Cajon Pass & Summit Area

Cajon Pass & Summit Area Route 66, the legendary "Mother Road," snakes through Cajon Pass, a rugged gateway between the high desert and the San Bernardino Valley. Long before it became a ribbon of asphalt in 1926, this route followed paths carved by Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and early settlers pushing west. It later became a beacon of hope for Dust Bowl migrants and road-tripping tourists chasing the California dream.

Cajon Pass is more than just a scenic drive-it's a crossroads of history. Towering cliffs, winding roads, and the ever-present hum of freight trains make it a place where past and present collide. The Summit Inn, a once-beloved stop for weary travelers, stood as a testament to Route 66's golden age before a wildfire took it in 2016. Today, preservation efforts keep the spirit of the road alive, drawing nostalgia-seekers and history buffs alike.

Key landmarks include Blue Cut, where the terrain squeezes travelers through a narrow gorge, the Cajon Summit with its sweeping desert views, and the visible scars of the mighty San Andreas Fault. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of pioneers or just soaking in the scenery, Cajon Pass remains a vital chapter in the story of America's most famous highway.