S. from this spot. The
clumps of large green that you see are Screw Bean Mesquite and they mark the area that
used to be a marsh. In the 1920's it was covered with water much of the year. In the
1930's and 40's it was wet in the winter and covered with mesquite, tulles, salt grass and
wild grapes.
The narrow area between the marsh and the Eastern slopes of the Newberry Mountains.
protected from the prevailing west winds, shady, good water, fire wood, lots of game, an
ideal camping area.
This area was used extensively by the Indians. (H) For evidence of this, take a short
hike (provided you don't have leather soled shoes) up the Indian trail on the E.N.E.
corner of the hill. When you reach the top, take a look over the south edge of the hill.
That narrow winding road that you see leading to the S.S.E. along the base of the Newberry
Mountains is what was once the old original Hwy. 66 . It was originally built here to
avoid the marsh and the southern tip of Troy dry lake further east. Back at the top of the
hill, continue over the crest towards the W.S.W., then bare to the right. There are Indian
writings on the West facing rocks about 20 ft. below the top of the hill. As you retrace
the path back down to the springs, watch on your right about half way down the trail. You
will see an Indian grinding hole with many flint chips around. Just look and take pictures
only. Notice the small, smoke darkened, rock, shelter areas to the West and South of the
grinding hole. Back at the springs, take a walk to the East and notice all of the broken
dishes, tin cans, car parts, etc. This is evidence of the travelers of yesteryear.
Trappers, traders, Indian slave runners, horse and cattle rustlers, refugees of the dust
bowl, gypsy's, etc. You can still see the remnants of Cattail reeds, tulles and other
evidence of the marsh that existed here before the water table dropped in the area due
earthquakes and overdraft by man.
Walking back to your car, notice the light grey-green bushes that are predominant at
the base of the hill to your right. This is Desert Holly. It has small red berries on it
at Christmas time. It flourishes in high alkaline soil. The alkali and other borate's that
is in the little moisture that this plant uses, is deposited by the plant on its leaves
that turn them from their true light green to white. This white color reflects much of the
heat from the desert sun, allowing this plant to survive in this harsh environment.
Continue driving east on National Trails Hwy.
To your right is Ecko Ranch which was once the location of an artesian water source
that fed ponds of water lilies. It has now become a pistachio orchard.
The canyons that you see to your right on the N.E. sides of the mauve colored Newberry
mountains are riddled with many caves used by early man 20,000+ years ago. Newberry Cave
and Schuilling Cave are two such archaeological sites.
It is interesting to note that these mountains are the home of Desert Big Horn Sheep,
Chuckar Partridge and a species of mauve colored rattlesnake unique to this area.
Right turn (South) onto Newberry Rd. Mile 1.4 [34-49.40N] [116-39.77W]
4. On the right, you will come to the Newberry Community Center building. (D) or
(W)
Mile: 2.0 [34-48.87N][116-39.78W]
This building, built in 1957 by the citizens of Newberry, is used for the many
community meetings and events throughout the year. It also houses the office of our
Community Service District (CSD) that is our local governing body for our Fire Dept.,
Parks & Recreation, and Street lighting. Yes, Newberry Springs can boast that it has a
total of 8 street lights.
5. Adjacent and to the South of the Community Center is the Newberry Springs park
and ball field. (D) or (W) This is the location of the biggest event of the year.
People come from many miles each year to join us in the celebration of Independence Day.
The festivities begin with a parade down National Trails Hwy. Followed by games and events
throughout the day. At dusk, a giant fireworks display with the noise echoing off of the
adjacent mountains is truly something you will never forget.
If you need a potty stop, the rest rooms in the park are open.
Turn around "U" turn and head back North on Newberry Rd.
Turn right (East) onto National Trails Hwy. Mile : 2.6
As you drive on National Trails Hwy. Note that most of the businesses are on the North
side of the highway. This was true when it was Rt. 66 also. The raised highway acted as a
barrier to the flash floods originating in the grey/brown Rodman mountains to the south.
Turn right (South) at Ft. Cady Rd. Mile: 5.7 [34-48.80N] [116-36.59W]
Make a U turn just past the Newberry Gun Club road on your left and stop your car.
6.Buffalo Ranch -
Mile: 6.6 [34-47.99N] [116-36.60W]
Look along the South fence line to your East and you may see some buffalo (Bison) (D) .
This is the one remaining private herd of these animals in Newberry Springs. This ranch
and the surrounding small ranches were once called Bodineville (D) by the locals. It was
originally settled as a homestead by Mom and Pop Bodine. Every time they would marry off
one of their daughters, they would provide the newlyweds with an adjoining parcel of land
to build on. Thus Bodineville was developed.
