Exploring Abandoned Desert Center, California
Sidetrack Adventures
View ChannelAbout
Exploring the highways and byways. Family of three getting sidetracked exploring destinations off the beaten path. We are located in the Southwestern United States so most videos focus on that region. New videos every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Pacific.
Latest Posts
Video Description
Located about 50 miles west of Blythe and 50 miles east of Indio, sits the town of Desert Center, California. Once an important stop on Highway 60/70 for travelers who dared brave the desert, over the last decade most of the town has been largely abandoned. The town was founded in 1921 by Desert Steve Ragsdale, and with the creation of Highway 60 in 1926, the town became an oasis for early road travelers. With a service station, garage, a swimming pool to cool off in, and a cafe that was open 24 hours a day, business was good. In 1950 Desert Steve left Desert Center (not before digging his own grave and erecting a monument to himself), and his kids took over. The town continued to flourish for decades, until the nearby mines closed and Interstate 10 bypassed the town. One by one, the town's businesses began to close. A decade ago, the cafe that would never close because they lost the keys, closed. Now, the only open business in the town is the post office. In this video we explore the abandoned town, taking a look at the garage, the cafe, the market, the motel, the "new" gas station, the hamburger stand, the school, and the not quite grave of Desert Steve himself. ○ Gear we use: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidetrackadventures ►Please subscribe for weekly updates showcasing some of our adventures: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdueDRFYPVgzPAAOM_bxVWA?sub_confirmation=1 ►Also please follow Sidetrack Adventures on Instagram: https://instagram.com/sidetrackadventures ►Music in this video is from Epidemic Sounds; use our link for a 60 day free trial: https://share.epidemicsound.com/v927fj
Adventure-Proof Gear You Need
AI-recommended products based on this video

Selfie Stick Travel Tripod for Cell Phone with Remote Control and Phone Holder, Extendable Selfie Stick for iPhone, iPhone Tripod for Video Recording, 50 Inch, Black

Game Traveler RDS – Officially Licensed Nintendo Switch Deluxe OLED, Nintendo Switch, & Switch Lite Case - Purple Ballistic Nylon, Viewing Stand, & Bonus Game Cases, #1 Selling Case in USA

FNTCASE for iPhone 17 Pro-Max Case: Clear Magnetic Phone Cases with Screen Protector Compatible with Magsafe Slim Anti Yellowing Rugged Shockproof Protective Transparent Cell Cover (A-Clear) Recycled Claim Standard Blended

1|2|4 Pack for Airtag Holder Case with Keychain, Shockproof GPS Cover Anti-Scratch Key Chain for Air Tags, for Airtag Accessories for GPS Item Tracker Cases for Bags, Luggages, Black

ANKER 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Laptop Portable Charger with 140W Fast Charging, Smart Display, for Outdoor Work, Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14 Series, Vision Pro, Samsung, MacBook, and More

Anker iPhone 16 Charger, 2-Pack 20W Fast USB C Charger Block, for iPhone 16/16 Pro Max/15 Series/iPad Pro and More (White, 2 Pack & 2 Cable)

Anker Power Bank(PowerCore 10K),Compact Travel-Ready 10,000mAh Battery Pack with PowerIQ Charging Technology,5V/3A High-Speed Charging for iPhone,iPad,and More (USB-C Input and Output(Black),1pack) ClimatePartner certified

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

Lymphatic Contour Face Brush,Contour Face Brush for Lymphatic Drainage,Dry Lymphatic Drainage Massager,Ergonomically Designed to Fit The Skin Precisely

Teyssor Spray Bottles Water Spray Bottle 2 Packs- BPA Free -10 oz/300 ml Plastic Refillable Containers Fine Mist Small Spray Bottle with Adjustable Nozzle for Hair, Cooking, Cleaning













