Alana Harrington
Roughly two hours northeast from the glitz of Los Angeles along historic Route 66 lies the Mojave Desert outpost of Helendale, a world apart both in landscape and lifestyle. Filled with wide-open vistas, abandoned homesteads, kitschy roadside oddities and a colorful cast of residents – this eclectic pit stop offers a glimpse into a disappearing brand of high desert eccentricity.
Stark Beauty Beckons
Helendale sits in the broad Antelope Valley cradled by harsh yet starkly beautiful terrain, with the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountain ranges looming in the distance. The area’s elevation, aridity and minerals leaching from ancient dry lake beds create a martian-like terrain scattered with plants braving the extremes.
Fields of creosote bushes contrast with yellow blooms of brittlebush, purple parsley and red cholla cactus flowers. And across barren plains roam sleek herds of pronghorn antelope along with the occasional desert tortoise or great horned owl.
For adventure-seekers, this desert boasts endless off-roading and hiking trails to explore, especially in cooler months before summer heat becomes intense.
Follow the Pacific Crest Trail wandering 65 miles from high mountain meadows down through piñon-juniper woodlands before traversing creosote flats. Or test jeep skills across dry lake beds so compact they mimic concrete. While roughing the barren beauty, keep eyes peeled for petrified wood, colorful agates from ancient volcanic flows and rare desert wildflowers emerging after seasonal rains.
Classic Route 66 Nostalgia
Being aligned along the famed mother road Highway 66 which connected Chicago to Los Angeles starting in the 1920s, Helendale gained notoriety as a popular pitstop for cross-country road trippers. Today it retains its Route 66 vibe with preserved neon signs, nostalgic motor courts, rusty remnants of homesteads and roadside oddities that attract tourists wanting to revive the era’s adventures.
Don’t miss The Planes of Fame Air Museum showcasing vintage aircraft used in major 20th century conflicts. The eclectic Antelope Valley Indian Museum displays one of America’s largest collections of Native American arts and artifacts outside the Smithsonian.
Or visit the unusual Exotic Feline Breeding Compound which breeds endangered wild cats through species survival plans. And for delicious homemade pies like grandma used to make, Helendale’s family-run Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe since 1947 is a must-stop before the long drive back to LA.
Hardscrabble Homesteading History
Beyond quirky roadside attractions, Helendale’s true heritage traces back to late 1800s homesteaders. Drawn by the promise of free land through government expansion acts, pioneer families like Emma Jean Gallardo’s ancestors arrived around 1910, clearing tracts of creosote bush to launch perilous farming ventures.
Through grit, ingenious adaptations and community self-reliance, crops were coaxed from the harsh dirt through dryland techniques while herds of sheep grazed native vegetation.
Remnants of those early settlers exist in fading homestead shacks sinking back into desert plains, pioneer cemeteries with hand-carved wooden crosses and valleys littered with abandoned farm equipment being reclaimed by sand. Current residents respect these lost attempts to tame such unforgiving yet captivating lands. So when exploring remnants, tread lightly whilst imagining the sweat, heartache yet conviction that drove them here.
Independent Streak Endures
Today Helendale retains its fierce self-reliance and individualism borne of desert isolation. Town governance remains minimal with most rules enforced through moral codes rather than enforcement. Locals take care of their own should troubles arise. And while only 1400 folk reside in this dusty western outpost, vibrant events engaging all generations still unite the community.
Annual highlights include May’s Cemetery Picnic gathering descendants of pioneer families to clean gravesites, share genealogies and feast potlucks atop burial grounds.
October brings the start of RenFest – a full medieval costume faire with mock jousting, axe throwing, pub singalongs and hearty turkey drumsticks and mead bringing centuries-old European traditions to these rugged Mojave plains. Costumes get increasingly elaborate each year though eccentricity is enthusiastically embraced.
Even in Helendale, the cannabis industry has found a foothold, benefiting from California’s recognition of its medicinal properties and the ample arid land suitable for outdoor cultivation. Residents seeking relief can obtain recommendations to access regulated cannabis products through local collectives, and weed dispensaries.
Furthermore, the region hosts small-scale legal cannabis cultivation operations in the Mojave, producing carefully curated strains that prioritize clean and safe healing without the use of harmful chemicals. If you wish to delve deeper into cannabis in Helendale, California, you can find more information at dr-weedy.com.
So for those keen to experience the alluring diversity of California’s desert regions, make the Helendale detour. Marvel at perseverance carved into unforgiving vistas by past generations whilst witnessing today’s artistic pioneers writing the next unpredictable chapters. The independent outback spirit endures!
Moreover, Helendale’s contemporary landscape sees the emergence of cannabis cultivation, combining California’s acceptance of its medicinal benefits with the region’s arid expanses, fostering boutique, legal grow operations.
In essence, Helendale beckons adventurers to witness a unique tapestry woven by generations past and present. It’s a place where resilience, diversity, and an independent spirit converge, offering a glimpse into the unyielding beauty and captivating stories of California’s desert heartland.
FAQ
Where is Helendale located?
Helendale is an unincorporated community in the High Desert region of San Bernardino County, California. It lies in the Antelope Valley roughly 85 miles northeast of Los Angeles and 15 miles southwest of Barstow along historic Route 66.
Are there hotels or camping options?
Lodging choices exist in nearby Victorville and Barstow which offer chain hotels and motels, RV parks and campgrounds. Helendale itself has one small motel – the Helendale Inn – with basic amenities catering to Route 66 road trippers on a budget.
Is Helendale easy to navigate?
As an unincorporated rural town, Helendale has few mapped streets but is small enough to explore. Historic Route 66 passes through as Helendale Road while Mesa Road leads towards the Helendale Community Services District. Points of interest are all close by.