After WWII, until the late 1950's, Pop Bodine held monthly square dances for the
community, on his patio in the summer, in the barn during the colder months.
Continue North on Ft. Cady Rd.
7. As you reach National Trails Hwy., look East. This stretch of Rt. 66 is often
used by movie companies and TV commercial makers for their Deserted Desert Highway (D)
location sequences.
Note: If you need a potty stop, snacks, gas, diesel fuel or ice cream parlor, continue
straight ahead on Ft. Cady. WESCO truck stop is just North of the I-40 freeway overpass.
Turn left (West) on to National Trails Hwy. Mile:7.5 [34-48.80N] [116-36.59W]
This stretch of National Trails Hwy. was once the business district of Newberry. Many
of the buildings on the right that once served travelers on Rt. 66, have now been
converted to homes.
8. Dry Creek Station (D) or (W)
Mile: 9.3 [34-49.10N][116-38.41W]
This run down
gas station was once a Whiting Brothers service station. Believe it or not, it is getting
about as much action these days as a photo opportunity for foreign tourists and film
companies as it did in the early 1950's when it was going strong.
Continue West on National Trails Hwy.
9. The Bagdad Cafe (W)
Mile: 9.4 [34-49.17N][116-38.61W]
This Cafe may look familiar to you. It was the site of the film "The Bagdad
Cafe." It's "small cafe on a lonely highway" look makes it a popular
location site for short films and TV commercials both foreign and domestic. Stop and go
inside for a meal or refreshments. One wall of the back room is devoted to snap shots and
posters of the many such films and commercials.
Turn right (North) on to Newberry Road. Mile: 10.6 [34-49.38N] [116-39.77W]
Turn right (East) on to Fairview Rd. Mile: 11.5 [34-50.21N] [116-39.79W]
10. Sod farm (D)
Mile: 13.1 [34-49.95N] [116-38.06W]
On your right you will see one of our many sod farms. Grass is planted on very level
fields covered with a plastic mesh netting. The grass grows through the netting . The
grass is then cut in squares, placed on pallets and shipped to nurseries for sale as
instant lawns. Fesgue is the variety of grass grown here.
Continuing East on Fairview the pavement ends. CAUTION: Take it slow on the dirt road
and drive around the chuck holes.
11. Horton Water Ski School (D) (on your left)
Mile: 14.0 [34-50.16N] [116-37.12W]
I know, you think the sign is a joke, but it isn't. This is one of the major water ski
schools in the world. People come here from all over the world to learn to water ski and
hone their skills in slaloms and jumps for competition in world class events. Like all
lakes in Newberry Springs, it is man made and filled by water pumped from wells. The water
table varies seasonally, but averages about 55 ft. below the surface at the valley floor.
Turn around at Fort Cady Rd. Mile: 14.5 [34-50.18N] [116-36.63W]
13. Raptor Lookouts. (D)
Mile:16.5 [34-50.22N] [116-38.71W]
On the NW corner of this is an alfalfa field. On the south and east sides of the field
you will see tall poles with platforms built on top. These have been erected for the
convenience of hawks and owls to assist them in controlling the rodent population in the
field.
From north bound Harvard, turn right (East) onto Silver Valley Rd. Mile: 18.5
[34-51.92N] [116-38.69W]
14. Site of the invention of the sprinkler system on wheels.
(D) Mile:19.8 [34-51.93N] 116-37.29W]
On the right is the home site of Darrell Manser, the inventor of Roller-Rain, the first
commercial water sprinklers on wheels. This late 1940's invention eliminated the need to
hand carry sprinkler pipe sections across the fields to new watering positions.
15. The Silver Valley Sun Club. (D) is on the left.
Mile: 20.7 [34-51.94N] [116-36.31W]
This is a clothing optional private resort featuring RV and tent camping around a 2
acre, tree lined lake. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, paddle boating, shuffle board and
table tennis are just some of the activities enjoyed by visitors from all over the world.
This club is affiliated with AANR (American Association for Nude Recreation.)
Continue east on Silver Valley Rd. to the end of the pavement and turn around. Mile:
21.5 [34-51.96N] [116-35.54W]
16. Newberry's first fish farm. (D)
Mile: 21.6 [34-51.96N][116-35.63W]
On the right behind the chain link fence is the Smith place. Homesteaded in 1927 by
Bill Smith, who developed the place over years of hard work. Bill had an underground
bootleg still during prohibition, supplying the speakeasy's of Los Angeles with fine corn
liquor. The pond visible near the road is one of five original ponds and was used as a
breeder pond. Catfish from this location were delivered live for restocking fish-out lakes
throughout Southern California. Bill was also the first to have lakes in Newberry and
built most of the lakes in Newberry until his death in 1973.
From westbound Silver Valley Rd., turn right (North) onto Harvard Rd. Mile: 24.4
[34-51.95N] [116-38.70W]
17. Ostrich Farm on the right (D)
Mile: 24.9 [34-52.37N][116-38.66W]
Drive very slowly or stop and take pictures. Please stay in your car and do not disturb
the birds. If you stop your car, these curious birds will come to you. This 80 acre
ostrich farm is probably the largest in the nation. The ostrich is in the Ratite family
and thrives in this desert that is so like its natural habitat. Eggs are taken from
breeding pairs on the farm and hatched in the incubator building. Chicks are raised in
special pens until they are large enough to be placed in larger pasture pens with other
young adults. The shade structures you see are equipped with water misters to cool the
birds. Adult ostriches are sold as breeding pairs or harvested. Breeding pairs have been
sold for as much as $150,000. If harvested, nothing goes to waste. The meat is low in fat
and cholesterol and used for human consumption. The skin is used to make ostrich leather
gloves, belts, purses, boots and shoes. The feathers are used for ornaments.
From northbound Harvard Rd. Turn right (East) onto Valley Center Rd. Mile: 25.4
[34-52.80N] [116-38.67W]
From eastbound Valley Center Rd. Turn right (South) onto Fort Cady Rd. Mile: 27.4
[34-52.80N] [116-36.61W]
Proceed about 100 yards south on Ft. Cady Rd. then make a "U" turn and stop
facing north.
18. On your left is a 160 acre organic apricot orchard. The fruit grown here is
sold for baby food.
19. On your right is one of Newberry Springs' many lakeside developments. (D)
Water skiing, fishing and swimming are just a few feet out the back door.
Turn left (West) on Valley Center Rd. Mile: 27.7
20. On the right, you will see the Dutch Dorrance Adobe.
Mile: 28.6 [34-52.82N] [116-37.51W]
Dutch was the first settler and homesteader in this part of the valley. He originally
had to walk to his place 6 miles from Highway 66. Dutch prospected and explored the
surrounding mountains and had a fine collection of cavalry and Indian artifacts that he
had collected in his wanderings. Almost completely self sufficient, he even grew his own
grapes and made his own wine. Dutch played the banjo and mandolin at community dances of
the 20's, 30's and 40's.
From westbound Valley Center Rd., turn right (North) onto Newberry Rd. Mile: 30.7
[34-52.82N] [116-39.73W]
21. Big Al's Pistachio Plant (W) on the right.
Mile: 31.9 [34-53.81N] [116-39.70W]
If the gate is open, drive in and ask for a look around. If it is the proper time of
the year you may get a mini tour and see what it takes to process the nuts. They usually
have nuts for sale there also. You can't beat the prices. So stock up for your friends.
As you leave Big Al's gate, turn right and continue North on Newberry Rd.
22. Twin Lakes RV Park - On the right is the road that leads 1/2 mile east to
Twin Lakes RV Park. Mile: 32.2
This park offers R.V. spaces with hookups, fishing, horseshoes and recreation hall.
Make a "U" turn at intersection on Newberry Rd. and Riverside Dr. Mile: 32.7
[34-54.51N] [116-39.74W]
(If you had turned right onto east bound Riverside Dr. it would lead you over to
Harvard Rd. and eventually to Interstate 15 to Las Vegas, NV.)
Now you are traveling south on Newberry Rd.
23. Lake Jody -
Mile: 32.8 [34-54.41N] [116-39.76W]
On the right you will see a lakeside development that is built around a 57 acres of
water. This is Lake Jody.
This is the largest lakeside development to date in the community. The lake is very
difficult to see from the road as it meanders around the home sites. This lake is stocked
with Bass, catfish and bluegill.
Not far south of Lake Jody you will see one of Big Al's many pistachio orchards (D). On
the right.
Continuing south on Newberry Rd. and make a right turn (West) on to Valley Center Rd.
Mile: 34.6 [34-52.82N] [116-39.73W]
24. Cheyenne Lake and Sundown Lake -
(W) Mile: 36.0 [34-52.80N] [116-41.18W]
On the right you will see an earthen dike running parallel with and adjacent to the
road. Stop when you are approximately mid way along the dike. Get out of the car and take
a look over the top of the dike along side of the road. Looking north, the lake on your
right is Cheyenne Lake, the one on the left is Sundown Lake. These are privately owned
water ski tournament lakes.
Continue west on Valley Center Rd. Turn left (South) on to Hereford Rd.
Mile: 37.6 [34-52.79N] [116-42.91W]
25. Last Chance Hardware (D) or (W)
Mile: 37.8 [34-52.64N] [116-42.91W]
On the right is the only hardware store in town.
It is unique to say the least. How many hardware stores have you seen with a private
lake in the yard. This store was started more by chance than design. The owner, Max Reiger
was just an ordinary retired resident who happened to always have a good supply of
plumbing fittings in his garage for his own use. It was common for residents to borrow
fittings as needed, thus saving a special 40 (+) mile round trip to Barstow. A common term
was, "check with Max before you make the trip to town." I think every resident
of Newberry visits The Last Chance Hardware at least once a month or more. A trip to the
Last Chance will save gas but not necessarily time. When you go to Max's you have to chat
with the friends and neighbors you meet there. I wish Max had room for a big pot bellied
stove and a cracker barrel.
Continue south on Hereford Rd. Turn Left (East) onto Silver Valley Rd.
Mile: 38.6 [34-51.94N] [116-42.91W]
26. On the left is the Morris Ranch (D)
Mile: 39.1 [34-51.94N][116-42.30W]
Kenny and Julia Morris raised chickens for only one customer, Knotts Berry Farm in
Buena Park. The chickens were raised under special conditions, the feed was specially
formulated to the specifications of Walter Knott who at one time lived in Newberry
Springs. Until recent times, all of the chicken served at the Chicken Dinner Restaurant at
Knott's came from Newberry Springs.
Continue East on Silver Valley Rd.
27. Great Lakes (D)
Mile: 39.6 [34-51.92N][116-41.87]
Is another water ski lake. Surrounded by athol trees, the lake itself is not visible
from the Silver Valley Rd., but I don't think anyone will be upset if you sneak a peak
over the bank at the entrance road located at the N.E. corner.
28. On the right is Wet Set Village (D)
Mile: 40.1 [34-51.93N][ 116-41.35W]
This is by far the most beautiful private water ski tournament lake in the valley. The
lake, surrounded by shade trees, flowers and manicured lawns is the site of many very
prestigious water ski tournaments each year. You may have seen it on ESPN.
From Silver Valley Rd. Turn right (south) on to Mt. View Rd. Mile:40.6 [34-51.92N]
[116-40.84W]
29. View (D)
......... Mile: 41.1 +/-
If you look south west, you will see the serpentine form of the large conveyor that
brings the mauve colored rock from a quarry in the Newberry Mountains down to the crusher
and grading yard of Cal West Rock Products. This conveyor is unique in that it is driven
by electric motors until the weight of the rock moving down hill takes over. The electric
motors are then switched and become electric generators that act as a brake for the
conveyor and furnish electrical power that is sold to Southern California Edison
offsetting the cost of the power used in the facility.
Continue south on Mt. View.
30. Newberry Section House - As you approach the R. R. tracks, Look along the
tracks to your left. Where the trees are, is the Newberry Section House & Pump Station
site (D) Water pumped from the ground here serviced the early steam engines and was
shipped from here via tank car to all of the section houses and small towns to the east
for over 100 miles.
31. Rheox Plant
Mile: 42.9 [34-49.89N][116-40.87W]
Between the section house site and Mt. View road is the RHEOX plant. This plant refines
Hectorite, a clay of volcanic ash mined at Hector 13 miles east of Newberry Springs.
Hectorite is used in many things that require a smooth constancy such as makeup, paint,
hand cleaner, Alimite grease, etc. It was once used to coat M & M candies so that they
wouldn't melt in your hand.
From Mt. View Rd., turn right (West) on to Pioneer Rd.
Mile: 43.1 [34-49.74N] [116-40.84W]
From Pioneer Rd., turn left (South-East ) on to National Trails Hwy. Mile: 44.0
[34-49.91N] [116-41.80W]
On the right is the Newberry Chamber of Commerce Information
Center. The starting and ending point of this tour.
Mile: 44.7 [34-49.63N] [116-41.25W]
Please stop in and sign our register. Include any comments that you wish regarding the
tour and your impressions of Newberry Springs.
The Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank you for taking some time and
seeing just a portion of our area. The real Newberry Springs is in its people. Spend some
time here and get to know us.
Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 116
Newberry Springs, CA 92365
Phone: (760) 257-1072
